Page "Personal protective equipment" Paragraph 18

Industrial noise is often overlooked as an occupational hazard, as it is not visible to the eye.

Overall, about 22 millions workers in the United States are exposed to potentially damaging noise levels each year.

Occupational hearing loss accounted for 14 % of all occupational illnesses in 2007, with about 23, 000 cases significant enough to cause permanent hearing impairment.

About 82 % of occupational hearing loss cases occurred to workers in the manufacturing sector.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration establishes occupational noise exposure standards.

NIOSH recommends that worker exposures to noise be reduced to a level equivalent to 85 dBA for eight hours to reduce occupational noise induced hearing loss.