Hearing protection is required for exposures above which level?

• A. Greater than 70 decibels
• B. Greater than 84 decibels
• C. Greater than 90 decibels
• D. Greater than 100 decibels

Answer: (B)

Loud noise can permanently damage hearing, and safety rules set a point where protection must be worn. If the noise exposure exceeds 84 decibels, you must use hearing protection because, over a typical work shift, the risk of cumulative damage becomes significant. The decibel scale is logarithmic, so small increases represent much greater potential harm, and wearing protection helps keep actual exposure within safe limits. Lower levels around 70 dB generally allow longer exposure without protection, while much higher levels (90 dB and above) also require protection, but the trigger used here is 84 dB. In short, hearing protection is required when exposure goes above 84 decibels.