Telephone ringtones, keyboard tapping, and colleague conversations create everyday noise pollution in offices. These disturbances carry serious consequences. During Hearing Health at Work Week, ending October 28, the JNA (National Hearing Day) association highlights the real impacts of ambient workplace noise, drawing on expert insights and data.
One in two workers reports being bothered by excessive noise levels at work, while four out of ten use personal protective equipment to cope. Nearly 80% of tertiary sector employees feel the impact. Occupational hearing loss ranks third among occupational diseases, underscoring the health risks backed by JNA's longstanding advocacy.
Beyond health, noise erodes productivity: one in five workers loses over 30 minutes daily—totaling 120 hours per year—equating to roughly €23 billion in lost output annually. JNA combats this through awareness campaigns and company hearing screenings, promoting safer, quieter work environments.
