Despite the introduction of standards for hearing protection,
reduction in occupational noise exposure in
developed countries, and extensive public health efforts,
hearing loss induced by exposure to occupational noise
remains a dilemma and is the focus of extensive research.
Noise-induced hearing is the most common occupational
disease in the USA: about 22 million US workers are
exposed to hazardous noise levels at work, and, annually,
an estimated US$242 million is spent on compensation
for hearing loss disability.
Many countries enforce general health and safety legislation
that specifies maximum exposure levels and requirements
for action, including noise assessments, regular