Noise In The Workplace
While workplace noise can be a major contributor to hearing loss, exposure to noise in other areas of your life can also play a role. Noise, from stereos, car alarms, lawnmovers and barking dogs, is all around us.
And if you're a baby boomer, chances are you may already have experienced some degree of hearing loss. But how loud is too loud? How do you recognize early stage hearing loss? And what can you do to prevent future damage?
Take this quick quiz and test your hearing. Eh? What's that you say?
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- 1.
What do Bill Clinton, Pete Townsend of the Who and racecar driver Al Unser have in common:
- A.
They all attended Woodstock
- B.
They all wear heaing aids due to hearing loss
- C.
They've all appeared in the National Enquirer
- D.
They have all written books
Correct Answer
B. They all wear heaing aids due to hearing lossExplanation
They all wear hearing aids.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which is louder:
- A.
A rock concert
- B.
A fire alarm
- C.
A chainsaw
- D.
A leaf blower
Correct Answer
A. A rock concertExplanation
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA). Rock concerts are measured in 110-140 dBAm, fire alarms at 100-110 dBA, chainsaws at 100-110 dBA, and leaf blowers at 85-90 dBA.
The rock concert wins!!Rate this question:
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- 3.
One of the first signs of hearing loss is:
- A.
Ringing in the ears
- B.
Pain or discomfort in the ears
- C.
Britney Spears sounds good
- D.
Difficulty hearing music
Correct Answer
A. Ringing in the earsExplanation
Tinnitus is commonly referred to as 'ringing in the ears'. This condition is often accompanied by hearing loss when damage to the ears has first occurred.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Most people lose their hearing slowly. On average, noticeable loss of hearing can take:
- A.
2-5 years
- B.
5-10 years
- C.
10-15 years
- D.
15-20 years
Correct Answer
D. 15-20 yearsExplanation
Most people lose their hearing slowly. Since loud noise does not cause pain until it reaches very high levels, most people do not recognize noise is damaging until after the fact. Regular and repeated noise exposure damages the ear cells and eventually result in noticeable loss of hearing.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Long before hearing loss occurs, exposure to high levels of noise can result in other physical symptoms, including:
- A.
Increases in blood pressure and heart rate
- B.
Changes to hormone and blood cholesterol levels
- C.
Exhaustion
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the following can come from high levels of noise: increases in blood pressure and heart rate, changes to hormone and blood cholesterol levels, and exhaustion.Rate this question:
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- 6.
If workplace noise cannot be avoided, it's important to wear effective hearing protection. Which of the following does NOT offer effective hearing protection?
- A.
Expandable foam plugs
- B.
Canal caps
- C.
Cotton balls
- D.
Earmuffs
Correct Answer
C. Cotton ballsExplanation
Cotton balls do not provide effective hearing protection.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The reason that people often does not recognize hearing loss until it has progressed is because:
- A.
They automatically compensate by reading lips
- B.
They simply increases the volume of their radios and televisions
- C.
They tend to ignore people anyway
- D.
They did not hear well to begin with
Correct Answer
A. They automatically compensate by reading lipsExplanation
People with hearing loss automatically compensate by reading lips.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Once hearing loss has been diagnosed, the next step is to:
- A.
Begin on medications to address the problem
- B.
Learn sign language
- C.
Protect the hearing you have left at work and at home
- D.
Nothing, there is no way to repair damage or prevent future damage
Correct Answer
C. Protect the hearing you have left at work and at homeExplanation
You should protect the hearing you have left at work and at home.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Whenever possible, employers should try to reduce noise exposure in the workplace. As a general rule, how do you know if the noise level in any situation is too loud?
- A.
If it's impossible to hear a phone ring over the noise
- B.
If your neighbours complain
- C.
If you have to shout to be heard over the noise
- D.
If the police arrive at your door
Correct Answer
C. If you have to shout to be heard over the noiseExplanation
If you have to shoud to be heard over the noise, the noise level is too loud. At a workplace, employers are responsible for making sure the workers are not exposed to noise that excees the Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) and 85 dBA.Rate this question:
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- 10.
On the job, there are several approaches that employers can take to address noise issues. Which one of the following is NOT and accepted method?
- A.
Replacing noisy equipment with quieter versions
- B.
Modifying equipment so it generates less noise
- C.
Isolating noisy equipment in separate areas or rooms
- D.
Waiting for workers to get used to the noise
Correct Answer
D. Waiting for workers to get used to the noiseExplanation
Waiting for workers to get used to the noise is not an accepted method for addressing noise issues in the workplace. This approach does not address the root cause of the noise problem and can lead to long-term negative effects on workers' health and well-being. It is important for employers to take proactive measures such as replacing or modifying equipment, as well as isolating noisy equipment in separate areas or rooms, to minimize noise levels and create a safe and comfortable working environment.Rate this question:
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