Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational health conditions in Canada, and it is entirely preventable. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds at work can permanently damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to gradual hearing loss that often goes unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. Understanding your risk and taking proactive steps can protect your hearing for the long term.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Normal conversation registers at about 60 dB, while a busy restaurant may reach 80 dB. In Ontario, the workplace noise exposure limit is 85 dB averaged over an eight-hour workday. At this level, hearing damage can begin with regular, unprotected exposure. For every 3 dB increase above 85, the safe exposure time is cut in half. A jackhammer at 100 dB, for example, can cause damage in as little as 15 minutes.
High-Risk Industries
Workers in these industries face the greatest risk of noise-induced hearing loss:
- Construction and demolition
- Manufacturing and factory work
- Mining and resource extraction
- Transportation, including trucking and aviation ground crews
- Agriculture, particularly operators of heavy machinery
- Music and entertainment, including live sound engineers and musicians
- Emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics
Noise-induced hearing loss develops gradually and is painless, which is why many workers do not realize the damage until it is advanced. Once the hair cells in the inner ear are destroyed, they do not regenerate. Prevention is the only reliable strategy.
Types of Hearing Protection
The right hearing protection depends on your noise environment, comfort preferences, and job requirements. Options range from basic disposable plugs to custom-fitted devices designed for specific industries.
Common hearing protection options include:
- Foam earplugs: Inexpensive and widely available. Effective when inserted properly, but fit can be inconsistent.
- Pre-molded reusable earplugs: More durable than foam and available in multiple sizes for a better fit.
- Custom-molded earplugs: Made from an impression of your ear canal for a precise, comfortable fit. Ideal for daily use.
- Earmuffs: Cover the entire outer ear. Effective in very high-noise environments and easy to put on and take off.
- Electronic hearing protection: Allows normal conversation through while automatically blocking harmful noise levels. Popular with shooters, musicians, and military personnel.
Ontario Workplace Noise Regulations
Under Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers are required to take measures to reduce noise exposure and protect workers' hearing. If noise levels exceed 85 dB over an eight-hour shift, employers must implement engineering controls, provide hearing protection, and offer annual audiometric testing. Workers have the right to know their noise exposure levels and to access hearing protection at no personal cost.
The Importance of Baseline and Annual Hearing Tests
Baseline hearing tests establish a record of your hearing at the start of employment. Annual follow-up tests allow your audiologist to detect early shifts in hearing before they become noticeable. This monitoring is critical because catching changes early means you can adjust your protection strategy before permanent damage accumulates. Sense of Hearing provides occupational hearing testing for individuals and businesses across Ontario.
Steps you can take to protect your hearing at work:
- Wear hearing protection consistently in noisy environments, not just when it seems loud
- Request a noise assessment from your employer if you are unsure about levels in your workspace
- Take listening breaks in quiet areas during your shift when possible
- Keep the volume at a reasonable level when using personal audio devices during breaks
- Schedule annual hearing tests to track your hearing over time
If you have experienced occupational noise exposure and suspect hearing loss, you may be eligible for WSIB coverage for hearing tests and hearing aids. Your audiologist at Sense of Hearing can help you determine eligibility and complete the necessary documentation.
Want to protect your hearing on the job? Book a hearing test or custom earplug fitting at Sense of Hearing. We serve workers and businesses at 14 locations across Ontario.
Book an AppointmentWritten By
Sense of Hearing Team
Audiologists & Hearing Instrument Specialists
Sense of Hearing is an independently-owned network of hearing care clinics serving Ontario. Our articles are written and reviewed by our team of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists.