A collection of resources to help employers understand what causes occupational hearing loss and how to prevent it.
Occupational hearing loss is both a significant health issue and a substantial economic concern in Australia, with Hearing Australia finding that 11 per cent of people experience damage to their hearing from workplace noise.
The perception of sound is a vital aspect of our ability to communicate and operate effectively at work. Hearing loss can result in social isolation, difficulty completing daily living tasks, relationship distress and unemployment.
Fortunately, with periodic hearing testing, the correct and consistent use of hearing protection devices, plus engineering and administrative controls, occupational hearing loss can be prevented.
The following resources provide you, as an employer, with the knowledge to create a comprehensive hearing protection plan that will ensure you’re compliant with state legislation, protect your workers’ hearing health, and reduce compensation claims.
About Occupational Hearing Loss State-Specific Information How KINNECT Can Help
Learn About Occupational Hearing Loss
Downloadable Guide
Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Insights from an Occupational Health Provider
Drawing from a segment of a joint webinar with KINNECT and Carelever, “Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: An Occupational Health Provider’s Opinion”, featuring Dr. Matthew Brandt, this comprehensive 7-page guide delves into the mechanisms, implications, and preventive strategies related to NIHL.
Article
Chemicals in the Workplace That Cause Hearing Loss
Workers can be at risk of hearing loss if they are exposed to ototoxic substances – chemicals that affect the structures and/or the function of the inner ear and its connected neural pathways.
This article offers a list of the most common ototoxic substances.
Videos
A Medical Perspective on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
How to Manage the Risk of Hazardous Noise
Comparing Health Data & Preventing Risks
State-Specific WHS Legislation for Hearing Protection & Audiometric Testing
As an employer, the national model WHS Regulations require you to eliminate or minimise as much as possible the risk of your workers developing work-related hearing loss.
Safe Work Australia provides guidance on the application of the model guidelines; however, employers must adhere to the rules established by their state’s WHS regulator for noise management and audiometric testing.
Below you’ll find links to the relevant guidelines for your state and supplementary information from KINNECT.
How KINNECT Can Help
Audiometry Testing
KINNECT’s program – which includes baseline and periodic audiometry testing – ensures that you are meeting your legislative requirements. We can also identify employees who may have occupational noise-induced hearing loss to ensure early intervention and treatment are provided.
Hearing Fit Testing
Combining both quantitative and qualitative testing, we ensure that each worker’s hearing protection equipment is optimally fitted to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in high-noise environments.
Health Monitoring Services
Comprehensive medicals and testing that delivers useable information to help your organisation and your employees stay ahead of potential health issues.
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