Who do you think suffers from noise more, a teacher or a bulldozer operator? Well, personally I’d rather listen to a bulldozer all day than screaming children, but I didn’t really think teaching would be listed as the noisiest job.

Apparently, I was wrong. In one study, 70% of teachers claimed they were disturbed by schoolhouse noise whereas only 60% of employees in the lumber and mechanics industries claimed to be bothered by the noise.

The study is a bit misleading, however, as this would make it sound as though teachers have a greater chance of suffering hearing loss than someone constantly exposed to loud machines and chainsaws. They aren’t.

Hearing damage can occur with one really loud sound or by constant exposure to noise over 85 decibels. Clearly, a classroom of noisy children could reach these levels, but unless the teacher doesn’t have any control at all, the noise isn’t constant. Employees who use power equipment all day are far more likely to suffer hearing damage if they do not wear proper work earplugs.

However, this is not to say that the noise teachers are exposed to doesn’t cause other health issues. Noise pollution is stressful and stress leads to illness, so wearing earplugs while teaching may be wise. Moldex Mellows earplugs can block some noise while still allowing the teacher to hear what’s going on in the classroom.

And what of the children? Studies have proven that children perform better on tests in a quiet environment. It may be a good idea to get children used to wearing children’s earplugs while studying. This may just improve their grades. As well, creating classrooms with acoustics in mind is also important.

Well, just one more reason why I didn’t choose teaching as a career. I love my children, but I know when Monday morning rolls around and the kids are at school, the first thing I do is shut off every television and enjoy the peace while I have my breakfast!