Loud noises might feel like a nuisance in the workplace, but they can pose a much greater threat than just being a little annoying. Hearing loss is a serious problem associated with regular exposure to excessive noise. This is a problem that many workers in New Jersey may not realize they are exposed to.
Work related hearing loss is widespread
Hearing loss exists on a spectrum, and it’s often painless and gradual. This means that victims sometimes do not realize what is going on until the damage has already been done. According to the Occupational Health & Safety Association — OSHA — approximately 24% of workers have some type of occupational related hearing loss. This makes it one of the most common types of work related injuries.
The long term impact of hearing loss can be quite profound. Victims often struggle in multiple areas of their lives and may find it hard to adjust to their new normal. The three most common areas of life that hearing loss may interfere with include:
- Physical — destroyed nerve endings and permanent damage
- Psychological — irritability, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances
- Occupational — interference with concentration, communication and overall job performance
Adjusting to life after suffering from hearing loss is not easy. Some victims may need specialized care or training to transition to new jobs that are more conducive to life after injury. Finding the right support can be difficult, though, especially for victims who are not aware of the possible benefits they can receive through New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system.