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PPE: HEARING PROTECTION c s c u c e u n b e u r n b e i u r a r , o a r t i u t i n o o s e a s e a s e d f s e d f p p o o m m p p n c a n c a r r m mu o o n n u d h d h o o v v n n r o c r o c e d f e d f n b e i n b e i i ic ca i i at n n o o t i c u c u t a t a r t h r t h i o on d d p a p a n. t a f u t a f u e e e w e w .W n n t i t i t i t i Wh o o fi fi n n o o hi r r e d b e d b t t a l n a l n i l k k l u u e e t p p r r e w h e w h l a l a th o o y t h y t h h c c i i e e s e p s e p e e . A . A s se e r e r ei e e r r i e a e a r r c c n nn o o c c e q e q e e no t t Agency (EPA) labeling. We’re witnessing the rise of new and sophisticated hearing protection equipment. Headphones with built-in noise-cancel- ling microphones and speakers that allow workers to commu- nicate without temporarily removing an earmuff or otherwise momentarily compromising their safety. Personal or area noise monitoring devices that monitor and analyze noise levels in real- time, providing information to workers allowing them to adjust protection and transmitting vital information to safety monitor- ing systems. Imagine a connected workspace where noise expo- sure data fuels predictive analytics, identifying high-risk areas and triggering preventative measures before damage occurs. The wearable revolution extends beyond the ears. Even popu- lar devices like the Apple Watch are now equipped with noise ex- posure alerts, empowering individuals to actively monitor their sound environment and make informed decisions about their hearing health. This democratization of noise monitoring gives workers agency, fostering a culture of proactive self-protection. It also helps integrate hearing protection into popular culture, be- yond just the workforce. e c t i e c t i p p u u ov c t i c t i t a t a i i v r r a at v v b b e d E e d E o o t i e h e h l l io n n e w e w on , a , a n e a e a s s a t t h t t h o o n n r i r i r r v i v i ar k k r r re n n p p e g o o g p g p i i s t i s t i l a l a n n gr c c m m r r r e h e h e ea o o m m e e at t t n n tf e c t i e c t i e t h e t h e a e a t a l P t a l P fo or r i r i r p o o e y a e n e y e n n n p e n a n c a g p o g o r r o o e a t p - t t r s- rs o e c t i e c t i on n b e n rrevers- t t n e c e c a a l o o o o l m v viously t i ften go- m e e a Th -raising Th s u e e r s se e e t s a te ec r c e e h hn n m o o l l p o o og gi w i c ca e al r i l a n a g a d dv v n a an n d i c c e e m m m p o e e n n r t a t ts sa n a t b e c a t b e c a n nd d a aw wa u u s e a s e a ar r e e n ne s p s p es ss e a s u r e s a r e e m p o w e r i n g a n d i m p o r t a n r r n r o o t t e d e d , h , h e a e a r i r i n n g l g l o o s s s c a s c a n h n h a a p p p e p e n o n o v v e e r t i r t i m m e e , a , a n n d i d i t c a t c a n b e i - s tive equipment, training, and other safety measures. Navigating the intricacies of workplace noise monitoring and hearing protection demands a multifaceted approach. Beyond adhering to OSHA standards, it involves a comprehensive grasp of the variability in noise exposure, reliance on updated voluntary standards, and embracing technological advancements. Overlooking the importance of hearing protection goes be- yond a simple safety oversight; a risk can affect an employee’s overall well-being. Continuous exposure to high noise levels can result in hearing impairments, ongoing tinnitus (a persis- tent ringing in the ears), and cognitive decline. Opting for hear- ing protection isn’t merely checking a box; it’s a proactive stance against a preventable, yet potentially life-altering, threat. Tom Burgess, MS, CSP, CIH, serves as Technical Leader, Indus- trial Hygiene and Safety for T&M Associates, a leading national consulting, environmental, engineering, technical services, and con- struction management company. i ft b b l l e e . U . U n l n l i k i k e a f r e a f r a a c t c t u u r r e d b o e d b o n n e e , h , h e a e a r i r i n n g l g l o o s s s h s h e a l e a l s s s s i l i l e e n n t l t l y y , o n s lies on employers, safety professionals, and even workers to comprehend the complexities of noise exposure and embrace personal protec- i i u n n g u g u n n n n o o t i t i c c e d u e d u n n t i l s t i l s i i g n g n i i fi fi c a c a n n t d a t d am ma ge i ag e i s d s d o o n n e e . Th . Th e o e o n n Partner with industry-leading experts to address all your electrical safety service and training needs. 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