In a hearing conservation program, which measure is designed to reduce noise exposure at the source?

• A. Hearing protection devices.
• B. Engineering controls that reduce noise at the source.
• C. Post-exposure medical evaluation.
• D. Administrative scheduling.

Answer: (B)

Reducing noise at its source means lowering the sound level before it ever reaches workers. In a hearing conservation program, engineering controls aim to modify or replace equipment, enclose noisy processes, install dampers or mufflers, and maintain machinery to keep noise down. By tackling the problem at the origin, you cut the actual sound energy that people are exposed to, benefiting everyone in the area.

Hearing protection devices don’t reduce the noise itself; they shield the ear from sound that’s already generated. Administrative scheduling can limit how long workers are exposed, but it doesn’t decrease the noise level produced. Post-exposure medical evaluation checks for hearing changes after exposure, not for preventing it.