What should be the primary method for reducing noise exposures?

Using engineering controls is considered the primary method for reducing noise exposures because it focuses on modifying or eliminating the noise at its source or reducing exposure through physical changes to the environment. This can include installing sound barriers, using quieter machinery, maintaining equipment properly to minimize noise, or utilizing acoustic treatments in the workplace to absorb sound. By addressing the problem at the source, engineering controls can provide a more effective and lasting solution to noise hazards, reducing the risk of hearing loss among individuals who may be exposed to high noise levels.

While personal protective equipment and administrative controls can play important roles in noise management, they are typically seen as supplementary approaches. Personal protective equipment, such as earplugs or earmuffs, helps to protect individuals after the noise hazard exists, but it does not eliminate the noise source itself. Administrative controls involve changing the way work is done, such as implementing rotating shifts to limit individual exposure time; however, they do not inherently reduce the noise level. Informational signage may help raise awareness of noise hazards but does not actively contribute to reducing exposure. Thus, engineering controls are the most effective means of noise reduction in an audiological context.