Tinnitus awareness week

Johnson Law Solicitors – industrial deafness and tinnitus

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2-8 February 2015 is Tinnitus Awareness Week, and local personal injury solicitors Johnson Law are doing their bit by warning people about the effects of excessive workplace noise.

They have put together a comprehensive infographic outlining the distressing effects of loud noise and highlighted the industries most at risk.

They say that if you are one of the million people in the UK at risk of developing industrial deafness and tinnitus, it’s essential that your employer is made aware of the preventative steps they should take.

David Johnson from Johnson Law said: “If your job consistently exposes you to noise levels of 80dB or more, then you could develop industrial deafness or tinnitus, and your employer has a duty to minimise this risk.”

To put this figure into context, normal conversation measures around 60-66dB.
Call centres, night clubs, bars and factories are among the loudest places to work, and those in the construction industry are especially susceptible, with widely-used tools such hand drills and chainsaws reaching up to 115dB.

David Johnson added: “If you feel you’re at risk of deafness or tinnitus at work, don’t be afraid to raise the issue with your employer and take steps to protect yourself.
Wear appropriate ear protection such as earplugs, and give your ears time to recover. This means 16 hours of quiet if you’re exposed to 100dB of noise.”

Unfortunately there is no cure for tinnitus, but if you suffer from it, listening to relaxing sounds is often a helpful distraction, and cognitive behavioural therapy can help manage symptoms.

For more information about tinnitus, visit the British Tinnitus Association website, www.tinnitus.org.uk

www.johnson-law.co.uk