Noise-Induced Deafness Over the Past 20 Years

How has Prevention Improved the Situation?

In 2015, Statistics Canada reported that just over 42% of workers work in a noisy environment, and that excludes people who are exposed to loud noises in their free time. Noise-induced deafness can cause temporary hearing loss that may become permanent in the long term if no preventive measures are taken. Prevention of noiseinduced deafness includes several elements that have evolved over the past 20 years. One of the most important elements in preventing noise-induced hearing loss is education, which must reach as many people as possible in order to be effective. Improved access to the internet and the growth and widespread use of social media have been key factors over the last two decades. Indeed, it is much easier nowadays to access information to expand our knowledge on many different subjects, including health problems. You may have noticed that for some years now, society has emphasized the value of good overall health. As a result, the number of magazines, news stories, and interviews promoting healthy lifestyles has increased, and ads that raise awareness about health issues like noise-induced hearing loss are more common. Methods of eliminating noise are also critical to preventing noise-induced hearing loss. This measure incorporates several elements, such as eliminating the noise source, using engineering controls to reduce noise intensity, replacing noisy equipment with quieter equipment, and administrative means like reducing the number of hours during which the noisy machinery is used. Developments in materials, processes, and technology have certainly led to changes in engineering controls to reduce noise intensity. Furthermore, the development of much quieter electrical energy sources over the last few years has made it possible to reduce the noise level* of various transportation sources. Finally, new knowledge on the impact of urban noise has also improved measures related to land-use planning and management to reduce environmental noise. For workers in noisy environments, the fight to prevent noise-induced hearing loss has finally led to changes in the regulation of workplace noise levels in Quebec. As of June 16, 2023, the maximum steady noise level permitted during an 8-hour shift will be reduced from 90 dB(A)** with an exchange rate*** of 5 dB(A) to 85 dB(A) with an exchange rate of 3 dB(A). Finally, research has shown that it is important to tailor personal protective equipment to the user and train and educate people on the appropriateness of protective measures, when and where protective tools should be used, and how to maintain equipment, without which preventive measures are not taken. Remember that noise-related hearing loss is irreversible, but it can be prevented by using the appropriate hearing protection for your activity.

For more information on each of these topics, please consult your audiologist.

*Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). **Environmental noise levels are measured in dB(A), which quantifies the relative intensity of sounds in the air as perceived by the human ear. *** The exchange rate means that when the sound level increases by X dB(A), the exposure time must be halved.

Julie-Catherine Ste-Marie

Audiologist

References: - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, “Hearing Protectors”, https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html - Centre d’information sur le bruit, “Innovation technologique : quels gains possibles pour mieux réduire le bruit?”, https://www.bruit.fr/bruits-et-vibrations-recherche-etinnovations/innovation-technologique-quels-gains-possibles-pour-mieux-reduirele-bruit - Centre patronal SST – Formation et expertise, “Changements réglementaires adoptés pour le bruit : il faut se préparer!”, https://www.centrepatronalsst.qc.ca/publications/ infos-sst-bonjour/prevention-et-securite/changements-reglementairesadoptes-pour-le-bruit/ - Conseil du Patronat du Québec, “Les limites d’exposition – Au Québec, au Canada et dans les provinces canadiennes”, https://www.cpq.qc.ca/fr/landing/les-limites-d-expositionau-quebec-au-canada-et-dans-les-provinces-canadiennes - Institut national de santé publique du Québec, “Best Spatial Planning Practices to Prevent the Effects of Environmental Noise on Health and Quality of Life”, https://www.inspq. qc.ca/en/publications/2731 - Ramage-Morin, P. & Gosselin, M. (2018) “Canadians vulnerable to workplace noise”,

Health Reports, vol. 29, no. 8, pp. 10 to 19, Statistics Canada, Catalogue no. 82-003-X