Save yourself a nasty earbashing

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 6, 2 July 1985, Page 3

Save yourself a nasty earbashing

Noise is any unwanted sound. Noise-induced hearing loss is the damage caused by being exposed to too much noise for too long. Loud noise physically destroys delicate hearing cells in the ear, The damage is permanent.

If you frequently use a chainsaw, lawnmower, tractor, rotary hoe, motorcycle, firearm, or any power tool, your hearing needs protection. Equipment used on the farm, around the house, in spare time activities, or at work is often noisy enough

to damage hearing, even if used for only short periods now and then. A simple rule of thumb is that if a noise is so loud that you have to shout to be understood by someone standing less than a metre away you need hearing protection by wearing an appropriate grade of ear plug or muff. The law requires that employees of noisy businesses are provided with hearing protection by management. Throughout the rest of the year 1 will be visiting various businesses to set up a hearing conservation programme.

Firstly a noise survey will be done to show just how noisy the work place is. Secondly hearing tests will be carried out to see whether employees' hearing is being damaged. If the average noise level is above 85dB effort will be made to reduce the noise. If this is not possible individual hearing protection equipment must then be supplied. Programmes will be held to educate employees on the importance of the proper fitting, care and use of hearing protection equipment.

Leigh

Berry

Public Health Nurse