Loud machinery increases hearing loss

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Working with loud machinery can definitely hurt your sense of hearing. The more someone is subjected to loud engines, the more likely you are to have long term hearing loss.

Everything from snowblowers, to motorcycles, to lawnmowers can gradually damage your hearing.

Kathryn Girardin, the Director of the Clarke Hearing Center, told 22News that anyone who works with loud machinery should wear ear plugs, even if you're only using this equipment for a short period of time.

"It's important to protect your hearing. Most of the time after doing those types of activities when you turn them off you'll hear a muffling and possibly a ringing in the ears. That's an indication you've already suffered a shift in loss of hearing," said Girardin.

If you work with loud equipment for up to eight hours a day, you should get a hearing test once a year.