Hearing loss is a growing problem

Excess workplace noise causes 40 percent of the hearing problems reported in China, according to the country's Occupational Safety and Health Association.

Speaking at the Workplace Noise Harm and Hearing Protection Summit in Beijing, the association's Director-General Wang Dexue said deafness caused by occupational noise needs to be addressed urgently by the government, employers and society.

The event was co-organized by the association and 3M Co.