How Important Are Noise Levels?

First I have to say that any plant without hearing protection requirements is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I've worked a number of places where you would simply be thrown off the property for not having eye and ear protection, a hard hat, and steel toed shoes.

However, for those who really like to put the tiger's tail, there are ear plugs made which reduce much noise perhaps 10-12 dB and leave voice almost unblocked. I don't remember the manufacturer, but I have a pair and they work well enough for things like power tools and concerts. Many audiologists sell them (about $10 a pair).

I would suggest the ZEM by Sensgard (www.sensgard.com). Reduces loud noise to a safe level but you can have a close conversation without the need to remove your hearing protection.

OSHA requires hearing protection for extended exposure to noise over a certain level.

A plant tour usually wouldn't require hearing protection because the potential for damage isn't very great due to the limited exposure time.

David Clark, Bose and others offer active noise canceling headsets that cancel out periodic noise, such as that found on the factory floor, while still allowing normal conversation. But, they are relatively bulky, expensive and require some power input.

These active electronic units also enhance the quality of music played through them.

Went to a site (automotive metal stamping) around 10 years ago. They gave everyone hearing protection that had inbuilt radio receivers so that you could listen to the tour guide's commentary while still wearing the protection.

They had to limit tour groups to around 12 because of the number of available headsets.

From memory it was the TOYOTA stamping plant, but it might have been one of their subcontractors.

We all agreed that the idea was fantastic. If there was a need to run guided tours in such an environment, I would definately investigate possible sources of such gear, even if it had to be custom made (Modified from a set of stage performance foldback headphones.).

Sound and noise- Both important. Source and distribution management of sound and noise are important and affect human beings in many ways:i.e. aircraft, boat, car ,train travelers: Sound and noise levels are direct contributors to fatigue in their daily lives. For those living adjacent to a Wind Farm, may experience undertones, low frequency sound waves ( both constructive and destructive standing sound waves) that may affect individual perception and alleged physiological reactions ( as stated by some EU studies). For those living close to the approach and departure patterns of an airport, may also object to sound and noise generated by Class I , II and III aircraft. For those in an office environment or even at home, the sound generated by IT equipment and or by home appliances such as the dishwasher, wash machine or refrigerators, may find sound source and noise objectionable and distracting. For those working in a factory, the same may apply when working around assembly lines. For those working on Jet Engine Tests Stands, same apply Exposure to 80 dB- 110 dB WILL CAUSE damage. Extended exposure to 50dB and higher over 8 hours is not a good thing and can harm you. For those use the latest on cell phones and IPODS, MP3 et all.... have your ears checked by an audiologist and watch yourself. For those in recording studio and the rest of the previously described conditions: Bi-directionalsound source and it distribution, sound quality mean a great deal, the difference between a great or not so great sound experience. Much can be said and much can be done. Sound is a definite variable to consider when designing products, a must when considering your well being.

Some of us use empirical analysis and simulations before testing the prototype to provide acoustical solutions to products ranging from aircrafts to boats, to IT equipment to cars, to motorcycles to airports, to homes, appliances, motors, pumps, robots, airfoils, turbines, compressors just to name a few.

Overall, sound will make you tired and or very relaxed, it will upset you or not and will make a difference in knowing whether your engine just "blew a piston or not".

We tend to take hearing fro granted. Please, for your own sake.. do pay attention to it. Take of care of your ears and that of others.For those driving cars with SUPER SOUND SYSTEMS... do yourself and others a favor

Be kind to your ears....'cause you can't replace them.

One short note abour OSHA: Good place to start but by far...it is way behind in Acoustics Standards. Do not wait for a government regulator to come up in your defense up front.

If you feel that sound is not important....talk to the boys and girls working in an aircraft carrier... they'll tell you !

Regards to all