Despite extensive regulatory frameworks and established training protocols, occupational hearing loss remains a persistent and significant hazard within industrial and high-noise workplaces. Traditional safety training approaches demonstrate limited efficacy in achieving long-term behavioral modifications necessary to reduce hearing damage risk. This limitation is predominantly attributed to cognitive mechanisms such as the melioration bias—a predisposition that leads individuals to underestimate cumulative risks, prioritizing immediate comfort over the long-term implications of noise exposure. Consequently, this cognitive bias weakens adherence to hearing protection protocols, even among workers who possess adequate risk awareness and access to protective resources.

Researchers from the University of Malaga, Spain, and Iowa State University, USA, are collaborating to address these behavioral challenges through the integration of training methodology that combines advanced acoustic simulation with immersive virtual reality (VR) technology. This methodology leverages the high-fidelity Binaural Rendering Toolbox (BRT) developed by the University of Malaga team, enabling precise and contextually specific sound reproduction, coupled with VR to replicate authentic industrial environments. In this context, spatial audio is important for realistic and immersive VR simulations, as it replicates how humans naturally perceive sound in a three-dimensional environment. The BRT achieves this by using convolution with a Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF), enabling precise localization. A simulation of hearing protection devices is also included.

The primary focus of this investigation is to examine the relationship between varying noise exposure levels and engagement in safe behavior in simulated virtual workplaces, specifically analyzing the influence of acoustic environments on operational and safety outcomes. The study investigates how simulated hazardous noise exposure affects personal protective equipment utilization, task performance metrics, and safety-related decision-making processes. Participants encounter industrial scenarios requiring decision-making responses to varying noise intensities. The participants' behavioral responses and interactions during the simulation are recorded, while pre- and post-simulation surveys provide complementary perception and experience data.

Generally, the hypotheses propose that exposure to elevated noise levels correlates with increased safety measure engagement, that task performance accuracy demonstrates inverse relationships with noise exposure intensity, and that cognitive load and stress amplify in higher-decibel environments.

The implications of this research and subsequent investigations will inform the development of enhanced hearing conservation programs. Furthermore, the establishment of evidence-based safety training protocols will facilitate improved behavioral adherence to safety measures and contribute to the reformation of occupational safety practices associated with hearing loss prevention.

Acknowledgement:
This work has been partially supported by the H2020 project SONICOM (grant 101017743) and the Spanish National Project SONIX (grant PID2023-152547NB-I00).

Keywords: Occupational hearing loss, Cognitive bias in safety training, Binaural rendering simulation, Virtual reality in workplace safety, Hearing protection.