The project is based on existing methods from Hydro for identifying, assessing and managing noise. The objective of this project is to establish a sound, unified approach to handling this issue. 

High levels of noise and hearing loss are a major challenge to our industry. Hearing loss is the most commonly reported type of work-related illness and noise is one of the single most important physical health hazards.

In 2008, a number of existing or new noise-related R&D projects were funded by us:

• SoHOT: Safety offshore for hearing and telecommunications
• SLASH: System for registering and analysing hearing and noise exposure data
• The story of 1000 ears: a database with anonymous information on hearing injury developments for Hydro employees suffering from hearing loss. The database contains individual hearing status for both ears for approximately 500 individuals
• HILS: Hearing loss simulator to be used for education and awareness.

SoHOT is the most proactive measure, since it involves the development of an offshore Ex-certified version of hearing protection with built-in telecommunication. The prototype shows remarkable results, providing far better noise reduction than conventional hearing protection and still allowing good communication without reducing hearing protection. Thanks to its ergonomic design, the device is far more comfortable to use together with hard hats and glasses.

The temptation with the present equipment is to remove the hearing protection when talking to colleagues in noisy areas. We believe this will be eliminated when all employees have adopted the new equipment. The communication makes use of the "inner-sound" from the jawbone and there is no need for an external microphone. The equipment has already been taken into use on some helicopter decks as these are our most noisy areas.

These projects are all part of a joint effort to develop a state-of-the-art protective regime against harmful noise. The aim is to establish new technology and new knowledge to prevent occupational hearing damage at home and abroad, under virtually all ambient noise levels.