New IGS Course: Noise Exposure & Hearing Health for Groomers
- Nathalie Ariey-Jouglard
- May 2
- 4 min read
Protecting hearing is part of protecting the future of grooming
Grooming salons are full of sound. Dryers, clippers, barking dogs, water systems, conversations, movement, and long working days all create an environment where noise becomes part of the daily routine.
Because this noise is so familiar, many grooming professionals stop noticing it. Yet the body may still be reacting.
Ringing in the ears after a noisy day, muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech in background noise, or listening fatigue are not signs to ignore. They may be early warning signs that the auditory system has already been overstressed.
This is why the International Grooming Society, through the Global Groomer Health Initiative, is launching a new course:
This course has been created to help grooming professionals better understand noise exposure, recognise early warning signs, and take practical action before hearing damage becomes permanent.
Why hearing health matters in grooming
Hearing health is often overlooked in the grooming profession.
Most groomers are very aware of back pain, shoulder tension, wrist strain, cuts, bites, skin irritation, or respiratory exposure. These risks are visible and often immediate. Hearing strain, however, can develop more quietly.
A groomer may finish the day feeling tired, overwhelmed, or mentally drained without realising that part of this fatigue may be linked to continuous sound exposure.
In a grooming salon, the auditory system is constantly working. It has to process machine noise, animal sounds, human voices, sudden barking, and background activity. Over time, this can create a heavy sensory load.
Protecting hearing is not only about preventing hearing loss. It is also about reducing fatigue, improving comfort, supporting concentration, and helping professionals work in healthier conditions.
Warning signs groomers should not ignore
Some signs may appear after a particularly noisy day or during periods of intense salon activity.
These may include:
Ringing after work
A temporary ringing or buzzing sound after a noisy day can be a sign that the auditory system has been exposed to excessive stress.
Muffled hearing
Sounds may feel less clear after drying, grooming several dogs, or working in a busy salon environment.
Difficulty understanding speech in background noise
A groomer may hear that someone is speaking but struggle to clearly understand the words when dryers, barking, or other background noise are present.
Listening fatigue
At the end of the day, the professional may feel mentally exhausted from constantly listening, concentrating, and filtering sound.
These signs do not automatically mean that permanent damage has occurred, but they should be taken seriously. They are signals that the body needs attention, prevention, and better working habits.
If symptoms are frequent, persistent, or worrying, professionals should seek advice from a qualified hearing health specialist.
About the new course
The course Noise Exposure & Hearing Health for Groomers has been designed specifically for grooming professionals.
It explains the risks of noise exposure in a clear, accessible, and practical way. The goal is not to create fear, but to build awareness and give groomers tools they can actually use in real salon conditions.
The course helps professionals understand:
how daily noise exposure can affect hearing;
why early warning signs matter;
what listening fatigue means;
how noise can affect comfort and concentration;
why prevention should start early;
how simple changes can support better hearing protection.
This course is part of the IGS commitment to professional health, education, prevention, and long-term career sustainability.
A practical course for real grooming environments
The grooming profession needs health education that reflects the reality of daily salon work.
Many groomers work with several dogs per day, often in spaces where dryers, barking, equipment, and conversations happen at the same time. In some salons, professionals may be exposed to high sound levels repeatedly, day after day.
The aim of this course is to help groomers become more conscious of their sound environment and make informed decisions.
Prevention does not always require complicated solutions. Sometimes, the first step is simply learning to recognise risk, observe warning signs, and introduce small protective habits before problems become more serious.
Price and access
The course is available at:
€20 for non-members
Free for IGS members
This reflects the IGS mission to make essential professional health education accessible to groomers while encouraging membership and long-term participation in the Global Groomer Health Initiative.
IGS members can access the course as part of their member benefits.
Schools & Trainers Tools Pack available
In addition to the course, a dedicated Schools & Trainers Tools Pack is also available.
This pack has been created to help grooming schools, trainers, and education partners introduce hearing health into professional training.
It includes ready-to-use resources designed to raise awareness, support teaching, and encourage safer habits from the beginning of a groomer’s career.
The tools pack can help schools and trainers:
introduce hearing health as part of professional education;
explain warning signs in a simple and visual way;
encourage prevention before damage occurs;
support students and professionals with practical resources;
promote a culture of health and safety in grooming education.
Hearing protection should not be treated as an afterthought. It should become part of the professional mindset from the start.
Part of the Global Groomer Health Initiative
This course is part of the wider work of the Global Groomer Health Initiative, led by the International Grooming Society.
The GGHI aims to bring more awareness, education, and prevention into the grooming profession by addressing real occupational risks faced by groomers around the world.
Noise exposure is one of these risks.
By creating practical courses and educational tools, the IGS wants to help professionals protect their health, extend their careers, and work in conditions that respect both animal welfare and human wellbeing.
A healthier profession begins with better awareness.
Protect hearing before damage becomes permanent
Groomers dedicate their energy, skill, and attention to the animals in their care every day. But professional care must also include self-protection.
Hearing health matters.
Ringing, muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech in noise, and listening fatigue should not be dismissed as “normal” parts of the job.
They are signs worth listening to.
The new IGS course Noise Exposure & Hearing Health for Groomers gives professionals the knowledge they need to understand the risk and act early.
Because protecting hearing means protecting comfort, focus, safety, and the future of a grooming career.
Join the course today:
€20 for non-membersFree for IGS members
Schools, trainers, and education partners can also access the Schools & Trainers Tools Pack to support hearing health education in grooming training.
Protect hearing before damage becomes permanent.
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