In the United States it is estimated that more
than 30 million workers are exposed to harmful levels of
noise on the job. When engineering or administrative controls
cannot be used to reduce noise, workers should always
use hearing protection devices (HPDs) when exposed to
loud noise to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Previous research has shown that workers do not always
use HPDs when required; therefore, it is essential that workers
assume personal responsibility for preventing NIHL by
increasing their use of HPDs.