Some work environments expose you to high, potentially dangerous levels of noise, and if you make your living as a Connecticut law enforcement officer, your risk of experiencing work-related hearing loss is high. Noise-induced hearing loss is far more common among law enforcement officers than it is in the general population.
According to Police1, you are more likely to suffer noise-induced hearing loss in law enforcement if you are female and if you have been in the profession for longer than 15 years.
Common sources of hazardous noise
Loud noise is common in your line of work and comes from many different sources. Traffic sounds, sirens and gunfire all have the potential to contribute to hearing loss over time. Ongoing exposure to barking police dogs or honking car horns also increases work-related hearing loss risks. Officers who work security at concerts or professional sports events may also undergo exposure to hazardous levels of noise.
Common signs of noise-induced hearing loss
At first, it may take some time for you to realize your work environment is affecting your hearing. However, if you find yourself increasingly asking your colleagues or family members to repeat themselves, this could be a sign. So, too, is turning one ear toward someone who talks to you because the other does not hear well. If you start to find loud environments, such as crowded bars or professional sports games, overwhelming, this could also be the result of noise-induced, work-related hearing loss.
There are limits to how long you have to file a workers’ compensation claim for work-related hearing loss. If you start seeing signs of it, consider taking prompt action.
