Manufacturing jobs can get a little noisy, and machines that aren’t regularly maintained don’t help. Worn parts, loose fittings and dry bearings increase noise levels.
Approximately 5% of the global population has noise-related hearing loss. Let’s take a look at how loud noise damages your hearing and what you can do to protect it.
The Effects of Loud Noise on Hearing
Exposure to loud noise damages the sensitive structures in the inner ear. Tiny hair cells that send sound signals to the brain break down under constant stress from high noise levels. Once destroyed, these cells don’t regenerate.
Signs of hearing damage include:
- Muffled sounds
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty understanding speech, especially in group settings
While noise-related hearing loss is common, it’s also very preventable.
Why Maintenance Matters
Keeping machinery in good working order does more than extend its life. It helps control how much noise it makes. Things like worn-out parts, loose panels or poor lubrication can cause your machines to rattle or vibrate excessively. Equipment that runs efficiently produces less noise, making the entire environment safer for your hearing.
A few machine maintenance areas to focus on include:
- Preventing metal-on-metal contact. Use sound-insulating padding in areas where metal components are prone to vibrating against each other. This reduces unnecessary noise and protects both the machinery and your hearing. Make sure you’re placing padding only where it’s safe and won’t interfere with the machine’s function.
- Oiling regularly. Most machines require consistent oiling to run smoothly and quietly. Set a maintenance schedule with clearly marked dates to keep machines running efficiently.
- Replacing worn or broken parts. Worn parts increase noise levels and raise the risk of machine failure. Conduct routine inspections to catch signs of wear. Replace damaged or outdated components as soon as possible to maintain performance and reduce noise pollution.
Machine maintenance might sound like a lot of work, but it’s worth the effort. You can make it easier by heading to Katy Hardware or Tractor Supply to stock up on maintenance supplies and prepare for the next machine breakdown.
Don’t Wait To Protect Your Hearing
Hearing loss in the workplace can reduce background awareness, hinder communication and increase the likelihood of injury. Consistent machine maintenance doesn’t just protect equipment. It protects your workers.
To learn more about protecting your hearing or to schedule a hearing test, contact Today’s Hearing today.