Which of the following refers to a sound level that may require hearing protection?

The reference to 80 dB or higher as a sound level that may require hearing protection aligns with established safety guidelines. Prolonged exposure to sound levels at or above 85 dB can lead to hearing damage or loss, making it crucial for individuals in environments where these levels are typical to use ear protection. This threshold is in place to safeguard hearing health, particularly in occupational settings where noise is often a factor, such as construction sites or manufacturing facilities.

The other sound level options, which are lower than 80 dB, typically do not necessitate hearing protection because they are considered to be below the threshold where hearing conservation becomes a concern. Emphasizing levels like 60 dB, 70 dB, or 50 dB indicates that while these levels may be noisy, they generally do not pose a significant risk to hearing if exposure is not prolonged and the durations of exposure are managed properly.