of hearing protection devices such as earplugs and earmuffs among workers found that tailored interventions improve the average use of such devices when compared with no intervention.[12] (Tailored interventions involve the use of communication or other types of interventions that are specific to an individual or a group and aim to change behavior).[12] Mixed interventions such as mailings, distribution of hearing protection devices, noise assessments, and hearing testing are also more effective in improving the use of hearing protection devices compared with hearing testing alone.[12]In the workplace[edit]Further information: Industrial noiseAbout 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise, with an additional 9 million exposed to solvents and metals that put them at risk for hearing loss.[13] Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common occupational diseases. 49% of male miners have hearing loss by the age of 50.[13] By the age of 60, this number goes up to 70%.[13] Construction workers also suffer an elevated risk. A screening program focused on construction workers employed at US Department of Energy facilities found 58% with significant abnormal hearing loss due to noise exposures at work.[14]The following is a list of occupations that are most susceptible to hearing loss:[13]AgricultureMiningConstructionManufacturingUtilitiesTransportationMilitaryMusiciansOrchestra conductorsAmong musicians[edit]Musicians, from classical orchestras to rock groups, are exposed to high decibel ranges.[15][16] Some rock musicians experience noise-induced hearing loss from their music,[17] and some studies have found that "symphonic musicians suffer from hearing impairment and that the impairment might be ascribed to symphonic music."[18]Music-induced hearing loss is still a controversial topic for hearing researchers.[19] While some studies have shown that the risk for hearing loss increases as music exposure increases,[19] other studies found little to no correlation between the two.[19]Experts at the 2006 "Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children at Work and Play" Conference agreed that further research into this field was still required before making a broad generalization about music-induced hearing loss.[19]Given the extensive research suggesting that industrial noise exposure can cause sensorineural hearing loss a link between hearing loss and music exposures of similar level and duration (to industrial noise) seems highly plausible. Determining which individuals or groups are at risk for such exposures may be a difficult task. Recent research suggests that despite concerns about the proliferation of personal music players, in fact discos, concerts and live music events may be more hazardous to youth's hearing.[20][21]Workplace standards[edit]The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) describes standards for occupational noise exposure in articles 1910.95 and 1926.52 [1]. OSHA states that an employer must implement hearing conservation programs for employees if the noise level of the workplace is equal to or above 85 dB(A) for an averaged eight-hour time period.[4] OSHA also states that "exposure to impulsive or impact noise should not exceed 140 dB peak sound pressure level".[5] The United States Department of Defense (DoD) instruction 605512 has some differences from OSHA 1910.95 standard, for example, OSHA 1910.95 uses a 5 dB exchange rate and DoD instruction 605512 uses a 3 dB exchange rate.There are programs that seek to increase compliance and therefore effectiveness of hearing protection rules; the programs include the use