COVID-19 casuing sudden hearing loss
Formerly this year, several patients reported hearing loss and tinnitus after being hospitalized with COVID-19. Considering it is common to suffer sudden hearing loss from many different types of viral and bacterial infections, it is no surprise that sudden hearing loss has been linked to the coronavirus.
Repercussions of noise exposure
Any type of noise is considered “stress” to your ears, yes even that AABA song you blast in your car.
Noise exposure limits in the workplace
In Alberta the maximum permitted exposure level is to work in a 85dB environment for 8 hours. For each increase of 3dB you are doubling the loudness, so you have to cut the exposure time in half for it to be safe.
Recreational sources of noise
Is wood working a favorite past time? Going to a concert with your friends, or even simply mowing your lawn is exposing yourself to a harmful amount of noise that should be monitored.
Jobs/careers that are exposed to noise
Anyone who is being actively exposed to over 70dB of noise is at risk of damaging their hearing; as well as any burst of noise 120dB or louder can cause immediate permanent damage to your ears.
Who is exposed to noise in the workplace?
An estimated 43% of Canadians aged 19 - 79 have worked in noisy environments; this is over 11 million Canadians.