Noise & Hearing Loss Prevention: Industries & Occupations
Industries and Occupations

There are workers in every industry that are at risk for occupational hearing loss. No industry should be assumed to be free from exposure to noise and/or chemicals that can damage hearing (ototoxic chemicals). There are, however, industries and occupations in which workers are at greater risk. The NIOSH Occupational Hearing Loss Surveillance Project publishes estimates of the percent of workers affected (prevalence) within U.S. industries and occupations and others statistics.
Below are additional resources for some of the industries and occupations that are at risk for occupational hearing loss.
Agriculture
Have you Heard? Hearing Loss Caused by Farm Noise is Preventable
They’re Your Ears: Protect Them
Construction
Noise and Hearing Damage in Construction Apprentices – University of Washingtonpdf iconexternal icon
NIOSH Science Blog – Buy Quiet Update
Manufacturing
Occupationally-Induced Hearing Loss
Criteria Document for Occupational Noise Exposure
Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss — A Practical Guide
NIOSH Science Blog – Buy Quiet Update
Mining
Mining Topic: Hearing Loss Prevention Overview
Services
NIOSH Topic Page – Aircrew Safety and Health: Noise and Hearing Loss
NIOSH Science Blog – Reducing the Risk of Hearing Disorders among Musicians
NIOSH Science Blog – Keeping Tragedy out of the Comedies…and Musicals…and Dramas
NIOSH Science Blog – These Go to Eleven
NIOSH Science Blog – High Speeds, Higher Decibels
NIOSH Science Blog – Vuvuzelas: What’s That Buzz?
NIOSH Science Blog – Take Aim at Protecting Yourself
NIOSH Workplace Solutions – Reducing Exposure to Lead and Noise at Indoor Firing Ranges
NIOSH Workplace Solutions – Reducing Noise Hazards for Call and Dispatch Center Operators
NIOSH Workplace Solutions – Promoting Hearing Health among Fire Fighters
NIOSH Workplace Solutions – Reducing the Risk of Hearing Disorders among Musicians