Noise & Hearing Loss

The Daily Occupational Sound Exposure (DOSE) Study

Project Director: Linda Cantley, PT

Project Staff: Deron Galusha, Biostatistician

Hearing loss due to noise exposure continues to be one of the most common occupational health problems. Despite the implementation of OSHA-compliant hearing conservation programs in 1983, there is evidence that conventional hearing protectors may not provide adequate protection for many individuals. The DOSE study is currently evaluating whether or not individuals who are able to get daily feedback about their noise exposures have less hearing loss as a result of being able to accurately adjust their use of hearing protection. This feedback will be provided through the use of an Exposure Smart Protector (ESP), a cutting edge noise dosimeter that continuously measures a worker's true noise dose through a microphone that is incorporated into their hearing protection.