On the use of personal audio headsets and table radios by employees and students

A study is presently underway to define the potential effects on hearing that might result from employees' and students' use of personal audio headsets or table radios. Data for the employee population was obtained at one industrial site where approximately 50% of the all‐female work‐force utilizes personal radios. The typical employee TWA is between 85 and 90 dB(A) and hearing protectors are not required. Student utilization of personal radios was investigated by studying their radio volume adjustments in different background noise levels and by sampling the levels at which students play their personal radios on campus. Background information as to the degree of attenuation or amplification of the noise environment resulting from personal audio headsets (radio off) was established for several brands of headsets using KEMAR.