Factors Affecting the Implementation of AI-based Hearing Protection Technology at Construction Workplace

Standard hearing protection devices (HPDs) that reduce noise by strictly passive means are mandatory at construction sites. However, standard HPDs have been proved weaken the audibility of safety-critical sounds thus worsen construction workers' auditory situational awareness (ASA). Therefore, a wearable hearing protection technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to amplify safety-critical sounds while greatly attenuating ambient noise would be in great demand for construction safety monitoring. However, little to no study has provided clear evidence on understanding acceptance of the AIbased Hearing Protection Device (AI-HPD) since it is still in the early stages of development. To bridge the gap, this research sets out to identify important factors that need to be incorporated in the design consideration of AI-HPD and investigate users' intention of use which concerns us. The preliminary factor table is firstly generated from critical literature reviews on existing technology adoption theories. Expert reviews help to refine the factor table. With all summarized factors integrated, the final questionnaire of main survey is developed and given out. Through the returned report, the study discusses overall results and points out further study. This study enables researchers and professionals to better understand critical design and implementation considerations for the success adoption of AI-HPD technology in the future.