The Invisible Threat: Why Workplace
Noise Monitoring and Audiometry are
Non-Negotiable

The Invisible Threat: Why Workplace Noise Monitoring and Audiometry are Non-Negotiable

When people think of hazards in the workplace, they typically think of heavy machinery, an exposure to chemicals, or physical injuries. However, one of the most dangerous risks is also one of the least visible – noise. Prolonged exposure to loud environments can lead to Noise-Induced Deafness (also referred to as NIHL an acronym for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss), which occurs gradually and often goes unnoticed until irreversible damage occurs.

The Increasing Influence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Singapore

Noise-Induced Deafness (NID) is among the most prevalent occupational disease globally, and Singapore is not excluded. Credible records indicate that over 1000 workers have suffered from NID in the previous 5 years, representing more than one-third of all occupational disease cases confirmed locally. According to the Ministry of Manpower’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) report, NID ranked second most in occupational disease in 2020 only behind musculoskeletal diseases.

Industries including metalworking, shipbuilding, and construction are highly vulnerable due to common processes such as grinding, stamping, and drilling producing noise levels far greater than 85 dB(A), the occupational noise threshold at which hearing loss can occur after prolonged exposure. Studies indicate that nearly 70% of workplaces in these settings expose workers to noise levels exceeding 90 dB(A), much higher than the safe threshold, which heightens the risk of NID.

Excessive workplace noise creates concerns regarding health and safety that are beyond hearing impairment

The effects of excessive noise exposure in the workplace can cause issues that extend beyond hearing loss. A worker with NID often will have difficulty communicating, concentrating, anxiety, or sleep problems. From a physiological point, chronic work-related noise exposure in the body can trigger a stress response that increases the risk for hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.

Impaired hearing from excessive noise exposure may increase safety risks to workers. A worker may fail to detect alarms or warning signals, as well as approaching machinery. Therefore, workplace noise is not just a health concern; it is a safety concern.

The Importance of Noise Monitoring and Audiometry

As per Singapore’s WSH (Noise) Regulations, noise monitoring is required to be performed periodically in workplaces where there may be an exposed risk to noise. Noise monitoring is the first step to establishing a Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP), as it allows employers to measure, monitor and manage exposure to hazardous noise in the workplace.

Audiometry or regular hearing tests for employees is equally as significant. Hearing tests can reveal early signs of hearing loss so action can be taken before permanent damage occurs. Ultimately, noise monitoring and audiometry are the foundation of any hearing conservation programme in the workplace.

Employers can also use the Hierarchy of Controls to control noise:

• Eliminate or substitute noisy equipment.
• Use engineering controls such as soundproof stages.
• Use administrative controls such as shifting employees around to limit exposure.
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like muffs and earplugs as a last line of defence.
• As part of some noise control strategies, initiatives like Buy Quiet—which encourages the purchase of quieter equipment and tools are also being implemented.