A Campaign to Make Listening Safe for All

audseo • January 20, 2021

Never in human history has it been more important to protect our hearing throughout our lifetimes. We are living longer than ever, and while current statistics indicate that nearly everyone loses some hearing ability by the time they reach 100 years old, there is no scientific consensus about why so many people are susceptible to what is known as “ age-related hearing loss.” Indeed, it may be possible that modifiable risk factors are creating this epidemic of hearing loss, and with more careful attention to hearing health throughout our lives we can significantly reduce the amount of age-related hearing loss from what we see today.

Make Listening Safe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has created the “Make Listening Safe” campaign to “create a world where nobody’s hearing is put in danger due to unsafe listening.

Many of us work in places with noise levels that are not safe for unprotected ears. OSHA sets the maximum workplace noise exposure level at 90 dBA, however there is consensus that anything over 85 dBA for 8 hours of exposure results in permanent hearing loss, which is where NIOSH places the “safe” marker. To be properly protected, workplaces that measure average noise levels above 80 dBA should require hearing protection.

The “safe” levels promoted by NIOSH and OSHA, furthermore, do not take into account any noise exposure outside the workplace. Some people may encounter additional unsafe levels through hobbies, recreation or secondary employment that still contributes to the daily total of acceptable environmental noise, and most people who use personal listening devices exceed safe levels routinely.

For example, if your workplace averages a noise level of 85 dBA, then technically you may be in the “safe” zone in terms of noise exposure if you are only there for a maximum of 8 hours. However, if you experience any noise above 80 dBA outside the workplace, your daily total climbs above the safe limit and permanent hearing loss can occur. While it may seem like you’re not at much of a risk, keep in mind that 80 dBA is about the noise you experience while pushing a modern gas-powered lawn mower. Those whose workplaces reach the maximum safe levels allowed by OSHA and listen to music or podcasts on their commute are likely to have exceeded safe overall daily noise levels by the time they return home from work.

Hearing Protection at Work and at Play

The good news is that hearing protection and a little care outside the workplace can eliminate the risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure. Those who wear earplugs that attenuate 15 dBA in a workplace that reaches average noise levels of 85 dBA experience an effective average noise level of 70 dBA, which is in the safe zone for continuous exposure.

But it is still important to protect our ears outside work. While 85 dBA might cause hearing loss after 8 hours, for each additional 3 dBA of noise, the safe amount of time of exposure is cut in half . This means that by the time sound levels reach 97 dBA, hearing loss can occur after only ½ hour of exposure. Attending a concert without hearing protection, for example, is likely to cause some degree of permanent hearing loss. Discharging certain firearms without hearing protection can cause permanent hearing loss after firing just one round.

Keep Personal Listening Device Volumes Low

It’s estimated that as many as 20% of teenagers today have measurable hearing loss in one or both ears. Our modern life is loud, but it is thought that earbuds are the most responsible for this rising statistic.

When Sony released the Walkman in the early 1980s, it was found that using them at maximum volume would cause permanent hearing loss after a short time. Today’s personal listening devices are even louder than that original Walkman, and yet we seem to hear less about the hearing loss they are causing.

One of the best ways to limit your risk of hearing loss is to avoid using earbuds, and keep listening volumes safe. People who wish to use personal listening devices are better off using over-the-ear headphones rather than in-ear earbuds. Even just adding this little bit of distance, moving the speaker outside the ear canal, goes a long way toward increasing our awareness of the sound levels to which we’re subjecting ourselves.

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Is Your Respirator Program Still Compliant in 2026?

By Mary Jane Bumanglag • May 30, 2026

In many workplaces, respirators are considered the last line of defense against airborne hazards. But even the best respirator won’t protect workers if the program behind it is outdated, incomplete, or inconsistently followed. As industries continue to prioritize workplace safety, 2026 is the right time for companies to take a closer look at their respirator protection programs — not because regulations suddenly changed overnight, but because compliance alone does not always guarantee protection. At Anadyne, we believe employers should move beyond “checking the box” and focus on creating programs that genuinely keep workers safe every day on the job. Why Companies Should Review Their Respirator Program Now Many organizations assume that if they passed an inspection or completed fit testing a few years ago, their program is still effective today. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A respirator protection program can gradually become outdated due to: Employee turnover Changes in job tasks or exposure risks Improper respirator storage and maintenance Weight fluctuations affecting fit Inconsistent training practices Missing documentation Delayed medical evaluations or fit testing The reality is this: a company can technically remain compliant with minimum requirements and still experience workplace injuries or respiratory exposure incidents. That’s why regular program reviews matter. Compliance Is Only the Beginning Respiratory protection standards are designed to establish minimum safety requirements. However, truly effective programs go further by ensuring workers consistently use and maintain their equipment properly between evaluations and fit tests. A worker may pass a fit test today, but what happens afterward? Are they: Shaving regularly to maintain a proper seal? Replacing filters when needed? Inspecting respirators for damaged seals? Properly storing equipment in sealed bags between jobs? Reporting major physical changes that may affect fit? These day-to-day behaviors determine whether respiratory protection actually works in real-world conditions. What a Complete Respirator Protection Program Should Include An effective respirator protection program should contain several critical components working together. 1. Fit Testing Fit testing confirms that the respirator forms a proper seal on the employee’s face. (objective testing is recommended to rule out known inconsistencies with subjective 'irritant smoke' methods) Even small facial changes, damaged equipment, or improper sizing can compromise protection. 2. Training & Education Training should go beyond simply teaching employees how to wear a respirator. Effective training helps workers understand: Why respiratory protection matters How improper use increases risk How to inspect equipment properly When to replace filters or cartridges Proper cleaning and storage procedures When to report issues or request reassessment The goal is not just passing a test, it’s ensuring workers remain protected every day between tests. 3. Documentation & Written Program Review Proper documentation is essential for both compliance and operational consistency. A written respirator protection program should clearly outline procedures, responsibilities, equipment protocols, training schedules, evaluation records, and emergency processes. Without regular review, written programs can quickly become outdated or disconnected from actual workplace practices. Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem Delaying a respirator program review is similar to avoiding a routine medical check-up. If concerns already exist, waiting longer often increases the risk of larger problems later. The good news is that most companies can address issues proactively before they become serious safety incidents, compliance violations, or costly disruptions. A review today can help identify gaps early, while solutions are still manageable. How Anadyne Can Help In 2026, Anadyne is proud to expand its respiratory protection services to help companies strengthen workplace safety programs with confidence. Whether you need: Respirator fit testing Program evaluations Training support Written program reviews Guidance on best practices Our team is ready to help you build a program that supports both compliance and worker protection. Schedule a Respirator Program Review Protecting your workforce starts with understanding where your current program stands. Book a consultation with Anadyne today and take the next step toward a safer, stronger respirator protection program.