Noise-induced hearing loss, referred to as NIHL, is the most common injury in the Army.
In 2016, the Workman's Compensation Program at Anniston Army Depot processed 209 hearing loss cases, costing $571,510.97.
The most important thing to remember is NIHL is largely preventable.
When does noise exposure occur?
Noise exposure can occur at work, at home and at play.
You are most likely being expose to hazardous noise anytime you have to raise your voice to be heard at three feet way.
Specifically, hazardous noise exposure occurs at 85 decibels (dBA) for continuous (steady) noise and 140 (dBP) for impulse (impact -- hammers, gun fire, explosions) noise.
How can you protect your hearing?
The first step in hearing loss prevention is awareness.
You must know the risks associated with different activities to help you determine whether you need hearing protection or not.
For instance, shooting a gun or operating any Army-made weapon exposes you to hazardous noise levels. It is very important to wear hearing protection when you engage in those activities.
In fact, you must wear properly fitted and maintained hearing protection whenever occupationally exposed to hazardous noise.
What's required for Army Civilians?
Compliance is directed under the guidelines of the Department of the Army Pamphlet 40-501, also known as the Army Hearing Program, and under guidelines set by the Occupational and Safety Health Administration.
Specific hearing readiness requirements for Army noise-exposed personnel (IAW DODI 6055.12, AR 40-5 & DA Pam 40-501) are:
• Annual hearing exam
• Annual fit/check/replacement of preformed earplugs with carrying case
• Annual hearing health briefing and education
Routine hearing tests help discover if you're developing hearing loss. Timely identification of hearing loss allow for treatment and prevention of further hearing loss.
For hobbies and non-work related activities (chain saws, motor boats, motorcycles, firearms, lawn mowers, home carpentry equipment and automotive equipment) wearing hearing protection may not be required by the Army. However, the use of hearing protectors during those activities is recommended, if not required by the operator's instructions/manuals, to prevent hearing loss.
You should always take measures to prevent hearing loss. The most dangerous recreational noise is from firing weapons. So, if you're a hunter or a recreational shooter, you should always wear hearing protection during those activities.
Another example of recreational exposure is listening to loud music over long periods of time. Using headphones or ear buds while listening at high volumes can be very damaging to your hearing.
If you are required to wear hearing protection for your work here at ANAD, it's imperative that you wear it.
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