2. Excessive levels of hazardous noise can cause physical damage to the inner ear which is irreversible, resulting in hearing loss.

3. An early sign of hearing loss is the inability to understand normal speech.

4. Noise can cause a severe stress reaction (fight or flight) in our bodies which can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Some low level noise may also be harmful.

5. Some chemicals and pharmacological agents, as well as heat, vibration and different types of noise, can combine (synergistically) to cause a more serious threat to our hearing and health.

6. Ninety dB is ten times louder than 80 dB. Ninety-three dB is twice as loud as 90 dB.

7. OSHA requires that engineering controls or administrative controls be installed at the "90 dB(A) action level."

8. OSHA requires that a hearing conservation program be instituted at the "85 dB(A) action level."

9. Hearing protectors' (ear plugs, muffs) safety factors are dangerously overstated by their manufacturers. Ear plugs and muffs should be the last line of defense against the hazards of noise.

10. Many experts believe that OSHA's 90 dB(A) action level is too high and recommend lower levels.

11. An active Worker Health and Safety Committee is the best way to insure and secure protective measures against the hazards of noise exposure .