Final answer:
To prevent hearing loss in work environments, both earplugs and earmuffs should be used when the noise level exceeds 85 dB for 8-hour daily exposures. Exposure to 80 dB and above without protection can damage hearing over time. Proper ear protection is essential, especially when noise levels are extremely high.
Step-by-step explanation:
To Prevent Hearing Loss in Noisy Work Environments
To ensure the prevention of hearing loss, it is recommended by several government agencies and health-related professional associations that both earplugs and earmuffs should be worn in work environments where the noise action level exceeds 85 decibels (dB) for 8-hour daily exposures. It is important to note that exposure to noise levels above 85 dB can potentially lead to hearing damage, especially when the exposure is prolonged without adequate hearing protection. Therefore, the use of earplugs and earmuffs in noisy work environments serves as a critical safety measure to protect one's hearing health.
Exposure to sound intensities of 80 dB and above may damage hearing over time. In work environments, one strategy to prevent such damage involves using ear protection devices. Aside from these personal protective equipments, workers can also limit their exposure time and maintain a greater distance from noise sources as additional protective measures.
In situations where the noise intensity exceeds the threshold of pain, which is the case for sounds reaching around 120 dB and higher, immediate damage to hearing can occur. Hence, in such dangerous noise environments, adequate hearing protection becomes even more vital.