OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PROTECT YOUR HEARING MONTH AND THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR IS FOCUSING ON SAFETY AT WORK.

HEARING LOSS CAN OCCUR AT ANY AGE, AND THOSE CONSTANTLY EXPOSED TO HIGH DECIBEL SOUNDS ON THE JOB ARE AT PARTICULAR RISK SAYS THE AGENCY'S HAP HILEMAN.

HILEMAN. EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE SURE WORKERS IN THAT SORT OF ENVIRONMENT HAVE HEARING PROTECTION.

HILEMAN REMINDS THAT WHILE HEARING AIDS ARE HELPFUL, THE DAMAGE IS PERMANENT. OFFICIALS RECOMMEND TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU'RE CONCERNED ABOUT HEARING LOSS.