Work-induced hearing loss can have devastating consequences—from relationship problems to on-the-job safety risks. Get the latest from an expert who says it doesn’t have to happen.
 |
Occupational hearing loss is the most common work-related illness. It is also permanent, says National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) epidemiologist Elizabeth Masterson. “Hearing loss can have a profound impact on quality of life,” she explains. The effects begin small and progress as hearing loss worsens. Relationships and interactions with coworkers and supervisors can suffer. Individuals lose sources of enjoyment like music or the sound of a child’s voice.