Noise

'Noise-induced hearing loss' is the techo's term for deafness caused by exposure to too much noise. (It used to be called 'industrial deafness'.)

Deafness isn't something we think about when we have normal hearing. However, loss of hearing reduces your quality of life by making it difficult to communicate with friends and family, listen to your favourite music, watch TV or just enjoy the sounds of nature.

How much noise at work is too much? As a guideline, if you have to raise your voice to speak to someone about a metre away, then noise is likely to be a hazard.

Employers must take all practicable steps to reduce workplace noise to safe levels - this could mean putting an enclosure round a noisy machine, for example, or modifying the machine to make it quieter. Only if these measures are not practicable, should you have to wear hearing protectors.

There's lots of good info on noise on the Department of Labour web site.