What level of hearing protection is required for continuous noise greater than 104 dB?

• A. Single hearing protection
• B. Double hearing protection
• C. No protection
• D. Optional depending on duration

Answer: (B)

When noise is extremely loud, one layer of protection may not bring exposure down to a safe level over a work shift. For continuous noise above 104 dB, wearing two different types of hearing protection—such as earplugs plus earmuffs—provides substantially more attenuation. The added protection helps account for real-world factors like imperfect seals and fit, ensuring the sound reaching the inner ear stays within safe limits. That’s why double hearing protection is required at this level.

The other options don’t fit because no protection would leave the ears at risk in such a loud environment, protection being optional depending on duration ignores the intensity driving the risk, and relying on a single protector isn’t sufficient for continuous noise this high.