Noise Measurement – An Important Step Towards a Better Acoustic Environment in the Workplace
Noise can be defined as unwanted sound. Noise is an often underestimated challenge, both in the workplace and in everyday life. What is perceived as noise is subjective and varies from person to person. In environments such as construction sites, nurseries, schools, open-plan offices, music schools, restaurants, workshops, and similar workplaces, high noise levels over time can affect concentration, well-being, and health. Prolonged exposure to noise can contribute to problems such as tinnitus and hearing loss, as well as increased stress and reduced work efficiency. This can, in turn, lead to employee sick leave, both in the short and long term.
The Working Environment Act sets clear limits for permitted noise levels in the workplace and specifies when employers are required to implement preventive hearing protection measures. These may include various physical measures to reduce noise in the workplace, changes to work routines, or providing appropriate hearing protection for employees and other visitors. The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority also provides information on its website about the requirements regarding noise and preventive measures.
If your workplace has high noise levels and/or unwanted noise, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the exposure. In order to implement effective measures, it is essential to first gain an overview of the situation, and this is where noise measurement can be a useful and practical tool.
Noise measurements can be carried out in different ways. One common method is to place small noise dosimeters on employees, which they wear throughout one or two working days. All types of sound are then recorded and measured throughout the working day. Once the noise measurement has been completed, the data can be retrieved from the noise dosimeters and transferred to a PC.
By carrying out noise measurements, it is possible to determine whether the sound and noise levels in your workplace are below or above the established limits for noise exposure. A noise assessment in the workplace can be carried out by an occupational health service (BHT) or by private consultancy firms with specialist expertise in acoustics and occupational health.
An alternative to a noise dosimeter is SoundEar II, a user-friendly solution that visualizes noise levels in real time, making it easier to raise awareness about noise. It can also measure and digitally record noise levels over time, helping to assess and map noise exposure.
With noise measurements conducted over a longer period, the noise assessment can provide a more accurate picture. Short-term measurements may be affected by employees consciously or unconsciously changing their usual work habits because they are aware that noise is being measured. There may also be temporary changes to work routines during a planned noise assessment, resulting in lower noise exposure than would normally be expected. Measurements carried out over just one or two days can therefore be less representative and may not accurately reflect a typical working day at the workplace.
SoundEar is well suited for a wide range of environments, from educational settings to offices and industrial workplaces, and can help identify where effective noise-reduction measures are needed. In addition to the product itself, we provide advice and guidance, whether the focus is on workplace adjustments or measures that can be implemented at home. The goal is to create a more comfortable and healthier acoustic environment – tailored to your needs and surroundings.
Do you have questions about how we can help support your employees’ working environment, or how you as an employee can achieve a better working day? Contact us for assistance and guidance.
Kind regards,
Jorid Løkken Authorized Audiologist, Tinnitus Therapist and Managing Director of AudioPlus Norge AS Tel: +47 990 99 779
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