By Katie Koebel

After wrapping up the kitchen for the night, restaurant workers are tired. As they prepare to head home, they may still feel the effects of their shift, such as a constant ringing in their ears. This is known as tinnitus. Restaurant staff are at a higher risk for this condition, as they work in noisy environments, such as loud kitchens and crowded dining areas, for extended periods, resulting in prolonged noise exposure.

The impact of tinnitus on restaurant workers

Tinnitus doesn’t only cause ringing in the ears. It can be connected to various physical and mental health effects, including:

• This can trigger tinnitus and often worsen it.
• Sleep disturbances. Tinnitus may contribute to insomnia or make it more challenging to fall asleep, resulting in fatigue.
• Difficulty concentrating. Many people living with tinnitus find it hard to focus on tasks and conversations, impacting various aspects of their daily life.
• Potential long-term hearing damage. Tinnitus can cause communication difficulties. Tinnitus can make following conversations difficult, resulting in communication breakdowns. For restaurant workers, tinnitus may not be a temporary problem. It can result in reduced job performance due to the inability to hear orders or communicate effectively with coworkers in the kitchen.

Over time, tinnitus may contribute to burnout, leading staff to need to leave the industry entirely, as continuing to work in a loud space exacerbates tinnitus symptoms.

Noise levels in restaurants

In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) states that the noise level in most Canadian workplaces cannot exceed 85 dBA for an eight-hour shift.

A WorkSafeBC report notes that hospitality workers, including those in the food service industry, are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. While food service establishments aren’t typically as loud as construction or manufacturing industries, restaurant staff are still at risk if they are constantly exposed to noise over 85 dBA without wearing hearing protection.

Common causes of tinnitus in restaurants

Whether it’s a pub, local eatery, or an expansive venue, all restaurants can quickly become noisy environments. Kitchens can be crowded with chefs, dining areas packed with patrons, and staff are contending with noises like:

• Clattering dishes crashing into the bus bins
• Loud conversations reverberating off tiled walls
• Beeping appliances signalling orders ready for pick-up
• Hissing steam from stovetops and espresso machines
• The hum of refrigeration units and ventilation fans
• Occasional shouted orders cutting through the din

Lack of hearing protection

Lack of hearing protection while exposure to loud environments for a prolonged time can be a contributing factor to tinnitus. Unlike the farming or construction industries, it’s uncommon for restaurant workers to wear hearing protection, such as earplugs. Many people think the space they work in isn’t that loud, and that wearing hearing protection could cause discomfort or even risk food contamination.

Related causes of tinnitus

As impactful as over-exposure to loud noise can have on tinnitus, other factors that could worsen it include:

• Fatigue and shift work
• Stress and exhaustion
• Ear infection
• Head or neck injuries
• Medications

Prevention and protection strategies

Tinnitus doesn’t have to be a reality for all restaurant workers. There are many ways that employers and employees themselves can prevent this condition and protect their hearing while at work.

For employees:

• Use high-fidelity earplugs: These earplugs are specifically designed to reduce overall sound levels while maintaining the clarity and quality of sound, providing a more natural listening experience.
• Take quiet breaks: Restaurant workers should have the opportunity to distance themselves from the noisy environment during breaks. This can help mitigate noise exposure and reduce the risk of worsening tinnitus.

For employers:

• Conduct noise assessments in the workplace: Monitor volume levels using a sound meter tool (available on mobile devices as an app or as a physical device).
• Offer protection: Provide staff with hearing protection measures, including earplugs and a quiet break room.
• Implement noise-reduction measures: Consider adding acoustic panels or quieter equipment (Grills that don’t sizzle as loudly, quieter dishwashers, and fridges that don’t hum as much).
• Advocacy and awareness: Train staff in the risks associated with tinnitus and encourage open discussions about hearing health in the workplace.

Managing tinnitus: tips for affected workers

While tinnitus isn’t necessarily a disease that can be cured, there are ways to reduce the symptoms:

• Seek professional help: Medical professionals, such as hearing care professionals or ENT specialists, can develop a personalized treatment plan. This could include hearing aids, sound therapy, or cognitive behavioural therapy.
• Sound therapy: White noise machines or apps can help reduce ringing noise through two primary methods: masking (covering up the tinnitus with background noise) or habituation (training the brain to become less sensitive to the sound).
• Stress management: Reducing stress, a common cause of tinnitus, can provide relief and mitigate its effects. This can be achieved by reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, as well as practicing deep breathing and mindfulness techniques.
• Support groups: Online communities for tinnitus sufferers can offer actionable tips and support. Support groups for Tinnitus can be found at the Canadian Academy of Audiology or Balance & Dizziness Canada.

Protect your hearing today

Tinnitus is more than just an annoyance; it’s a serious health concern for Canada’s restaurant workers. From the relentless noise of the kitchen to the exhaustion of long shifts, the foodservice industry poses unique risks to hearing health. Luckily, prevention is possible through the use of high-fidelity earplugs, taking quiet breaks, and advocating for noise-reduction measures, allowing workers to safeguard their hearing. Employers also play a crucial role, conducting noise assessments, providing protective gear, and promoting a culture of hearing health awareness.

If you’re already experiencing tinnitus, don’t ignore it. Seek professional help, explore sound therapy, and prioritize stress management. The sounds of a bustling kitchen should be part of your passion, not a threat to your well-being. Protect your hearing today, so you can keep thriving in the industry you love.

Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc, Reg. CASLPO M.Cl.Sc., is the Senior Manager of Audiology at HearingLife, Canada’s largest group of hearing centres with over 350 locations across the country. HearingLife clinics use the most advanced hearing aid technology, clinical support, and diagnostic equipment. Katie is an Audiologist registered with CASLPO and has been providing her clients with the best possible hearing healthcare through HearingLife for over 17 years.

If you’re at high risk of hearing damage, it is advisable to have your hearing checked regularly and advocate for proper hearing protection in your workplace. For more information on different types of hearing loss and education resources, you can visit HearingLife online or at one of our locations across Canada.