Protecting Hearing on the Job Site.

April 22, 2026

By Katie Koebel

The longer you spend on jobsites, the more the environment feels second nature. Drills, pipe cutters and metal-on-metal contact are part of the scene, no matter the project. Yet PPE tends to focus only on eye protection or respiratory safety, with hearing often overlooked.

This gap in essential equipment has far-reaching impacts. That’s because repeated exposure to loud equipment can contribute to permanent hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears). Hearing changes tend to occur gradually, meaning hearing health can be easy to dismiss, that is, until it’s impossible to ignore.

Understanding noise on the jobsite

Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and a safe level is around 60 to 65 dB. Exposure to levels of 85 dB or higher can damage hearing, making hearing protection essential for prolonged exposure. It’s also important to note that for every three-dB increase above 85 dB, the amount of safe exposure time is cut in half.

Power saws, rotary hammers, and heavy equipment can easily reach 90 to 100 dB or more. Even if exposure happens in intervals throughout the day, the cumulative impact over months and years can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

NIHL occurs when the delicate structures in the inner ear are damaged by loud sounds. This damage can happen gradually from prolonged noise exposure or suddenly from a single, very loud sound. NIHL often develops without pain, which can make it difficult for tradespeople to notice at first.