Noise-induced hearing loss: Spotting the signs of industrial deafness

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss, sometimes called industrial deafness, is often associated with working in noisy environments. When it was caused by a loud workplace, it can be considered an industrial disease.

Noise-induced hearing loss is a type of hearing loss and deafness. It is often also associated with tinnitus which is a ringing or buzzing in your ears. According to The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNI:D), noise-induced hearing loss is caused by being around very loud sounds.

It can be caused by exposure to a single very loud sound, or from being exposed to loud sounds over a long time. The louder the sound is, the less time it takes for noise-induced hearing loss to occur.

Noisy situations could include:

• Being in a noisy workplace now or in the past
• Listening to loud music
• Loud bursts of sound, like gunshot or explosions

There is no cure for noise-induced hearing loss, but assistive technologies may be able to help.

How do I know if I have noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is often subtle and may go unnoticed until it has a significant impact on daily life. You might not notice the effects of noise-induced hearing loss until years after you were first exposed to loud noise.

It is not uncommon for people who previously worked in loud environments to later discover that they are suffering from noise-induced hearing loss, even after they have retired.

Identifying the signs

It’s not always easy to tell if you are losing your hearing.

According to the NHS, common signs include:

• Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need
• Difficulty hearing on the phone
• Finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
• Feeling tired or stressed from having to concentrate while listening
• Sometimes someone else might notice problems with your hearing before you do

For a more comprehensive examination of the causes and symptoms, read: What is noise induced hearing loss?

We are Belfast-based hearing loss claims experts

Our team of industrial disease solicitors have represented clients who have suffered from hearing loss as a consequence of working in a noisy environment. From this experience, we have noted the sectors that see the highest levels of industrial deafness in Northern Ireland.

We see instances of hearing loss in professionals who work in:

• Construction
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Military and emergency services

Learn more about hearing loss claims in Northern Ireland or speak with a solicitor

If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss and believe it was due to working in a loud environment, Contact Us for a free initial consultation with a hearing loss claims expert.

Or, learn more about our services at Hearing Loss Claims.