In its recent issue of
Workplace Solutions, NIOSH discusses how firefighters are exposed to sources of high noise levels while on the job (e.g., sirens, engine pumps, chain saws, alarms).
"Promoting Hearing Health Among Firefighters" also discusses a study of two fire departments that showed the groups thought noise-induced hearing loss was an "unavoidable part of the job and a smaller risk compared with other hazards." Additionally, "They believed [hearing protection devices] interfered with their ability to communicate during emergency operations, interfered with other required safety equipment and were generally forgotten when gearing up."
To help protect firefighters' hearing health, NIOSH recommends the following for fire department hearing loss prevention programs:
- Implement engineering and administrative controls to limit firefighters' exposure to noise.
- Train about harmful noise levels from various tasks and equipment and the effects of noise exposure.
- Train about hearing protection, especially electronic devices designed specifically for firefighters.
- Individualize training on the proper use of hearing protection devices using commercially available fit-test systems.
