![db sound control db sound control](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/98c6c834-f28f-4a23-9852-5b740531d850_1.af3149fd89ff52d68532bde518a9d023.jpeg)
Several key terms describe the qualities of sound. In the workplace, sound that is intense enough to damage hearing is a hazard that must be addressed by employers. If the vibrations are too intense, over time the cilia can be damaged, causing hearing loss. The vibrations are converted into mechanical energy by the middle ear, subsequently moving tiny membranes across microscopic cilia (hair cells) in the inner ear, which in turn convert the sound waves into nerve impulses. When air molecules are set to vibrate, the ear perceives the variations in pressure as sound (OTM/Driscoll). Sound can travel through any elastic medium (e.g., air, water, wood, metal). Occupational noise can be any sound in any work environment.Ī textbook definition of sound is "a rapid variation of atmospheric pressure caused by some disturbance of the air." Sound propagates as a wave of positive pressure disturbances (compressions) and negative pressure disturbances (rarefactions), as shown in Figure 1. Following the main sections, the appendices provide a glossary of terms, sample calculations, and expanded discussion of certain topics introduced in the chapter.
![db sound control db sound control](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/f7070bfc-2bd6-4d9c-a6cf-162fa342dd59_1.cd4f67137b93f59e85ac65234139fac5.jpeg)
The final two sections provide references used to produce this chapter and resources for obtaining additional information. The fifth section provides a more detailed description of noise hazard abatement and control, including engineering and administrative controls, hearing protection, hearing conservation programs (HCPs), cost comparisons between noise hazard abatement options, and case studies. The fourth section offers investigative guidelines (including methods for preparing for an investigation) and outlines a strategy for conducting noise evaluations. The third section describes worksite noise evaluations, including noise measurement equipment, noise evaluation procedures, and noise sampling procedures. Following this introduction, the second section provides background information about noise and noise regulations and an overview of available noise controls. The chapter is divided into seven main sections.
![db sound control db sound control](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d7/c4/d7/d7c4d74205bbc4835656b9bb6be0f6fe.jpg)
The content is based on currently available research publications, OSHA standards, and consensus standards. This chapter provides technical information and guidance to help Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) evaluate noise hazards in the workplace. Exposure to high levels of noise may cause hearing loss, create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication, and contribute to accidents and injuries. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that 22 million workers in the United States are exposed to hazardous noise. Hazardous noise is one of the most common occupational hazards in American workplaces. The mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by OSHA or the U.S.