Using auralization as a promising means of controlling noise on a construction site

Abstract

Noise pollution on construction sites remains one of the most significant and least controlled threats to the health and safety of workers. Constant exposure to noise generated by heavy machinery and technological processes not only leads to irreversible damage to the hearing organs, such as occupational hearing loss, but also significantly increases the psychophysiological load, reduces concentration and, as a result, increases the risk of Occupational Injuries. Traditional noise management methods based on calculated indicators and general recommendations are often not effective enough due to their abstraction and complexity for intuitive understanding by non-specialists. The aim of the work is to substantiate the feasibility of using auralization – the process of creating acoustic renderers based on mathematical modeling – to improve the effectiveness of noise protection measures. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the problem of noise pollution on construction sites and examines the potential of using auralization technology as a tool for improving acoustic safety. The theoretical foundations of auralization, including its fundamental principles, technical aspects and classification of methods, are considered. Modern approaches to noise control, covering passive, active and organizational methods, as well as innovative personal protective equipment (PPE) of the hearing organs, are analyzed in detail. Based on a systematic review of scientific publications for 2020-2025, key trends, unresolved problems and promising research areas are identified. Practical recommendations for integrating auralization into the processes of design, training and control at construction sites are formulated. The article highlights the key thesis: if the elimination of noise sources is technologically or economically impossible, the priority is to ensure that workers are provided with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), the effectiveness of which can be tested and demonstrated. The study is based on the analysis of modern scientific publications, international and Ukrainian regulations (State sanitary standards for industrial noise, ultrasound and infrasound, OSHA 1926.52, EU directive 2003/10/EC. It is proved that if it is impossible to completely eliminate noise sources, auralization becomes a key tool for evaluating and selecting optimal PPE, which ensures the implementation of the main thesis of the article: if it is not possible to reduce the noise of machines, then you can at least ensure the safety of workers with proper personal protective equipment.