Some useful tips for seafarers to protect their hearing onboard.
Neglecting to protect hearing can have severe long-term consequences, impacting not just career longevity but the overall life quality of seafarers. Hearing loss can affect communication, safety, and job performance, leading to increased risks on board and potential for accidents. By consistently using appropriate hearing protection and adhering to safety guidelines, seafarers can significantly reduce their risk of hearing impairment, ensuring they remain fit for duty and able to perform their roles effectively throughout their careers.
Hearing defects are a significant concern, as they have consistently been identified as a cause of PEME (Pre Employment Medical Examination) failures, currently accounting for 11% of the UK P&I Club’s PEME unfitness statistics. This underscores the critical need for effective hearing protection measures to maintain both health and employability.
According to Britannia, appropriate signage should be installed to warn personnel when they are entering a high-noise area. Noise levels above 80 dB(A) require mitigation efforts, and hearing protection is mandatory at 85 dB(A) and above. The installation and use of temporary equipment can also increase noise levels. The effects of noise should be considered in onboard risk assessments and mitigated as necessary.
Furthermore, all hearing protection equipment must comply with approved standards. In Europe, for example, the most commonly adopted standard is EN 352. Factors to consider when choosing appropriate hearing protection include maximum noise level experienced, frequency of exposure, work activity, and personal preference. Experience shows that uncomfortable PPE will not be worn as often as it should be.
The goal of hearing protection is to lower the noise levels experienced to 80 dB or below. Over-protection, reducing noise to 65–70 dB or lower, can be dangerous as it impairs the ability to hear communications and alarms, leading to the removal of protection and exposure to harmful noise levels.
Britannia’s recommendations for personnel include:
- Always wear the provided hearing protection in required areas. If hearing protection is removed, even for a short period, the overall protection provided is significantly reduced.
- Ensure the hearing protection is in good condition, free of unofficial modifications, and clean before use. Report any damage or defects immediately.
- Follow the instructions for proper use. For example, when inserting ear plugs, gently pull your outer ear backwards to better align the ear canal for more effective insertion.