Preventing Hearing Loss

April 6, 2021

Consistently donning protection is key.

Most employees will wear hearing protection on the job if directed to by a sign or told to by a supervisor. If it takes either of these to motivate the employee to roll up those foam plugs or don those earmuffs, however, your safety program is producing hearing-impaired individuals.

A good sense of hearing is an important asset. For example, a hearing-impaired individual who has tired of asking people to repeat themselves takes his best guess at the answer to the question, “Which circuit did you de-energize?”

The damage from chronic high noise exposure is cumulative and permanent. Employees who avoid getting in trouble on the job over hearing protection requirements may still suffer from permanent and profound hearing loss in their early 50s. A rule of thumb is that if you must raise your voice to have a conversation, you need hearing protection. Make sure your employees consistently follow this rule both on and off the job.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.