Big ships require big engines to propel them across the seas. It stands to reason that those oversized engines will produce an oversized amount of noise.
That can be a real risk to the hearing of those working directly with the engines or in close proximity to them. It’s a risk that these workers and their employers need to stay aware of and work to minimize.
Hearing protection is crucial
No one should be close to the engine room without a good set of earplugs or ear defenders or both. It’s easy to get used to the noise and just go without, but that can result in long-term hearing damage or loss.
You can lose your hearing in two main ways. One is via a one-off loud noise, such as an explosion. The other, which is more common, is gradual hearing loss. Exposure to unsafe levels of noise day after day, perhaps for years, can eventually take a serious toll on a person’s ability to hear. Noise does not need to be that loud to be unsafe, either. Anything above a noise that makes it difficult remains to maintain a conversation can be dangerous if exposure is prolonged.
Isolating the sound is also necessary
There are plenty of options available for isolating the sound of engines and reducing how far dangerous noise levels reach from the source. Yet some ships are nowhere near as good as they could be in this respect. It could be the result of poor design, a lack of maintenance over the years or an unwillingness to invest on the part of the owner.
Hearing loss can greatly complicate both work and personal life. If you have suffered it and believe your time on a ship could be to blame, getting experienced legal guidance can help you explore what compensation options may be available to you.