Abstract
Noise and hearing were surveyed at 16 construction sites involving heavy earth-moving equipment operations. Over-all noise levels were 90-120 dB SPL with most energy below 600 cps. All measured noises exceeded eight-hour exposure criteria in one or more octave bands. Equipment operators showed hearing impairment which was worse at higher frequencies and which increased with years of employment even though corrected for age. Temporary hearing threshold shifts were found following single workday noise exposures. Survey findings indicated the need for noise control and audiometric monitoring.
