Методології дослідження ефективності засобів захисту органів слуху робітників на будівельному майданчику

Alla Bespalova; Oleksii Knysh; Olha Dashkovska; Oleksandr Sipko; Iryna Melnyk

doi:10.33445/sds.2026.16.2.17

Alla Bespalova Odesa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3713-0610
Oleksii Knysh Odesa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3449-4112
Olha Dashkovska Odesa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9980-023X
Oleksandr Sipko National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3675-9121
Iryna Melnyk National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2291-2141

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33445/sds.2026.16.2.17

Keywords: Noise Attenuation, Hearing Protection Devices, Construction, Hearing Conservation, Computer Modeling, Boundary Element Method

Abstract

Purpose. To develop and verify a computer model for evaluating the effectiveness of hearing protection devices used by construction workers operating mechanized equipment with elevated noise intensity, taking into account the results of long-term field studies.

Мethod. A comprehensive approach was applied, combining an analysis of current methods for assessing the effectiveness of hearing protection devices, field experimental studies of noise exposure at construction sites, and computer-based modeling of the acoustic characteristics of noise-protective devices. The empirical part was based on three years of noise level measurements at the workplaces of construction workers in Odesa using a MASTECH MS6701 sound level meter. Numerical modeling was performed in the Pressure Acoustics, Boundary Element interface of the Acoustics module using the HRTF approach.nation and personnel protection in modern environments.

Findings. It was found that laboratory noise attenuation ratings do not fully reflect the actual level of worker protection under real operating conditions. It was confirmed that the use of hearing protection devices provides a significant reduction in noise exposure; however, their effectiveness depends on the wearing regime, correct use, and device type. Discrepancies were identified between the declared and actual use of noise-protective devices. The results of computer modeling are consistent with field measurements.

Theoretical implications. Approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of hearing protection devices were improved through the integration of laboratory, field, and digital methods.

Originality: the study combines long-term field measurements with computer-based acoustic modeling of the actual effectiveness of hearing protection devices.

Research limitations: The limitations are related to the variability of construction site conditions and the limited range of models investigated. Further research should focus on expanding the sample and developing digital models for assessing the risk of hearing loss.

Paper type. Empirical study with elements of computer modeling.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

ANSI/ASA S12.6-2016. Methods for Measuring the Real-Ear Attenuation of Hearing Protectors. American National Standards Institute/Acoustical Society of America, 2016. URL: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/210634/cdc_210634_DS1.pdf (дата звернення: 22.07.2025).

Voix J., Smith P., Berger E. Field-Microphone-in-Real-Ear (F-MIRE) Measurements. In: The Noise Manual, 6th ed. American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2018. URL: https://www.aiha.org/education/marketplace/noise-manual-6th-edition (дата звернення: 22.07.2025).

Viallet G., Sgard F., Laville F., & Boutin J. A finite element model to predict the sound attenuation of earplugs in an acoustical test fixture. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2014. Vol. 136(3). 1269–1280. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1121/1.4890645

Gauthier P.-A., Carillo K., & Doutres O. Reduction of the occlusion effect induced by earplugs using quasi-perfect absorption by critically coupled resonators. Scientific Reports, 2022. Vol. 12(1). 15494. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-19641-3

OSHA. (n.d.). Hearing Conservation in Construction. Toolbox Talk. URL: https https://www.osha.gov/ (дата звернення: 22.07.2025).

Karandikar A. Modeling an Ear Canal’s Acoustics to Optimize In-Ear Audio Products. COMSOL Blog, 2020. URL: https://www.comsol.com/blogs/modeling-an-ear-canals-acoustics-to-optimize-in-ear-audio-products/ (дата звернення: 22.07.2025).

National Academy of Engineering. 7 Cost-Benefit Analysis for Noise Control. In Technology for a Quieter America, 2010. The National Academies Press. URL: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/12928/chapter/9 (дата звернення: 22.07.2025).

Parklane Mechanical. A Parklane case study: Mitigating VRF noise at a high-rise condo, 2024. URL: https://parklanemechanical.com/a-parklane-case-study-mitigating-vrf-noise-at-a-high-rise-condo (дата звернення: 22.07.2025).

ISO 9613-2:1996. Acoustics. Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors. Part 2: General method of calculation. URL: https://www.iso.org/standard/2065.html (дата звернення: 22.07.2025).

Arenas J. P., & Crocker M. J. Recent trends in porous sound-absorbing materials. Sound & Vibration, 2010 Vol. 44(7). Р. 12-17. URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272151761_Recent_Trends_in_Porous_Sound-Absorbing_Materials (дата звернення: 22.07.2025).