Switching To One Of These Careers? Don't Risk Hearing Damage
Making a career change can be an exciting time, especially as your starting date approaches and you get ready by purchasing the necessary garments and gear you'll use for the job. While you may be preoccupied with excelling in your new role, you'll also want to make staying safe a priority — and this includes the safety of your ears. Many vocations can be dangerous for your ears, and while you'll likely know to wear the proper hearing protection if you'll be working on a construction site or directing airplanes on the airport tarmac, you might not consider hearing protection for other jobs. Failing to do so, however, may increase your likelihood of struggling with hearing loss and having to schedule a hearing test with a professional like Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic, Inc. Here are some jobs for which hearing protection should be a priority.
Automotive Mechanic
When you get hired to work as a mechanic, you'll make sure to buy protective gear such as steel-toed boots, gloves, and goggles, but you may not initially think about the protection of your ears. Automotive shops, however, can be extremely noisy. The sound of metal hitting metal, power tools, and engines revving, all while echoing through the space, can be detrimental to your hearing and increase your chances of experiencing hearing loss. Make sure to invest in some high-quality earplugs or over-ear protection so that this career choice won't compromise your long-term hearing.
Concert Venue Security
If you've been hired to work on the security team of a local concert venue, the safety of those around you will be your primary focus. But, you should also consider your own safety, including the safety of your hearing. Repeated shifts working in these high-volume environments can be detrimental to your hearing, regardless of whether you're working indoors or outdoors. Ear protection should be part of your uniform, and don't worry that it will compromise your ability to do your job — you'll still be able to communicate with your security crew peers and concertgoers by standing close to each other and speaking loudly.
Carpenter
On the surface, working as a carpenter might not seem overly noisy. However, your use of power tools can be loud, and hammering nails can also produce a significant volume. You'll also need to think about the noises that other people make around you. For example, other contractors may be using saws and drills just a handful of feet away. Additionally, if you're working in an unfinished building, you'll often find that the above noises may seem louder because they echo significantly. By wearing hearing protection, you'll be taking a key step toward taking care of your ears and reduce your likelihood of suffering hearing damage.
