FACTS
- Improper insertion of earplugs or loose earmuffs can reduce their effectiveness, exposing users to harmful noise.
- Removing hearing protection, even briefly in loud environments, allows cumulative hearing damage to occur.
- Using hearing protection with the wrong noise reduction rating (NRR) can either block necessary sounds (e.g., alarms) or fail to prevent hearing loss.
- Damaged or old earplugs and earmuff cushions don’t seal properly, diminishing protection.
- Reusing dirty or improperly stored hearing protection can cause ear infections or discomfort.
- Workers unaware of correct usage techniques may misuse hearing protection, reducing its benefit.
STATS
- The CDC’s 2023 NIOSH Occupational Hearing Loss Report estimated that 40% of workers in high-noise industries used hearing protection incorrectly, contributing to 15% of NIHL cases.
- WorkSafeBC reported in 2022 that 20% of occupational NIHL claims in British Columbia were linked to improper earplug insertion or inconsistent use during noise exposure.
- OSHA’s 2022 data noted that 10% of noise-related violations involved inadequate hearing protection training, with 25% of audited workers using damaged or ill-fitting devices.
- Statistics Canada’s 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey found that 12% of workers in noisy environments (e.g., construction, manufacturing) reported not using hearing protection consistently, citing discomfort or improper fit.
- A 2023 Journal of Occupational Safety study indicated that 30% of construction workers used earplugs with incorrect NRR for their noise environment, reducing protection by up to 50%.
- CCOHS reported in 2023 that workplaces with hands-on hearing protection training reduced improper use incidents by 22%, per CSA Z94.2 standards.
- A 2024 American Journal of Audiology analysis found that 18% of recreational noise users (e.g., concerts, firearms) experienced hearing damage due to inconsistent or improper earplug use.