What are some signs that an employee might be at risk for hearing damage?

Frequent complaints of muffled sounds are indeed a significant indicator that an employee may be at risk for hearing damage. This symptom is often associated with early signs of hearing loss, which can result from prolonged exposure to high noise levels in the workplace. When individuals experience muffled sounds, it suggests that their auditory system may not be processing sounds as clearly as it should be, indicating potential damage or stress on their hearing ability.

Other options provide insights but do not directly correlate with the risk of hearing damage. For example, enjoyment of loud music may suggest a tendency to expose oneself to harmful sound levels, but it does not serve as a direct sign of existing auditory risk or damage. Similarly, an increase in social activities or improvement in verbal communication may reflect positive changes in behavior or skills rather than any indication of hearing challenges. Therefore, the perception of muffled sounds stands out as a clear warning sign that should prompt further evaluation of hearing health.