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The loudest jobs in the world
The loudest jobs in the world
2 minutes
Published: 29 August 2019
23 January 2025
What do construction workers, airport ground personnel and orchestral musicians have in common with bartenders and dentists?
Unless they wear protection, these professionals don’t stand a chance when it comes to their hearing
Their jobs are among the loudest in the world. The risk of sustained hearing loss is correspondingly high in these professions. It is important to remember that the louder the noise, the shorter the exposure should be. People who are exposed to permanent sound levels of 85 dB or more at work, must wear ear protection. The pain threshold is around 125 dB.
Video: 5 tips on how to protect your hearing
Bartenders
In bars and clubs around the world, bartenders and other personnel are exposed to noise levels of up to 110 dB for hours every day. Nevertheless, hearing protection is usually not an issue in this industry.
Runway marshalers
From just a few feet away, jet engines are excruciatingly loud. Without reinforced hearing protection, hearing would be irreparably damaged within minutes.
Orchestral musicians
Musicians need to be especially careful with their hearing. Yet for instrumentalists in a large orchestra, it is usually quite the opposite: Studies have shown that professional musicians are four times more likely to suffer hearing damage than the general public.
Dentists
Who'd have thought? Dentists and dental assistants also risk hearing damage in their line of work. This is due to the screeching and whistling of drills and other devices, which can bring noise levels up to 90 dB.
Road construction workers
Everyone knows how noisy road construction sites are. Jackhammers and other heavy machinery easily reach noise levels of up to 120 dB – so work sites are off limits without ear protection.
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