As Noise Induced Hearing loss (NIHL) is a permanent and irreversible condition, prevention is critical. Noise exposure should be regulated carefully by following the maximum allowable daily noise exposure or permissible exposure limit (PEL). For an 8-hour workday, OSHA regulations require employers to use engineering controls when exposures exceed 90 dBA, and administrative controls, such as hearing protection and annual hearing monitoring, when exposures exceed 85 dBA. For exposures longer or shorter than 8 hours, the PEL is increased or decreased by 5 dB for each halving or doubling of sound exposure, respectively.
References: Priya JS, Hohman MH. Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss. [Updated 2023 Aug 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594247/