Did you know that half of all employees are bothered by noise in the workplace? And that one in three develops symptoms as a result?

 

According to the Dutch NVAB (Netherlands Society of Occupational Medicine) report ‘Tired of Noise’, 10% of employees are already experiencing early-stage hearing loss. This shows that early detection is important to prevent further problems.

 

Noise helps us communicate, warns us of danger and allows us to enjoy music and conversations. But disruptive noise drains our energy, reduces concentration and can lead to stress. This is especially true when hearing loss begins to develop; listening becomes more demanding and tiring.

 

You’ll probably recognise this: after a whole day at the office, surrounded by the noise of chatting colleagues, humming machines and ringing telephones, you come home feeling tired

The power of a healthy sound environment

The report shows that investing in a good acoustic environment and the early detection of hearing problems not only protects hearing, but also enhances employees’ job satisfaction, vitality and well-being. It is therefore about being able to live, work and enjoy life better, day in, day out.

For over 40 years, we have been passionately committed to improving hearing. Good hearing is not just about safety, but also about vitality, connection and job satisfaction. A healthy workplace starts with good hearing and listening to one another, as well as to the signals our bodies give us.

Read the full NVAB report: Hoe hoort het op de werkvloer? ("How Hearing Works in the Workplace")

NVAB Factsheet: Workplace Etiquette 2025

Would you like to boost job satisfaction and vitality within your organisation?

Source: NVAB (2025). Tired of Noise: How Noise and Hearing Affect Vitality at Work. Report submitted to the Directorate for Healthy and Safe Working Conditions of the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. Link to factsheet and full report.