In the beauty industry, hearing health often takes a back seat to other occupational concerns. Yet salons are bustling environments where blow dryers, clippers, and other equipment hum, buzz, and roar throughout the day. This constant background noise, when combined with prolonged exposure to strong chemicals, can gradually erode hearing health.
This guide explores the risks of hearing loss in hairdressers, how and why it occurs, the early red flags, and proven strategies for reducing salon noise exposure while protecting your ears.
From the first appointment to the last, hairdressers are immersed in sound. Blow dryers whir, clippers buzz, and shavers vibrate — often at levels that seem manageable in the moment. But over hours, days, and years, this continuous exposure takes a toll. The damage builds slowly, often escaping notice until it has already become significant.
Everyday tools such as hairdryers and clippers may not feel overwhelmingly loud, but many produce 85–90 decibels — the threshold where hearing damage begins. Spending an entire shift in that acoustic environment without protective breaks or ear protection compounds the risk. The longer hairdressers remain exposed, the greater the chance of noise-induced hearing loss.
Noise is not the only culprit. Certain chemicals found in long-standing salon products can damage the delicate structures of the inner ear, a condition known as ototoxicity. Substances such as potassium bromate, sodium bromate, and thioglycolates — common in perm lotions and neutralizers — may impair the cochlea and auditory nerve. When combined with noise exposure, the risk of hearing loss is significantly amplified.
Hearing loss often creeps in unnoticed. At first, you may assume others are speaking too softly or that background chatter is making conversations difficult. But these subtle changes may be the first indicators of permanent damage. Look for signs such as:
Catching these symptoms early is crucial. Ignoring them can eventually interfere with your work, increase fatigue, and heighten stress levels.
The cumulative soundscape of salon equipment is deceptively harmful. Tools like dryers, clippers, and electric shavers often register 90–95 decibels — well above the 85 dB safety limit. Prolonged exposure at this level can lead to permanent hearing impairment, making it harder to communicate clearly with clients and colleagues.
Perm lotions and neutralizers containing bromates and thioglycolates present a quieter but equally insidious threat. These chemicals damage inner-ear cells, compounding the harm caused by high noise levels.
Since hearing loss is irreversible, prevention must be prioritized.
Even with noise control measures, personal hearing protection is essential:
Still, because communication is central to salon work, not every stylist feels comfortable wearing protection. The best choice is one that balances noise reduction with the ability to converse comfortably.
Thanks to technological advancements, helpful tools are now available for hairdressers with hearing loss. These devices support real-time communication and make daily conversations easier and more comfortable.
Modern technology offers invaluable support to those already living with hearing loss. These tools not only facilitate better communication but also make daily conversations more effortless and less stressful:
While technology is powerful, professional expertise remains indispensable. Audiologists and workplace health specialists can:
By combining expert guidance with technology, hairdressers can safeguard their hearing while continuing to excel in their craft.
Building a hearing-conscious salon doesn’t require sweeping changes. Often, it begins with small, thoughtful adjustments.
Salon owners play a pivotal role by:
Since listening and communicating are central to salon work, hearing health should remain an open and ongoing conversation. Encourage staff to voice concerns, normalize hearing checkups, and offer access to trusted clinics. When salons actively promote awareness, they cultivate a culture of respect, safety, and support.
And hearing health is just one dimension of inclusivity. A hearing-friendly salon is also an accessible salon — one that considers the comfort and needs of every client. Accessibility and hearing health go hand in hand, because both are about ensuring everyone can fully participate in the salon experience. Whether that means lowering background noise for stylists or adapting services for clients with different needs, the goal is the same: to create a truly welcoming space.
We explored this idea further in our blog on accessible haircuts, where Leighton shared his personal experience and offered practical tips for making salons more inclusive.
Hearing loss is a serious but preventable risk in the salon industry. Prolonged exposure to noisy tools and ototoxic chemicals can quietly erode hearing health. Yet, with intentional measures — from investing in quieter tools and redesigning the salon space to wearing protection and scheduling breaks — stylists can significantly lower their risk and create a more comfortable workplace.
If you notice early warning signs such as tinnitus or difficulty hearing clients, seek professional guidance immediately. With the right blend of prevention, technology, and awareness, hairdressers can sustain both their careers and their hearing health.
What are the earliest signs of hearing loss that hairdressers should notice?
Signs include asking clients to repeat themselves, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), struggling to hear in noisy settings, and frequently turning up device volumes.
How can hairdressers comfortably wear hearing protection all day?
Foam or silicone earplugs and lightweight canal caps are designed for daily wear. They block harmful noise while still allowing conversation with clients.
Are there regulations for noise control in hair salons?
There are no salon-specific laws, but general workplace safety guidelines apply. Noise should remain below 85 decibels. If levels exceed this, salon owners should act to reduce exposure.
Can hearing loss caused by salon noise be reversed?
Unfortunately, no. Once inner ear cells are damaged, they cannot regenerate. Early detection, however, can prevent further decline.
What assistive technologies are available for hairdressers with hearing loss?
Options include hearing aids, personal sound amplifiers, and captioning apps such as InnoCaption, which provides real-time captions during phone calls.
Minah Han is a marketing professional dedicated to advancing accessible communication solutions for the deaf and hard of hearing community. At InnoCaption, she leverages her expertise in digital marketing and storytelling to amplify the voices of individuals who rely on innovative technologies for everyday conversations. Minah is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and accessibility, helping to drive awareness and education around captioned calling solutions.
InnoCaption provides real-time captioning technology making phone calls easy and accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Offered at no cost to individuals with hearing loss because we are certified by the FCC. InnoCaption is the only mobile app that offers real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. The choice is yours.
InnoCaption proporciona tecnología de subtitulado en tiempo real que hace que las llamadas telefónicas sean fáciles y accesibles para la comunidad de personas sordas y con problemas de audición. Se ofrece sin coste alguno para las personas con pérdida auditiva porque estamos certificados por la FCC. InnoCaption es la única aplicación móvil que ofrece subtitulación en tiempo real de llamadas telefónicas mediante taquígrafos en directo y software de reconocimiento automático del habla. Usted elige.
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