With October being National Work Safe Month, we are reaching out with an exclusive interview opportunity to highlight Australia's noisiest industries and how hearing loss impacts workers.
In Australia, around 3.6 million people have some level of hearing loss, and noise exposure is one of the biggest causes of preventable hearing loss[1]. Hearing loss not only impacts an individual's day-to-day life but can also reduce their participation in the workforce[2].
Listening to sounds of up to 85 decibels for more than 8 hours can cause hearing loss[3] and puts people working in noisy industries at risk, including major Australian industries such as construction, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
A recent Audika survey shows 2 in 5 respondents (41%) say they think there is a negative stigma around hearing loss[4], which may prevent people from seeking help and taking protective measures.
This experience rings true for SA-based client Noel, who has been fitting new houses with kitchens, wardrobes and vanity basins for over 25 years.
"I have ten children and was in denial about my hearing loss, although I would really struggle to hear them properly. I was also concerned about the cost of seeking help."
Noel's family encouraged him to approach his local Audika clinic for assessment and advice, who informed him he may be eligible for WorkCover. "My hearing loss was quite substantial, so receiving treatment has made a huge difference to the quality of my life. It's definitely worth it and I would encourage others in my position to seek help early."
If you are running a story on National Work Safe Month, we can offer you:
- An interview with Noel, to speak to his experience with hearing loss and advice for others who have been exposed to noise in the workplace
- An interview with a local Audika audiologist to speak to how you can protect yourself from noise induced hearing loss.
[4] The survey was commissioned by Audika Australia. An online survey was scripted and hosted by PureProfile, an independent research services provider. A nationally representative sample of n=1,005 Australians aged 18+ were selected via randomisation to participate by the research panel provider PureProfile. Fieldwork was conducted from the 9th of February to the 12th of February 2024
Key Facts:
- In Australia, around 3.6 million people have some level of hearing loss, and noise exposure is one of the biggest causes of preventable hearing loss[1].
- Hearing loss not only impacts an individual's day-to-day life but can also reduce their participation in the workforce[2].
- Listening to sounds of up to 85 decibels for more than 8 hours can cause hearing loss[3] and puts people working in noisy industries at risk.
- A recent Audika survey shows 2 in 5 respondents (41%) say they think there is a negative stigma around hearing loss[4], which may prevent people from seeking help and taking protective measures.
