If you're exposed to a lot of noise your hearing could be damaged. It's not just factory workers at risk: if you work in a noisy environment – a busy restaurant or club, a rowdy classroom – you need to think about how to protect your hearing, and what your employer needs to do to help you.
The TUC web pages on noise and vibration have useful information, including the relevant chapter of its health and safety guide, Hazards at work.
The Health and Safety Executive website has information on noise for employers and employees, including Noise at work - advice for employers (PDF) and Protect your hearing or lose it! Advice for employees; as well as statistics, guides, advice and examples of good practice.
Action on Hearing Loss (formerly the Royal National Institute for the Deaf) runs an Employment, Learning and Skills Service for the deaf or hard of hearing and provides resources and information on protecting your hearing. The Action on Hearing Loss website provides a free online hearing check service.
