Beyond the Factory Floor: Noise Monitoring
How noise monitoring is not just for industrial settings, exploring the growing relevance and need for noise dosimeters in warehouses, offices, call centers, entertainment and more.
- By Tim Turney
- Sep 08, 2025
The dangers of excessive workplace noise exposure on workers in industrial settings is clear but as the world gets louder, employees in other professions are becoming more at risk of noise related illnesses. Employees in offices, call centers, entertainment venues and other settings are experiencing moderate chronic noise exposure that can impact performance and wellbeing, making personal monitoring a valuable tool for modern workplaces.
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is generally a result of either an extremely loud ‘impact’ (impulse) noise, or longer-term exposure to loud noise that causes irreparable damage to the structures of the inner ear over the period of a person’s working life. It is estimated that up to 40 million adults in the US suffer from permanent hearing loss in one or both ears.1 The attitude to safeguarding individuals hearing is shifting, especially among the younger generation, that tend to have a heightened awareness of the impact of untreated hearing loss. As this continues, health and safety professionals will find further opportunity away from factories and facilities.2
High levels of constant noise have also been linked to other physical stresses such as cardiovascular issues and heightened chances of strokes and developing diabetes. The psychological and physical benefits for employees that have ongoing noise monitoring solutions in the workplace can result in a more efficient, content workplace.
The Law
Regardless of the industry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) governs the ways in which employers must control noise in the workplace at a federal level. Failure to comply with OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), noise health monitoring programs and other stipulations can result in fines and other penalties. The PEL for occupational noise is 90 dBA TWA.
The main legislation for the control of noise at work is the 29 CFR 1910.95. This piece of legislation states that employers must perform a risk assessment to quantify exposure if the level of sound exposure is at or above 85dBA TWA. Simply put, when noise levels reach 85 decibels (dB) over an eight-hour time weighted average (TWA), employers must conduct noise monitoring, issue hearing protection if necessary and administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program.
Local legislation may add other considerations that employers must be aware of to ensure compliance and some bodies, like National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), recommend lower levels and smaller exchange rates. It is often recommended that employers seek expert advice to ensure both compliance and appropriate noise monitoring and control solutions are implemented.
Outside the Factory
Employees in some industries, such as night-time leisure and entertainment, are often exposed to loud noise in environment such as bars or clubs, as patrons expect high levels of noise for as music or other entertainment. This makes controlling the exposure challenging. While OSHA’s general noise regulation covers the entertainment industry in terms of compliance, it does not offer explicit advice or standards. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released specific guidance to entertainment venues for the appropriate control of noise to limit NIHL. These recommendations include live noise monitoring and recording of sound levels by competent, trained professionals as errors in noise level estimates can lead to incorrect exposure calculations.
For office workers, the risk is less apparent as these workplaces are generally quieter throughout the working day. However, a study conducted by Casella on the noise exposure experienced office workers found that the spikes in noise level through travelling via the London Underground and in-office events increased the eight-hour TWA over safe levels. This concept of total worker health in office employees, especially in large urban areas, is set to become a greater concern in protecting people from NIHL. While the out-of-office noise levels do not fall under the jurisdiction of employers, safeguarding hearing inside the office to better protect overall wellbeing should be a priority.
The noise within call centers falls somewhere in the middle of the two previous examples, with a recent study finding that ambient levels can reach 66dBA.3 While this is not over the proscribed PEL set by OSHA, constant exposure at this level with further concerns stemming from the intimate noise experienced through headphones can lead to NIHL. Noise levels in headsets were found to reach 88dBA, much closer to the limit set by OSHA.
As with all health and safety measures, the standard hierarchy of controls is applied. Though in the above settings, none can completely remove the source of the noise which is the first step in the hierarchy. Some call centers and offices do employ the use of sound barriers between workers to dampen the levels of noise experienced in the ears of each employee.
Noise Monitoring
Noise is generally measured by two different tools, a sound level meter (SLM) or a bodily worn noise dosimeter. As the PEL for noise is a time-weighted average, using a sound level meter can be a quick solution to gauge the levels of noise in a venue over a short period of time but only if the level of noise is consistent and the subject is performing a limited number of tasks throughout the day that require measurement. An SLM is a hand-held device, enabling measurements to be taken at the ear with the instrument pointing at the noise source.
For industries such as entertainment, people may be moving around an area, so a more general measurement can be made as long as it is in a location representative of an individual’s exposure. This process must be repeated for both ears, for all duties employees perform, making it possible to calculate an accurate record of daily exposure. Settings on these meters can be adjusted in line with legislation.
A noise dosimeter offers a more comprehensive analysis of an individual’s noise exposure as it is attached to the body, monitoring noise as the wearer moves around. Employees wear these devices throughout the entirety of their shift; data is logged in real-time and some modern dosimeters have Bluetooth capabilities that allow for immediate intervention by employers to high exposure events. These newer technologies also often automatically present the data graphically in an easy-to-understand way so that employers can make informed decisions if exposure levels get too high. This could be moving an employee to a quieter zone in the venue or offering hearing protection.
Education & Training
Educating employees on the dangers of noise leads to a greater personal responsibility in taking care of their own hearing. The ability to understand when noise levels are too high and how to best prevent NIHL creates an environment of accountability making compliance natural. Monitoring solutions are an ideal solution for organizations to achieve compliance with legislation and protection for workers effectively and demonstrably.
This skill and knowledge can take years to build so implementing yearly training with the support of external experts, if necessary, is recommended.
Conclusion
Noise induced hearing loss is on the rise and employees from further afield than those in the typical industrial setting are now at risk more than ever. Taking the time to engage in a suitable noise monitoring program can protect employees, ensure compliance and improve performance. Employers should get to know the federal and local regulations that apply and act on the advice and recommendations of the experts.
REFERENCES:
- https://tinyurl.com/2sh53r6k
- https://tinyurl.com/4z4xhp53
- https://tinyurl.com/5f68tz6t
This article originally appeared in the September 2025 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.