The Hidden Risk Every Dockworker Faces

This article was written by Ian Gerszewski, Au.D., a HearingLoss.com^®-Certified provider and President of South Bay Hearing in Torrance, California.

The noise is constant every day on the docks. The roar of engines, the screech of metal against metal, the crash of containers being stacked, and the hum of machinery that never really stops. It’s part of the job and part of the rhythm of the harbor. But over time, that steady background noise can do more than just fill the air — it can take away something vital: your ability to hear.

As an audiologist in Torrance, CA (near San Pedro Bay), I’ve seen how years of dock work can leave a lasting mark on hearing health. Many of my patients are longshoremen and maritime workers who first come in because they’re starting to notice a ringing in their ears, a muffled sound after a long shift, or are having trouble hearing voices in conversation. They often think it’s temporary or just part of getting older. However, what’s really happening is slow, cumulative hearing damage caused by loud work environments.

The good news is that hearing loss doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of life on the docks. With the right protection, awareness, and professional care, you can preserve your hearing for the long haul. Here’s what every dockworker should know about the hidden risks of loud work, and how to protect themselves before it’s too late.

Signs of Hearing Loss From Loud Work

Hearing loss rarely happens overnight. For dockworkers, the early signs can be subtle at first. You might notice ringing or buzzing in your ears after a shift. Maybe voices sound a bit muffled or you find yourself turning up the TV louder than before. Conversations in busy places can start feeling more tiring, and it becomes easier to misunderstand what people say.

These early changes are warning signs that your ears have been exposed to noise levels that were too high for too long. The hair cells inside your inner ear, which convert sound into electrical signals for the brain, don’t regenerate once damaged. Recognizing these symptoms early gives you the best chance to prevent further loss and protect what hearing you have.

If you notice any ringing, muffling, or fatigue after being around loud sounds, don’t ignore it. Even temporary changes can signal permanent damage in progress.

How Loud Work Damages Hearing Over Time

Noise exposure on docks can regularly exceed 90 to 100 decibels, well above the level considered safe for extended periods. The engines of cargo-handling equipment, cranes, trucks, and ships all contribute to an environment where workers are surrounded by harmful sound levels for hours each day.

When the delicate hair cells in the inner ear are exposed to excessive noise, they become overstimulated and can die. Once those cells are gone, they don’t grow back. The result is gradual hearing loss that often goes unnoticed until communication becomes difficult or the damage is severe.

Even worse, because the change happens slowly, the brain adjusts, and you may not realize how much hearing you’ve lost until others start pointing it out. That’s why ongoing exposure without consistent hearing protection poses such a significant risk for dockworkers and other maritime professionals.

OSHA Hearing Protection Requirements for Dockworkers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes the dangers of noise exposure and requires hearing conservation programs in workplaces where employees are exposed to an average of 85 decibels or higher over an eight-hour shift.

For dockworkers, this means employers should be monitoring noise levels, providing hearing protection devices, and offering annual hearing tests to track changes. Employers must also train workers on the proper use and care of hearing protection.

If you’re unsure whether your job site has a compliant program, it’s worth asking your supervisor or union representative. You have a right to a safe working environment, and that includes protection from noise-related injuries.

Best Hearing Protection for Dockworkers

The most effective hearing protection is the one you’ll wear consistently and correctly. Dockworkers often prefer options that allow clear communication while still reducing harmful noise.

Disposable or reusable earplugs are lightweight and easy to carry. Earmuffs provide a quick on-and-off option, ideal for workers moving between noisy and quieter areas. For those in high-noise environments throughout the day, custom-molded earplugs offer the best combination of comfort, protection, and clarity. Custom earplugs can even be made with filters that allow you to hear voices and warning signals while blocking damaging noise levels.

HearingLoss.com-Certified providers regularly fit workers with professional-grade hearing protection designed for industrial and high-noise environments. The right fit and consistent use can make the difference between short-term safety and long-term hearing preservation.

What to Do if You Suspect Hearing Loss

If you’re starting to wonder whether your hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be, the next step is simple: schedule a baseline hearing test. This test measures your current hearing ability and provides a benchmark for future comparisons. It’s one of the most powerful tools for early detection of occupational hearing loss.

A certified audiologist can help determine whether your symptoms are noise-related and explain your treatment options. If hearing loss is detected, addressing it early can slow progression and make a major difference in your quality of life.

Don’t wait until you’re struggling to hear your coworkers, friends, or family members. The sooner you get tested, the more options you have for protecting and preserving your hearing.

Hearing Loss Workers’ Compensation and Union Benefits

For many dockworkers, hearing loss may qualify as a work-related injury under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. This federal law covers maritime employees and longshoremen who experience hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure.

In addition, members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and other maritime unions often have access to specialized benefits for hearing evaluations, hearing aids, and related services. Through these programs, hearing care (including exams and treatment) is often provided at little or no out-of-pocket cost.

At South Bay Hearing, we work closely with ILWU and PMA Coastwise members to help them access these benefits. Our team handles the paperwork and guides patients through the process of obtaining approved hearing aids under their union plan. Many dockworkers are surprised to learn how much of their hearing care is already covered.

Checking Your Hearing Aid Insurance Coverage

If you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss and are considering hearing aids, it’s important to understand your insurance or union benefits. Many plans now include partial or full coverage for hearing devices, fittings, and follow-up care.

At South Bay Hearing, our office helps patients verify coverage before they begin treatment. We contact your insurance provider or union benefits representative to confirm your eligibility and outline any costs upfront. This ensures that you can make an informed decision without unexpected expenses later.

By taking advantage of your benefits, you can access modern hearing aid technology that fits your lifestyle, often with minimal financial burden.

Where to Get a Workplace Hearing Test

Not all hearing tests are the same. For dockworkers, it’s important to visit a provider who understands occupational noise exposure and follows recognized testing standards. Certified audiologists and hearing care professionals, such as those listed on HearingLoss.com, use advanced diagnostic tools to measure your hearing thresholds across different frequencies and identify patterns that indicate noise-induced hearing loss.

At South Bay Hearing, we offer comprehensive workplace hearing evaluations, including documentation for OSHA compliance and union benefits. These tests establish a baseline and track changes over time, helping you stay ahead of any potential hearing decline.

Quick Answers for Dockworkers

What noise levels are considered unsafe?

Any noise above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage over time. Many dock environments exceed 90 to 100 decibels regularly.

How long does it take to lose hearing from loud work?

Damage depends on both intensity and duration of exposure. Even short bursts of extremely loud sound can cause permanent harm.

Do earplugs really make a difference?

Yes. Consistent, proper use of hearing protection can prevent most occupational hearing loss.

Are hearing tests required for dockworkers?

OSHA requires annual hearing tests for employees exposed to high noise levels.

Can I get hearing aids through my union benefits?

Many ILWU and PMA Coastwise members qualify for hearing aids under their benefit plans. South Bay Hearing can assist with verification and fitting.

What if I already have hearing loss?

It’s never too late to take action. Hearing aids, custom protection, and rehabilitation programs can help restore clarity and prevent further damage.

Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Future

Hearing loss may be common among dockworkers, but it’s not inevitable. By paying attention to the early signs, wearing proper protection, and getting regular hearing checks, you can keep your hearing strong throughout your career and beyond.

Your hearing connects you to the people and moments that matter most, on the docks, at home, and everywhere in between. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse before taking action. Schedule a baseline hearing test with a certified provider through HearingLoss.com or visit South Bay Hearing in Torrance, CA to start protecting your hearing today.

Because the best safety gear isn’t just for your hands or your head — it’s for your ears, too.

How HearingLoss.com Can Help You Protect Your Hearing on the Job

HearingLoss.com connects you to certified providers, trusted resources, and expert guidance for preventing and treating hearing loss caused by loud work environments. Whether you spend your days on the docks, in shipyards, or around heavy equipment, certified providers can help you get a baseline hearing test, choose proper protection, and take action early to preserve your hearing for years to come.

Take a quick online hearing screener or find a certified provider near you to start protecting your hearing today. With the right care and protection, you can keep doing the work you love without sacrificing the sounds that matter most.

References

• Occupational Noise Exposure. (n.d.) U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/noise. Accessed Nov. 18, 2025.

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Founded in 2007, South Bay Hearing proudly serves Torrance, CA, and the surrounding South Bay communities with compassionate, expert hearing care. Having helped more than 30,000 patients restore their hearing clarity, our team offers advanced hearing aid technology, tinnitus treatment, and rehabilitation services tailored to each individual. As a trusted, community-focused practice, we’re honored to give back through local and global outreach programs, and we’d love the opportunity to help you rediscover the joy of hearing.