Progress in assessing and limiting occupational noise exposures in the United States

Abstract

Occupational noise exposures in the United States (US) have resulted in a substantial occupational health burden on US workers. Despite the presence of regulations mandating exposure assessment and hearing loss prevention measures for highly-exposed workers, the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss continues to be high. However, several recent efforts may result in progress in reducing exposures to, and health impacts from, occupational noise. First, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has recently proposed revisions to the organization’s Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for Audible Sound, formerly referred to as noise. The proposed revised TLV includes updated documentation as well as notes related to non-auditory health effects of noise (including cardiovascular disease and injuries), which have not previously been considered in an occupational noise exposure limit. Second, a measurement-based national Job Exposure Matrix for Occupational Noise in the US and Canada has been developed at the University of Michigan and is now publicly available (noisejem.sph.umich.edu). This resource represents a useful tool for better understanding exposures to noise by job and industry. These two efforts, along with others, represent important progress in enhancing occupational health by protecting workers from the adverse health effects of noise.