| Approximately two million workers are exposed to noise levels above the current legal threshold. Noise induced hearing loss becomes eligible for disablement benefit when hearing loss is greater than 50 dB. It is estimated that 5 persons in every 100 exposed for 8 hours per day over a period of 10 years to 90 dB(A) will suffer 50dB hearing loss compared with 17 persons exposed to 100 dB(A) for the same time period. Only 1 person per 100 would suffer hearing damage at 80dB(A) exposure. At present employer's are not required to provide hearing tests, however many employer's are considering this as a good health and Safety safeguard - especially to ensure the effectiveness of noise reduction programs.
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