Hearing loss is among the most common work-related injuries facing American workers in most industries. You face an especially high risk of experiencing it if you make your living as a law enforcement officer. The hazardous noise levels many law enforcement officers face on a regular basis have the potential to impact your hearing abilities for the rest of your life.
According to Police1, more than a third of those who work in law enforcement develop some degree of noise-induced hearing loss. This is more than twice the rate seen among those in all other lines of work.
Recognizing hazardous noise risks
When you work in law enforcement, you face many noise-related hazards. Some of those hazardous noise levels might be the result of loud traffic or honking horns. Police sirens, police dogs, gunfire, and radio communications are some of the other factors that may contribute to hearing loss among those in your line of work.
Recognizing signs of noise-induced hearing loss
You may be experiencing noise-induced hearing loss if you find yourself turning your head to favor one ear over the other. If you find yourself feeling increasingly uncomfortable in loud environments, such as restaurants, or asking others to repeat themselves more than you used to, these actions may also indicate that you are experiencing work-related hearing loss. Withdrawing from activities you usually enjoy may also be a sign of hearing loss issues.
If you feel as if your hearing is starting to suffer, consider scheduling a visit with an audiologist. This individual may be able to assess the severity of the problem and recommend hearing aids or other potential treatment methods.
