What is an example of a preventive action miners should take against noise exposure?

Using personal hearing protection is a crucial preventive action miners should take against noise exposure. The mining environment is often characterized by high levels of noise from machinery, equipment, and geological activities that can lead to hearing loss or impairment over time. Personal hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, helps to reduce the intensity of harmful sounds reaching the ears, thereby minimizing the risk of auditory damage.

In contrast, wearing sunglasses, while beneficial for protecting the eyes from bright lights or harmful UV rays, does not serve to mitigate noise exposure. Avoiding physical exercise is not relevant to noise protection; exercising is important for overall health and does not directly relate to the prevention of hearing issues caused by noise. Taking breaks in fresh air may help with respiratory health and overall well-being, but it does not directly address the issue of noise exposure and its consequences on hearing. Thus, utilizing personal hearing protection stands out as the most effective and relevant preventive measure in this context.