Promoting a noise control program: Resources for successfully advocating a low-noise environment

摘要

Many noise control engineers find themselves in the position of “selling” their ideas to potentialrnclients, management, or other stakeholders in a project. Whether working in industrial noiserncontrol, product design, community noise or acoustical engineering, a strong attitude ofrnadvocacy is essential. Although the advantages of a low-noise environment may seemrnunequivocal to professionals working in noise control, architectural acoustics or hearingrnconservation, their marketing and proposal efforts must convincingly answer the question, “Whyrncontrol the noise?” Although hearing conservation is a commonly accepted justification forrnimplementing a noise control program or project, it is not always the only (or even the primary)rnimpetus. Often, the concepts of speech interference, safety, productivity and work environmentrncomfort, when coupled with hearing conservation principles, can yield a more compellingrnrationale when clearly articulated and supported by evidence appropriate to the project. Thisrnpaper will integrate these concepts into an advocacy package for use as a marketing orrneducational tool in both occupational and non-occupational contexts. A PowerPoint presentationrnwill be available on request from the authors to assist noise control engineers and others in theirrnadvocacy of low-noise design and noise control projects.