Hair salons are necessary for hair care and styling, but they can also be dangerous for the hearing health of both salon clients and staff, and in this article, we will delve into the topic of hearing loss and hair salons, with a particular focus on the relationship between hairdryers and tinnitus.
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Understanding Tinnitus and Its Causes
Ringing in ears, or tinnitus is the perception of hearing a ringing, buzzing, whistling, chirping, and other sounds in your ear. The noise varies in a frequency of occurrence and also the loudness experienced. It might be temporary or ongoing and present as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds.
Long-term exposure to sound pressure levels exceeding 85 dB can harm your delicate hair cells in the inner ear, and put you at risk for tinnitus.
It is a sign of an underlying ailment, such as hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, or other health problems rather than a sickness in and of itself. Its pitch and severity might change, and it can affect either one or both ears.
Hair Dryers & Tinnitus: The Link
Hairdryers are a staple tool in hair salons, used to dry and style hair quickly, however, these seemingly harmless appliances can generate high levels of noise that can pose a risk to hearing health.
Most hairdryers produce noise levels ranging from 80 to 90 dB, with some reaching up to 100 dB, which is comparable to the noise level of a chainsaw or a motorcycle.
Stylists and clients are exposed to these noise levels for prolonged periods, sometimes for hours, which can result in hearing damage and potentially lead to hair dryer tinnitus.
Hair dryer tinnitus is a specific form of tinnitus that is caused by prolonged exposure to the loud noise generated by hairdryers.
Hair Dryers & Tinnitus: Risks of Hearing Loss for Hair Salon Workers & Clients
Hair salon workers, including stylists, colorists, and assistants, are at particular risk of developing hearing loss and hair dryer tinnitus due to their regular and prolonged exposure to loud noise from hairdryers.
Studies have shown that hair salon workers are at a higher risk of developing hearing loss compared to the general population, with some studies reporting up to 60% of hair salon workers experiencing some form of hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage, and the noise generated by hairdryers can easily exceed this threshold. Stylists who work with hairdryers for hours every day are at an increased risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss, which can significantly impact their quality of life (difficulties with communication, reduced job performance, and even social isolation).
Clients who visit hair salons regularly and are exposed to loud noise from hairdryers may also be at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss. The risk may be higher for clients who have sensitive hearing, pre-existing hearing conditions, or who visit hair salons frequently over a long period of time.
Hair Dryers & Tinnitus: Preventive Measures and Best Practices
To safeguard the hearing health of customers and staff, hair salons can apply a number of preventive measures.
Here are some recommendations:
- Use low-noise hairdryers
- Limit exposure time
- Use hearing protection
- Educate salon workers and clients
- Implement noise control measures
- Get regular hearing check-ups
- Comply with regulations
Hearing Loss Workers Compensation Benefits
The Workers Compensation Program was established in 1911 to encourage employers to make the workplace safer by requiring safety programs and the use of safety devices.
Since 1911, there have been over 2.5 million workers compensation claims filed. Hearing loss workers compensation claims now rank #3 in the number of occupational disease claims filed.
Hearing loss workers compensation benefits are largely undiscovered benefits covering hearing health care, which is often uninsured. Many health insurance policies and programs like Medicare do not cover hearing aid purchases but workers compensation can. It also pays for the disability of hearing loss just as it does for the loss of eyesight or other injuries.
Always feel free to ask Johnson Law Offices about the process, the law, or an individual case. The legal, medical, and audio-metric questions that come into play in a hearing loss workers compensation claim can be complicated.
The claims require attention to detail mixed with an ability to work well with hearing-impaired retirees and their families, especially spouses, and their hearing health care professionals.
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If you, or anyone you know, worked in noise and suffers from hearing loss, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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