Rapid advancements in technology are changing the methods and tools for protecting workers’ hearing. Smartphone apps, low-cost sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing/modeling and data mining are changing the way we work and the way we live - impacting our personal and professional lives.
In addition to traditional commercial new product development, there is growing involvement by government agencies and the military to help stimulate and support research to bring better tools to practitioners entrusted with worker safety and health outcomes. Examples of this are the creation of NIOSH’s Center for Direct Reading and Sensor Technologies and OSHA’s recent “Hear and Now - Noise Safety Challenge” competition.