According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), some 22 million U.S. workers are currently exposed to hazardous noise conditions. Excessive workplace noise is linked not only to hearing loss, but also to a host of other medical conditions, including cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart disease (CHD).
Industrial plants can be loud, acoustically harsh environments. The combination of high ceilings, reflective surfaces and the din from heavy machinery creates an optimal environment for reverberation and excessive noise. Besides being unhealthy, these conditions can hinder personnel communications, decreasing productivity and worker morale, creating a tough challenge for facility managers.