Hearing protection - The electrical hazard you don't “hear” about!

Many people do not understand that their hearing is a valuable, yet delicate, sense which they damage with regularity. While the sense of sight is typically recognized as delicate, and given appropriate protection considerations, the sense of hearing is not as readily apparent. This paper will explain some of the physiological aspects which give us our hearing capabilities. It will also describe how damage to this sense may result. Examples will be cited as to why this should be considered as part of an electrical safety program, as well as potential methods for reducing the hazard.