Why independent tradies and DIYers face higher risks of hearing loss
Independent contractors, tradies, and home renovators are at greater risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), or industrial deafness, compared to employees in larger companies.
If, like the author of this article, you have a parent who has been a tradie, or you’re a tradie yourself, you know that sometimes donning those earmuffs can be a bit of a hassle. It’s just a few minutes on the circular saw or grinder, isn’t it? And therein lies the problem.
Those little shortcuts to getting the job done quickly add up and can risk your hearing.
So why are independent tradies and DIYers at greater risk than others? These workers often operate in environments without the structured occupational health and safety (OHS) practices that larger companies have in place. This lack of oversight can lead to inconsistent use of hearing protection, exposing them to hazardous noise levels more frequently.
Limited OHS Oversight and Hearing Protection Compliance
Large companies in Australia are required to follow stringent OHS policies and provide personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of their safety procedures.
In contrast, independent workers and home renovators often lack access to the same level of regulation and safety resources.
This makes them more likely to overlook hearing protection, especially during short bursts of noisy activity like drilling or sawing.
Power tools used by tradies can produce sounds exceeding 110 decibels—enough to cause permanent damage after only a few minutes of exposure.
Self-employed workers may also underestimate the risks associated with intermittent noise exposure. Many believe that brief use of loud equipment is harmless, but the effects of noise exposure are cumulative, meaning damage builds up over time even with seemingly short exposure.
Higher Hearing Loss Rates Among Tradies
Research shows that Australian construction workers experience some of the highest noise exposure rates, with up to 75% developing tinnitus or permanent hearing loss [].
Most claims for occupational hearing loss come from labourers and tradespeople, particularly those aged between 55-59 years.
Additionally, rural and remote workers, such as farmers and regional contractors, are at increased risk due to prolonged exposure to noisy environments combined with limited healthcare access.
Importance of Prevention and Regular Testing
For tradespeople, contractors, and DIY renovators, regular hearing tests and consistent use of PPE are essential for prevention. Unfortunately, many individuals only seek help years after experiencing symptoms, such as tinnitus or difficulty understanding speech.
Early intervention is crucial to prevent further deterioration and improve quality of life.
With National Safe Work Month highlighting the importance of workplace safety, it’s a timely reminder that self-employed workers need to take hearing safety just as seriously as those in regulated environments. Simple steps like wearing earplugs or earmuffs and conducting regular hearing tests can make a significant difference in preventing long-term damage.
I will certainly continue to hound my father to wear hearing protection whenever he picks up a power tool.
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