Cost injuries that occur on the job are immediately obvious; the injury — or at least the pain associated with the injury — will present itself right away. An unfortunate exception to this rule is hearing injuries, which usually become apparent only after years of exposure to loud noise, often due to failure to comply with hearing protection standards. Hearing protection is critical for those who work in loud environments as it is the only way to help prevent long-term hearing loss.
According to OSHA, noise or unwanted sound is one of the most pervasive occupational health problems. Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Temporary hearing loss results from short-term exposures to noise, with normal hearing returning after a period of rest. Generally, prolonged exposure to high noise levels over a period of time gradually causes permanent damage. In addition to hearing loss, exposure to high levels of noise may cause other harmful health effects, as well.