What potential consequence arises from not using personal protective equipment during noise exposure?

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly hearing protection, is crucial in environments where noise levels exceed safe thresholds. If an individual is exposed to high noise levels without adequate protection, they are at an increased risk of hearing loss due to the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to loud sounds. This could result in noise-induced hearing loss, which is often irreversible and can lead to profound changes in an individual's quality of life, including difficulties in communication and increased social isolation.

While hearing health is a significant concern, the other potential consequences listed do not directly relate to the specific risks associated with not using PPE for noise exposure. For instance, stating there would be no impact on hearing health overlooks the established link between noise exposure and hearing damage. Lower noise exposure levels would be impossible without implementing measures to reduce noise at the source or using hearing protection, which definitively contradicts the premise of the question. Lastly, while increased workplace accidents can occur in noisy environments due to communication challenges or distractions, that is a separate issue from the direct consequence of compromised hearing from noise exposure. Thus, not utilizing personal protective equipment in noisy settings directly correlates to a heightened risk of hearing loss.