According to OSHA, approximately 30 million people in the U.S. are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise levels every year. Noise-related hearing loss has been listed as one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns in the United States for more than 25 years. Since 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that nearly 125,000 workers have suffered significant, permanent hearing loss. In 2009 alone, BLS reported more than 21,000 hearing loss cases. The exposure levels in the foundry industry is of particular concern. From October 2010 to September 2011, 52 citations were issued within the metal industry resulting in over $113,000 in fines and penalties.