The dredge pump's roar gave me an ear problem that won't quit

Spent a decade on cutter suction rigs without proper ear gear, thought I was tough. That constant deep rumble from the pump house felt normal, like white noise. About six months back, I started missing what my crew was saying over the radio. Got checked, and the hearing test showed a dip in the frequencies where engine noise hits. Doc called it noise-induced hearing loss, and now I have this buzz in my left ear all the time. I wish I'd used decent muffs or plugs from the start, not just when it got super loud. Even on calm days, that machinery sound builds up. Tell your buddies on the barge to cover their ears, it sneaks up on you.

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3 Comments

gonzalez.anthony7mo ago

Seriously? That damage is for life.

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the_jenny7mo ago

Yeah but some hearing loss really is forever. That ringing can stick around for years, not just days. Docs have tests for a reason, it's not just guessing.

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gibson.sean7mo ago

Okay but is it really permanent though? I mean people get ringing ears after loud concerts and it goes away in a day or two. Maybe your ears just need a long break off the rig, like a real vacation. Seems like docs are quick to call everything a permanent condition these days. Could just be built up wax or fluid from the engine room humidity, idk. That test could have been off, or you were just tired that day.

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