What two protective measures can reduce the undesirable effects of noise?

The option that highlights the effectiveness of using personal protective measures and maintaining distance from the noise source is particularly relevant in the context of mitigating noise exposure. Personal protective measures, such as wearing proper hearing protection like earplugs or earmuffs, directly reduce the intensity of sound that reaches the ears, thereby safeguarding auditory health.

Maintaining a distance from the source of noise is also a well-established principle. As the distance from a noise source increases, the intensity of the sound diminishes, adhering to the inverse square law of sound propagation. This principle underscores the importance of spatial separation to reduce noise exposure in situations such as occupational environments or areas near loud equipment.

Combining these strategies creates an effective approach to minimizing the adverse effects of noise, ensuring comprehensive protection for individuals who are exposed to potentially harmful sound levels in their work or daily environments.

Other options listed do not provide a direct or established method for effectively reducing noise exposure. For instance, while sound barriers and operational hour reductions could theoretically help in certain situations, they are not personal protective measures and may not always be feasible. Similarly, increasing surrounding sounds or using hearing aids does not inherently reduce noise exposure and might not serve as protective strategies. Reflective clothing does not offer noise protection at all, making