In the large hydro power generating station where I worked, the unit headgates were hoisted with geared 40 HP 3-phase air-cooled induction motors that turned at just under 1800 rpm; their cooling fans were pitched to provide the necessary air flow during hoisting, which took about ten minutes. The noise level when hoisting was quite tolerable without hearing protection being required.
However: directly coupled to the other end of the hoist motor was a centrifugal fan that spun backwards while hoisting, and that acted as a fly to limit the speed of the descent when a headgate was being lowered; the drop took less than three minutes, and the howl generated was right intolerable. Even with hearing protection on, it was better to just not be there, as the motor line would rotate at speeds in excess of 6,000 rpm.
CR
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27:17, NIV]