Top 5 Noisiest Jobs That Pose a Risk to Hearing Health
In the UK, around 1.3 million people are exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, putting them at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.
Working in a noisy environment? Don’t let hearing loss sneak up on you! Prolonged exposure to loud sounds without protection can have long-lasting effects.
The five noisiest jobs often expose workers to hazardous levels of noise, increasing the risk of hearing loss over time if proper protection isn't used. Here are five of the most noise-intensive occupations:
Construction Worker
Operating heavy machinery like jackhammers, drills, and bulldozers exposes workers to sound levels that often exceed 100 dB.
2. Airport Ground Staff
Workers on airport tarmacs, especially those involved in baggage handling and aircraft maintenance, are exposed to high levels of noise from jet engines, sometimes reaching up to 140 dB.
3. Industrial workers
Employees in factories, especially in metalworking, textile, or automotive manufacturing, are often exposed to machinery noise that can reach harmful levels (90-120 dB).
4. Musicians and event staff
People working in live music venues, orchestras, or nightclubs face exposure to amplified music, which can range from 85 dB to over 120 dB.
5. Farmers
Agricultural workers operating large equipment like tractors, combines, and chainsaws often face prolonged noise exposure exceeding 90 dB.
Workers in these industries are at high risk of noise-induced hearing loss if they do not consistently use hearing protection.