There are a number of possible explanations for the observed
decrease in excessive noise levels. By receiving daily feedback about
their daily noise ‘ dose ’ , workers can respond by taking steps to use
their hearing protection more effectively. This may involve wearing
the hearing protection devices more consistently (for example, not
removing the device to communicate in noise), and also ensuring that
the hearing protector is correctly seated in the ear canal. Workers
can also reduce noise exposure through avoidance of noise sources
or reducing the amount of time they spend doing noisy job tasks.
Another way they might reduce exposures is to bring an excessive
noise source to the attention of supervisors or other responsible plant personnel so that noise-engineering controls can be implemented and
the noise source controlled.