For those who work in the construction trades, ___ is/are a major cause of hearing loss.

For those who work in the construction trades, ___ is/are a major cause of hearing loss.

• A. Engine-powered equipment
• B. Both a and b
• C. Power tools
• D. Neither a nor b

Answer: (B)

Noise-induced hearing loss in construction comes from long-term exposure to loud sounds. Engine-powered equipment such as generators, compressors, pumps, and heavy machinery, along with power tools like drills, grinders, and saws, routinely produce high noise levels. When workers are exposed repeatedly or for extended periods without adequate protection, the hair cells in the inner ear can be damaged, and the risk accumulates over a career. On many job sites, these two categories of equipment create overlapping noise sources, so both contribute significantly to the hazard. That’s why the best answer is that both are major causes. The key takeaway is to control exposure through engineering controls, limit exposure time where possible, and use appropriate hearing protection to protect workers’ hearing across the full range of noise sources on site.

Noise-induced hearing loss in construction comes from long-term exposure to loud sounds. Engine-powered equipment such as generators, compressors, pumps, and heavy machinery, along with power tools like drills, grinders, and saws, routinely produce high noise levels. When workers are exposed repeatedly or for extended periods without adequate protection, the hair cells in the inner ear can be damaged, and the risk accumulates over a career. On many job sites, these two categories of equipment create overlapping noise sources, so both contribute significantly to the hazard. That’s why the best answer is that both are major causes. The key takeaway is to control exposure through engineering controls, limit exposure time where possible, and use appropriate hearing protection to protect workers’ hearing across the full range of noise sources on site.