Under what condition is hearing protection required?

Hearing protection is required when noise levels could induce hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to high decibel levels. The concept is based on the understanding that certain noise levels can cause irreversible damage to the auditory system, leading to permanent hearing loss. Regulations often specify permissible exposure limits to sound, and when these limits are exceeded, appropriate hearing protective equipment must be used to mitigate the risk of hearing impairment. This requirement aims to protect workers in environments where noise can be a significant health hazard, thus ensuring their long-term auditory health and safety.

While working near water, using hand tools, or working outdoors can present various risks, they do not inherently make hearing protection necessary unless associated with excessive noise levels.