WHY IT MATTERS

Noise is a common hazard in municipal and construction work. Repeated or prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss, even when damage is not immediately noticeable. Hearing loss is cumulative, irreversible, and often affects the ability to understand speech before it is obvious to the worker. Employers are required to control noise exposure using engineering and administrative measures first and personal protective equipment when those controls are not sufficient.

UNDERSTANDING NOISE LEVELS

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). As noise levels increase, the risk of hearing damage rises quickly.

Common examples include:

• Normal conversation: about 60 dB

• Heavy traffic or loud restaurants: about 80 dB

• Welding operations: about 95 dB

• Circular saws or hammering on metal: about 100 dB

• Heavy machinery: 105 dB or higher

• Jackhammers: about 110 dB

• Nail guns or sirens: about 120 dB

Sounds above 85 dB can damage hearing over time, while very loud noises above 115 dB can cause damage in seconds.

HOW NOISE AFFECTS HEARING

Hearing loss occurs gradually and often goes unnoticed until communication becomes difficult.

• Mild loss can make soft speech hard to hear, especially in noisy areas.

• Moderate loss makes conversation difficult even in quiet settings.

• Severe or profound loss can make most speech inaudible, even with amplification.

Because hearing damage cannot be reversed, prevention is critical.

CONTROLLING NOISE EXPOSURE

Noise should be reduced at the source whenever possible.

Engineering and administrative controls include:

• Using quieter equipment

• Enclosing or shielding noisy machinery

• Maintaining equipment to reduce vibration and wear

• Installing mufflers or sound-dampening materials

• Rotating employees to limit exposure time

WHEN HEARIING EQUIPMENT IS REQUIRED 

Hearing protection must be addressed when noise reaches certain levels:

• At or above 85 dB over an eight-hour workday, employers must implement a hearing conservation program and make hearing protection available.

• At higher noise levels, especially above 90 dB, hearing protection must be worn if other controls do not reduce exposure.

Acceptable protection includes earplugs, earmuffs, or properly fitted custom devices. Employees must be trained on correct use, and equipment must be maintained and replaced as needed.

TAKE ACTION

Hearing protection is not optional. High noise levels can cause permanent hearing damage in minutes or even seconds. Reducing noise exposure and using proper protection preserves hearing, improves communication, and keeps workers safe on the job.