Do Earbuds Protect Hearing? The Risks of 'Active Noise Cancelling' in the Workplace
In today's world, more and more people enjoy their favorite tunes, audiobooks, and more through wireless listening devices such as earbuds. However, using these devices in the workplace can create a false sense of security through the labelling of 'active noise cancelling' technology.
Increased danger of hearing loss
While labeled as 'noise cancelling,' most personal listening devices have not been subjected to the same tests as true hearing protection devices. External noise still reaches the ear at unsafe levels, and often the audio that is played is increased to overcome this difficulty. This can expose the user to noise levels that can cause permanent hearing damage.
Allowing employees in a hearing conservation program to use personal listening devices can also put the employer at risk of hearing injury claims later on.
Reach out to learn more about Anadyne's preventative, end-to-end solutions for workplace noise
Beyond hearing damage: danger of other serious or fatal injuries
Personal listening devices are also discouraged in the workplace due to the decreased situational awareness they can bring. Employees may be unable to hear warnings from colleagues, mechanical signals that something isn't right, or even the simple alert tone of a reversing forklift.
In 2024, a young employee in Georgia suffered a fatal injury when she attempted to recover a dropped earbud. Bending down, she became caught in a machine & later died due to her injuries.
Risk of noncompliance with an internal or OSHA audit
When it comes to hearing protection, OSHA requires that the attenuation of hearing protection must be enough to reduce the employees' exposure to 90 decibels over an 8-hour shift (unless a Standard Threshold Shift has occurred). It's also required that the hearing protection has a Noise Reduction Rating, as directed by the EPA.
It's important for employers to note that most personal listening devices such as earbuds do not have a Noise Reduction Rating and therefore would not be considered a hearing protector in case of an audit - either internal or external.
In a letter of interpretation in 2019, OSHA clearly states "A portable music player is not a substitute for hearing protection." The letter goes on to say that the use of listening devices can be permitted at the employer's discretion unless such use create or augments other hazards.
The solution: end-to-end noise management
When it comes to hearing conservation, it's important to view it as investment, rather than a money or time liability.
An interwoven hearing conservation program
At Anadyne, we offer a complete, interwoven hearing conservation solution. From periodic reviews of sound exposure to controls to eliminate the noise, our team is dedicated to persevering hearing health in the workplace.
The bonus of implementing controls & verifying employees are not exposed to noise above the OSHA Action Level? You could allow employees to enjoy their listening devices once more.
Filtered hearing protection
For companies who aren't able to fully eliminate the noise, Anadyne offers custom filtered hearing protection. This is an ideal solution for employees who need to communicate either face to face or over the radio. Many also enjoy music played in the background, while wearing their custom hearing protection.
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