Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, incurable — and completely preventable. You cannot rely on “it’s not that loud”, because the damage is about dose (how loud, for how long), not how loud it happens to feel. By the time someone notices their hearing has gone, it is already too late. That is exactly why the law sets action levels that trigger long before any harm is obvious.
This guide explains the risk, the exposure limits under UK law, and what employers must do to protect hearing.
Why workplace noise is a serious risk
Too much noise at work causes noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears). Both are irreversible. It builds up gradually and painlessly, so people often do not realise it is happening — and once the damage is done, it cannot be undone. It is one of the most common, and most preventable, occupational diseases.
The law — and the action values
Workplace noise is controlled by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. These set exposure action values — noise levels at which the employer must take specific action. They are averaged over a working day (or week), because it is the total dose that matters:
- Lower exposure action value: daily/weekly average of 80 dB(A) (peak 135 dB(C)).
- Upper exposure action value: daily/weekly average of 85 dB(A) (peak 137 dB(C)).
- Exposure limit value: 87 dB(A) (peak 140 dB(C)) — this must not be exceeded, taking hearing protection into account.
Decibels are logarithmic, so a small rise is a big deal: every 3 dB doubles the sound energy. 88 dB is twice as much noise as 85 dB.
What employers must do at each level
- At the lower action value (80 dB): assess the risk, provide information and training, and make hearing protection available on request.
- At the upper action value (85 dB): take action to reduce noise exposure so far as reasonably practicable (not just hand out ear defenders), provide and ensure the use of hearing protection, mark hearing protection zones, and provide health surveillance (hearing checks).
- At the exposure limit value (87 dB): exposure must not exceed it. If it does, take immediate action to reduce it.
A simple rule of thumb
You do not need a meter to suspect a problem. As a rough guide, there is likely to be a noise risk if:
- The noise is intrusive — like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant — for most of the day.
- You have to raise your voice to talk to someone about 2 metres away (this suggests around 85 dB).
- You use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than about half an hour a day.
If any of these apply, a proper noise risk assessment is needed.
Controlling noise — the right order
Hearing protection is the last resort, not the first. The correct order is to reduce noise at source — quieter equipment, maintenance, isolation, damping, screens and enclosures, and limiting the time people spend in noisy areas — and only then rely on hearing protection to cover what is left. Ear defenders that are the wrong type, poorly fitted or not worn consistently protect nobody. Noise also often goes hand in hand with vibration risks from the same tools.
Reporting
Diagnosed noise-induced hearing loss linked to work is a reportable occupational disease under RIDDOR, so preventing it is both a health duty and a legal one.
Further reading
- HSE — Noise at work
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
- HSE INDG362 — Noise at work: a brief guide
Frequently asked questions
Why is noise at work a health risk?
Too much noise causes noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears), both of which are irreversible. The damage builds up gradually and painlessly, so people often do not realise it is happening until it is too late. It is one of the most common and most preventable occupational diseases, and it depends on dose — how loud the noise is and for how long — not just how loud it feels.
What are the noise exposure action values?
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 the lower exposure action value is a daily or weekly average of 80 dB(A) with a peak of 135 dB(C); the upper exposure action value is 85 dB(A) with a peak of 137 dB(C); and the exposure limit value, which must not be exceeded taking hearing protection into account, is 87 dB(A) with a peak of 140 dB(C). Because decibels are logarithmic, every 3 dB doubles the sound energy.
What must employers do about workplace noise?
At the lower action value (80 dB) employers must assess the risk, provide information and training, and make hearing protection available on request. At the upper action value (85 dB) they must reduce noise exposure so far as reasonably practicable, provide and ensure use of hearing protection, mark hearing protection zones, and provide health surveillance. The exposure limit value of 87 dB must not be exceeded.
How can I tell if noise is a problem without a meter?
As a rough guide there is likely to be a noise risk if the noise is intrusive — like a busy street or a crowded restaurant — for most of the day; if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone about 2 metres away (suggesting around 85 dB); or if you use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than about half an hour a day. If any apply, a proper noise risk assessment is needed.
Is hearing protection the main way to control noise?
No — hearing protection is the last resort, not the first. The correct approach is to reduce noise at source through quieter equipment, maintenance, isolation, damping, screens and enclosures, and by limiting time spent in noisy areas, and only then use hearing protection for what remains. Protection that is the wrong type, poorly fitted or not worn consistently protects nobody.
Noise awareness training
Our Noise Awareness course covers how noise damages hearing, the exposure action values, what employers must do, and how to control noise and use hearing protection properly.
Related: What is a risk assessment? · Abrasive wheels training · What is RIDDOR?
£9 per course. CPD accredited, 100 % online, verifiable e-certificate on completion. Pay for 2, get 3 — any 3 courses for £18.
Please note: this is a CPD-accredited awareness course and general information, not a substitute for a workplace noise risk assessment carried out by a competent person, or for occupational-health advice. It is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification.