In which environment must hearing protection be worn?

Hearing protection must be worn in hazardous noise environments because these areas typically expose individuals to sound levels that exceed safe thresholds. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing loss or other auditory issues. The use of hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, is essential to safeguard against these risks by reducing the intensity of sound that reaches the inner ear, thereby offering a protective barrier.

In contrast, quiet workspaces, acoustic studios, and office environments generally have sound levels that are within safe limits, and therefore do not typically require hearing protection. These settings tend to focus on minimizing noise exposure, making them suitable for normal auditory activities without the need for additional protection.