OSHA Occupational Noise

(OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Act)

Chongqing Medical University

Labor sanitation department
Presented by Professor Baijie Tu
 Objectives
• Distinguish between sound and noise
• Discuss types of hearing loss
• Become familiar with types of noise
measuring equipment
• Understand the requirements of 29 CFR
1910.95
 Did You Know?
• About 30 million workers are exposed to
hazardous noise on the job
• Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common
occupational hazard for American workers
• Hearing loss from noise is slow and painless;
you can have a disability before you notice it
• If you must raise your voice to speak with
someone only 3 feet away, you are in high
(hazardous) noise.
• It is 100% preventable
 What Is Noise?
• Noise is any unwanted sound
• By-product of many industrial processes,
e.g. operating machinery
• Exposure to high levels of noise may lead
to hearing loss and other harmful health
effects
 Sound Versus Noise
• Sound is a pressure change detectable by the
human ear.
– Pitch ranges between 20 to 20,000 Hz
– Volume ranges between 0 to 140 dB
• Noise is a type of sound.
– Carries no information
– Random
– Generally described as undesirable or unwanted
sound
 Noise
Noise Exposure atWork
Exposure At Work
This presentation will cover the following topics:

The effects of noise on hearing,

Hearing protection – their
purpose, types and use,
The purpose of audiometric
testing and how it works,
Your right to see noise
measurement records and
hearing test results.

1
Effects of exposure to loud noise

Exposure to loud noise will

inevitably cause hearing loss
over time.

Loud noise damages or destroys

the nerves in the inner ear.

Another effect can be “tinnitus”

or permanent ringing in the ear.

2
 When is Noise Too Loud?
Noise is measured in units called
“decibels” or “dB”
If two people 3 feet apart must shout
to be heard, the background noise is
too loud (above 85 decibels).

•Noise above 140 decibels causes pain

and immediate hearing loss.

3
 Long Term Exposure to Noise
Our ears can recover from short
exposure to loud noise, but over
time nerve damage will occur.

The longer and louder the

noise, the greater chance
permanent damage will occur.

There is really no such thing as

“tough ears” or “getting used to
it”.

4
 Effects of noise to inner ear
Hair cells in inner ear transmit noise signals to the brain

Normal hair cells Noise-damaged hair cells

5
Hearing Loss From Noise Exposure

Hearing loss from noise exposure

is usually not noticed because it is
so gradual.

Usually a person loses the ability

to hear higher pitches first.

Often the first noticeable effect is

difficulty in hearing speech.

6
 Tinnitus From Noise Exposure
Exposure to high noise levels can also
cause permanent ringing in the ear or
“tinnitus”.

Tinnitus sufferers usually complain of

constant whistling, squealing, roaring
or buzzing in one or both ears.

Severe tinnitus may disrupt sleep,

reduce concentration and cause
irritability and depression.

7
What is Too Much Noise Exposure?

Damage from noise exposure

depends on the loudness and
length of exposure.

Scientific studies have shown

that hearing loss can occur when
8-hour average noise exposure
exceeds 85 decibels.

8
 What is Too Much Noise Exposure?

The risk of hearing loss increases

dramatically as noise levels
increase.

Exposure to noise levels above 115

decibels for even five minutes is
very risky.

Impact or banging noise above 140

decibels will cause immediate
damage to nerves in the ear.

9
Daily Allowable Exposure Times to Noise

The table below shows noise levels and how long a person can
be exposed without hearing protection before there is damage
to the ear.
Noise Level Allowable Exposure Time

85 decibels 8 hours
90 decibels 4 hours
100 decibels 1 hour
105 decibels 30 minutes
110 decibels 15 minutes
115 decibels 0 minutes

10
 Examples of Noisy Equipment

Equipment Noise Level

Back Hoe 85-95 decibels
Chain Saw 110 decibels
Front-end Loader 90-95 decibels
Gunshot 140 decibels
Jackhammer 112 decibels
Lawn Mower 90 decibels
Tractor 95-105 decibels
Circular Saw 90-100 decibels

11
Common Sounds may be louder
than you think…
Noise Permissible Exposure Limits
(PEL)
• Utilize administrative or engineering controls
when sound levels exceed Noise
Permissible Exposure Levels (Table N-1),
e.g. 8 hours permitted duration per workday
for 90 dBA sound level.
• Provide hearing protectors if above controls
fail to reduce sound levels within Permissible
Exposure Levels (Table N-1).
• Impulsive or impact noise should not exceed
140 dB.
 Hearing Conservation Program
(HCP)
• implemented whenever employee noise
exposures equal or exceed and 8-hour
time-weighted average (TWA) of 85
dBA without attenuation from use of
hearing protectors.
 Training
• •
Elements of HCP
• HCP Flow Chart
• Sound Pressure Level Concepts and
Terms
• Anatomy and Physiology of Normal
Ear
• How We Hear Sounds
• Effects of Noise on Hearing
• Symptoms of Overexposure to Noise
• Anatomy and Physiology of Damaged
Ear
• How Hearing is Damaged
• Protectors
Signs of Hearing Loss
• Types of Hearing Loss
• Noise Induced Hearing Loss
• Occupational/Non-occupational
Hearing Loss
• Statistics on Occupational Hearing
Loss
• Types of Noise
• Recognizing Hazardous Noise
• Noise Monitoring
Noise Map (area noise level)
• Noise Dose (personal occupational noise
exposure level)
• Table of Permissible Noise Exposure Limits
• Impulsive or Impact Noise
• Noise Control
• Administrative Controls
• Engineering Controls
• Hearing Protectors
• Purpose of Hearing Protectors
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Different
Types of Hearing Protectors
• Attenuation of Different Types of Hearing
• Instructions on Selection, Fitting, Use, and
Care of Hearing Protectors
• Audiometric Testing
• Purpose of Audiometric Testing
• Evaluation of Audiogram
• Audiometric Test Requirement
• Explanation of Test Procedures
• Audiometer Calibration
• Training
• Record Keeping
 Rule of Thumb
When you feel the need to
shout in order to be heard
3 feet away, the noise levels
are probably 85 dB or more
and hearing protectors are
recommended.
 Elements of Hearing Conservation
Program
• Noise Monitoring
• Hearing Protectors
• Audiometric Testing
• Evaluation of Audiogram
• Audiometric Test Requirements
• Audiometer Calibration
• Training
• Record Keeping
 HCP Flow Chart
• Pre-employment Test
• Noise Map (area noise – sound level meter)
• Occupational Noise Exposure (personal noise – noise
dosimeter)
• Noise Dose
– > 100% - noise control – engr. ctrl.; otherwise ppe
– < 100% - audiometric test
• Engr. Ctrl. / PPE – audiometric test
• Audiometric Test – noise induced hearing loss
– Yes – utilize noise control
– No – continue audiometric test
• Training
• Record Keeping
 Sound Pressure Level
• Sound waves are energy produced by
vibrating objects
• The larynx vibrates to produce the voice
• The vibrations create a pattern, which the
ear translates into sound
• As you double the distance from a noise
source, the source loudness decreases by
half
• Strong vibrations from very loud noises
can damage the ear
 Anatomy and Physiology of
Normal Ear

Stapes Semicircular Canals

Auditory Nerve
Ear Canal

Cochlea

Ossicles

Ear Drum Eustachian Tube

 Types of Hearing Loss
• Middle ear hearing loss results from lack of
conduction.
– Impacted wax
– Broken ear drum

• Inner ear hearing loss results from lack of neural

connections.
– Naturally due to aging
– Loud noises
– Disease
 Occupational Hearing Loss
• Noise-Induced Permanent Threshold
Shift (NIPTS)
– Permanent sensor neural condition
– Cannot be treated or corrected
medically
– Initially effects high frequencies
• Industrial trough
• Speech recognition
– Progresses to lower frequencies
 Threshold Shifts
• Temporary Threshold Shifts (TTS)
– Hearing returns to normal after noise exposure

• Permanent Threshold Shifts (PTS)

– Repeated noise exposure without a return
to normal
• Standard Threshold Shifts (STS)
– > 10 dB average loss in 2000, 3000, or 4000 Hz in
either ear
 Non-Auditory Effects of Noise
• Effects cardiovascular system
• Effects the nervous system
• Interferes with speech and concentration
• Causes annoyance, stress, and fatigue
• Reduces work efficiency
• Lowers morale
• Masks warning sounds
 How We Hear Sounds
• Sound waves enter the ear canal striking the
eardrum.
• When eardrum vibrates, ossicles conducts
vibrations to the cochlea.
• Tiny hair like cells in cochlea respond to
vibrations by generating nerve impulses.
• Brain interprets nerve impulses as sound.

Note: Healthy hair cells are the key to good

hearing. Although, some die off naturally as you
age, many more are killed early, from
unprotected exposure to hazardous noise.
 Effects of Noise on Hearing
Note: How quickly hearing loss takes place
depends on the intensity of the noise, its
duration, and how often the exposure
occurs.
 Signs of Hearing Loss
• Do you ask people to speak louder so that
you can hear?
• Do you have to turn the TV or
Radio so loud that others
complain?
 Hearing Loss
Temporary Hearing Loss
- results from short term exposure to noise
- hearing returns when away from the noise
Permanent Hearing Loss
- results from exposure to a moderate or high
level of noise over a long period of time
-hearing loss is PERMANENT
 Symptoms of Overexposure to
Noise
• Temporary Threshold Shift
– muffled sound after noise exposure
– if continued overexposure, shift can worsen and
become permanent
– resulting in untreatable damage to hearing
• Tinnitus
– ringing in the head when trying to sleep at night
– if continued overexposure, ringing can become
permanent, constant annoyance
Anatomy and Physiology of
Healthy Ear
Anatomy and Physiology of
Damaged Ear
Anatomy and Physiology of
Damaged Ear
 How Hearing is Damaged
• Hairlike cells are flattened.
• You do not get used to noise; you
gradually loose your hearing
• Once haring is damaged, it cannot be
repaired or replaced.
 Signs of Hearing Loss

• Difficulty hearing people speak.

• Inability to hear certain high-pitched or soft sounds.
• Noise or ringing in ears.
• Getting complaints that the radio or tv is too loud.
 Types of Hearing Loss
• Conductive
– Sound is not conducted from outer ear to inner ear
– Reduction in sound level
– Condition results from fluid in middle ear, foreign bodies, infection in
ear canal, impacted ear wax, malformation of ear
• Sensorineural
– Results from damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways from ear to
brain
– Corrected through surgery
– Caused by birth injury, diseases, noise exposure, head trauma, aging
• Mixed
– Hearing loss resulting from both conductive and sensorineural
 Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Noise induced hearing loss stems from exposure
to loud noises.
• Constant exposure over a period of time
• Exposed to sound level over 140 dBA
• Tinnitus

Age Induced Hearing loss

• Exposure to high sound levels
• Hereditary
• Nerve damage
• Reduced neuronal response
 Occupational/Non-Occupational
Hearing Loss
• Occupational Hearing Loss
– Results from constant exposure to sound levels
above 85 dBA TWA
– Damage to hair cells in cochlea
• Non-Occupational Hearing Loss
– Results from constant exposure to sound levels
above 85 dBA TWA
– Results from damage to outer, middle, or inner ear,
hereditary, ototoxic drugs
– Damage to hair cells in cochlea, damage to nerve
cells relaying sound message to brain, damage to
structure of ear
 Statistics on
Occupational Hearing Loss
Approximately 30 million Americans are
exposed to high intensity noise in their
workplace.
One in 4 of these workers (or 7.5 million
Americans) will develop permanent
hearing loss.

National Institute of Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders:  Noise Induced

Hearing Loss.  Available at:  http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/noise.asp 
Accessed November 7, 2004.
 Effects of Age and Noise on
Hearing
Normal Aging Effects Loss from Aging plus
95dB Noise Expsoure
-10
-10
Hearing Threshold

Hearing Threshold Level dB

0
10 10
Level dB

20 20
30 30
40 40
50 50
60 60
70 70
500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000 500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000
Frequency Hz
Frequency Hz
40 yrs.exp. 20 yrs.exp.
age 60 age 40 age 20 10 yrs.exp. 0 yrs.exp
 Types of Noise
• Pitch
• Loudness
– Whisper 10 dB
– Street sound 70 dB
– Sander 85 dB
– Sporting Events 100dB
– Mowing the Lawn 101dB
– Motorcycle Riding 112dB
– Concerts 125dB
– Shooting Range 130dB
 Recognizing Occupational
Hazardous Noise
Task Avg. Noise Level Tools Avg. Noise Level
(dBA) (dBA)
Operating forklift 87 Lathe 81
Cutting Wood 93 Welding 94.9
Equipment
Cutting lawn 94
Hand Power Saw 97.2
Installing trench 95.8
conduit Screw Gun, Drill 97.7
Welding 98.4 Rotohammer 97.8
Grinding 99.7 Chop saw 98.4
Chipping 102.9 Stationary Power 101.8
Concrete tool
Working near 116 Chipping Gun 103.0
Generator
 Recognizing Non-Occupational
Hazardous Noise
• Noisy Hobbies
– Loud music
– Firearms
– Car/motorcycle race track
– Sporting events
– Loud speakers

• Household noises
– Crying babies
– Vacuum
– Lawn mower
– Power tools
– Ipod/Boom box
 Noise Monitoring
• Used to identify work locations
where hazardous noise levels exits.
• Employee exposures to noise
monitored periodically with:
– Sound Level Meter (area noise level)
– Noise Dosimeter (personal noise
exposure level)
 Noise Measuring Equipment
• Sound level meters
– Basic instrument to
measure sound pressure
variations in air
• Noise dosimeter
– Combines sound pressure
and
time for employee
exposure
monitoring
 Noise Measuring Equipment

• Octave band analyzer

– Diagnostic tool to help find
appropriate engineering controls
to reduce noise levels
Permissible Exposure Level 1910.95(b)

• No employee shall be exposed above the

permissible exposure level (PEL).
– PEL = 90 dBA for a 8-hour time-weighted average
(TWA)

• Feasible administrative or engineering controls

are required.

• Hearing protection provided and used to

reduce sound to within levels of Table G -16.
 Noise Action Level 1910.95(c)-(d)

• Action Level (AL) = 85 dBA for a 8-hour TWA

– Determined without regard to hearing protector attenuation

• Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) required

when noise exposures equal or exceed the action
level

• Monitoring program implemented when noise

exposures equal or exceed the action level
 Monitoring 1910.95(d)

• Strategy to identify all employees who could be exposed above

AL (85 d BA) and to enable proper selection of hearing protectors

• Conduct representative sampling

– Each job classification
– All shifts

• Repeat monitoring when:

– Change in process, equipment, controls
– Additional employees are exposed
– Hearing protectors are inadequate
 Notification 1910.95(e)

• The employer shall notify each employee

exposed at or above 85 dBA of the
monitoring results.
 Audiometric Testing Program 1910.95(g)

• Audiometric testing program implemented when

noise exposures equal or exceed the action
level
– A qualified person performs the hearing test, usually
an audiologist.
– Results interpreted by qualified person

• Audiometer checked before each use and

calibrated acoustically annually
– Records of calibrations required
 Audiometric Testing 1910.95(g)

• Provided at no cost to the employee

– Baseline audiogram within 6 months of first exposure
at or above action level
• For mobile test van, < 12 months

• Provided initially and annually

– Allowance for aging
– STS notification
Example of Audiogram
Noise Map (Area Monitoring)
Noise Dose (Personal Monitoring)
 Table of Permissible Noise
Exposure Limits
Sound Level Permitted Duration per Sound Level Permitted Duration per
(dBA) Workday (hours) (dBA) Workday (hours)
90 8.00 103 1.32
91 6.96 104 1.15
92 6.06 105 1.00
93 5.28 106 0.86
94 4.60 107 0.76
95 4.00 108 0.66
96 3.48 109 0.56
97 3.03 110 0.50
98 2.63 111 0.43
99 2.30 112 0.38
100 2.00 113 0.33
101 1.73 114 0.28
102 1.52 115 0.25
 Impulsive or Impact Noise
• Exposure to impulsive
or impact noise
should not exceed
140 dB peak sound
pressure level.
 Affected Employees
• Employees subjected to noise exceeding
permissible noise limits shall be provided
hearing protection devices, if feasible
administrative or engineering controls failed to
reduce noise levels.

• Employee exposed to noise at or above the 8-

hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dB, or
equivalently, a dose of 50% shall be notified and
enrolled in HCP.
 Selection of Hearing Protection
Devices
Hearing protection devices are selected according to:

– Employee comfort
– Level of noise exposure
– NRR of device
– Type of work being performed
– Environmental conditions

Employee may select hearing protection from a variety

of suitable
hearing protectors provided by employer.
 Noise Control
• Administrative Control
• Engineering Control
• Personal Protective Equipment ( hearing
protective devices)
 Types of Hearing Protection Devices

• Ear muffs
• Foam insert earplugs
• Semi-aural earplugs
 Ear Muffs
Advantages
• More protection at
higher frequencies than
earplugs
• Various NRRs available
• Durable, long lasting
• Can be fitted on hard hat
• Reusable
Disadvantages
• Higher cost
• Eye glasses can interfere
with ear muff seal
• May be uncomfortable in ho
t environments
• Must be cleaned before use
by another worker
Foam Insert Earplugs

Advantages Disadvantages

• More protection at lower

frequencies than muffs • Hands must be
• Various NRRs available cleaned before
• Inexpensive; disposable inserting earplugs
• Can be custom molded for
individual worker • Improper insertion
• Reusable plugs are available reduces NRR value
 Semi-aural Caps

Advantages
Disadvantages
• Various NRRs available
• Improper insertion reduces
• Easy to insert
effectiveness
• May be used several times
• More expensive than ear
• Ideal for people going in and plugs
out of noisy areas
• Typically have lower NRRs
than plugs or muffs
 Fit, Use, and Care of Hearing
Protection Devices
• Employer must ensure proper initial fitting
• Employer must supervise the correct use of hearing
protectors
• Hearing protectors must be replaced as necessary at
no cost to employee, contact your supervisor
• Hearing protection devices must be cleaned and stored
according to the manufacturer’s specification\
• For questions concerning selection of hearing
protection based on NRR and proper fit contact EH&S
@ 328-6166
 Types of Hearing Protection
There are three types of hearing
protection – ear muffs, earplugs
and ear caps.

Ear muffs and earplugs provide

about equal protection, ear caps
somewhat less.

earmuffs

earplugs 14 ear caps

 Types of Hearing Protectors
All hearing protectors are designed to
reduce the intensity (loudness) of noise
to the inner ear.

They work much better than wads of

cotton or bits of cloth stuffed in the ear.

All three types have advantages and

disadvantages and people vary on
which they prefer to use.

Cotton doesn’t
work!!

15
 Hearing Protection – Ear Plugs

Earplugs are made of foam, rubber

or plastic and are either one-size-
fits-all or in sizes small, medium
and large.
Some are disposable, some are
reusable.
They are lightweight, and require no
maintenance.
They are inserted into the ear canal.

16
 Ear Plug Comfort
Some people may find ear plugs
uncomfortable to wear for long
periods at first.
Ear plugs rarely cause infection or
prolonged irritation of the ear
canal.
Most people can find a comfortable
fit by trying several different sizes,
types or brands.
Custom-molded earplugs can be
obtained for maximum comfort.

custom molded
earplugs
17
 Inserting Foam Earplugs
Foam type earplugs are one-size-fits-all and
must be inserted properly into the ear.

Roll earplug into small cylinder first, then insert in ear.

18
 Inserting Foam Earplugs

Earplug incorrectly inserted Earplug correctly inserted

19
 Ear Muffs
Ear muffs cover the whole
ear and are preferred by
some people.

They have replaceable

pads and some high-tech
styles filter out specific
noise pitches.

They last longer than most

plugs.

20
 Attached Earmuffs

Some muffs are attached to

hard hats or goggles.

Some high-tech muffs can filter

out certain frequencies or have
radios inside for communication
in high noise areas.

21
 Ear Muff Comfort & Glasses

Muffs can be uncomfortable

in hot weather.

Muffs don’t seal well for someone

with glasses or heavy sideburns.

22
 Ear Caps
Ear caps are like earplugs,
except they do not go into
the ear canal, they only
block it.

They are good for occasional

use or for people who find
earplugs uncomfortable.

They are not as protective as

earplugs or muffs.

23
 Noise Reduction of Hearing Protection

The “noise reduction rating”

or “NRR” of hearing
protection is measured in
decibels.

The NRR is found on the

earmuff or earplug package.
The higher the number, the
greater the protection.

24
Hearing Protection Available at our Company

Insert the list of hearing protection used at your

company here.

Alternatively, you can simply show the actual hearing

protection you provide your employees. Include NRR
rating of each and when or where hearing protection is
needed or required.

25
 How can you hear anything
with earmuffs on?
Using earmuffs or plugs in noisy
areas can actually make it easier
to hear coworkers or machinery.

They reduce overwhelming loud

background noise.

They are similar to dark glasses

that reduce the sun’s glare
making it easier to see.

26
 Proper Use of Hearing Protection
Earmuffs and plugs provide
good protection only when
used properly.

Sometimes people will

remove hearing protection
for “just a minute” in a noisy
area.

In areas of very high noise

exposure, this could result in
noise overexposure.

It won’t protect your ears if

it is around your neck!!!

27
 Proper Use of Hearing Protection
It takes just a few minutes of
unprotected exposure at noise
above 115 decibels to risk
hearing damage.

Earplugs not well inserted into

the ear canal will not provide
complete protection.

Likewise, earmuffs not snug

against the head will “leak”
noise into the ear.

28
Hearing Aids Are Not Hearing Protection

Hearing aids do not block out

enough sound for most
workplace noise.

Some hearing aids can actually

increase the noise level at the
ear.

Just turning off the hearing aids

will not prevent further hearing
loss from noise exposure.

29
 Portable Radios/CD Players/iPods

These devices do not provide

protection from noise.

The earphones are not earmuffs

and the music only adds to
background other noise.

The music level in the earphones

themselves can exceed 85
decibels and cause hearing loss.
30
 What is Audiometric Testing?
“Audiometric testing” is the
same thing as hearing
tests.

It is done by trained
technicians to detect any
hearing loss.

Audiometric testing is
required by DOSH for any
employees exposed to
excessive noise.

31
 Purpose of Audiometric Testing
Most of us develop a mild
hearing loss as we age,
especially in the higher pitches.

A severe or significant hearing

loss at a younger age may
mean you have had excessive
noise exposure.

Audiometric testing done yearly

can detect early stages of
hearing loss.

32
 Audiometric Testing
Audiometric testing results can
be used to check the following:
If the hearing protection in
use is adequate,
If there is a change in noise
exposure,
If there is a medical condition
of the ear unrelated to noise
exposure.

33
 How Does Audiometric Testing Work?

When you are first hired, a

baseline test is taken.

The testing is repeated

every year after that and
compared to the baseline
test result.

If a hearing loss is
detected, you will be
referred to a doctor or
audiologist.

34
 Audiometric Testing
Audiometric testing produces
printed audiograms which
show hearing ability at several
pitches or frequencies.
These frequencies include
those of the human voice.
The second and following year
tests are compared to the first
year tests or baseline.

If there is hearing loss of 10 decibels or

more in the human voice frequencies, you
will be sent to the doctor or audiologist.
35
 What is an Audiogram?
An audiogram is a printed chart of the results of the
hearing test. They look similar to the results below.

Normal hearing Severe hearing loss

36
Noise measurement records &
hearing test results

You have the right to see noise

measurement records and get copies
of your hearing test results.

Show here where noise records and/or

audiometric testing results are kept or give
employees copies of these records.

37
 Noise Audits

Describe your noise auditing program here, if you do it.

Hearing protection audits are a tool for use in
evaluating your hearing loss prevention program in
cases where audiometric testing doesn't provide a
useful measure.

38
 Audiometric Testing

• Monitors employee’s hearing over time

• Baseline audiogram must be performed within first 6
months of work exposure ( 8 hour TWA ≥ 85 d BA)
• Annual audiograms are required each year after
baseline audiogram
• Employer must pay for the cost of each required
audiogram
 Why Do Audiometric Testing?

• Obtain a Baseline Audiogram for future

comparison
• Identify occupational hearing loss
• Identify Standard Threshold Shifts (STS)
Normal Vs Noise-Induced
Audiometric testing
 Administrative Controls
• Operate noisy equipment on second or
third shifts.
• Rotate employees through high-noise
areas.
• Modify existing machinery.
• Place noise limit specs. on new equip.
• Maintain equip. in good condition.
• Use noise control when installed.
• Reporting noisy equip. to supervisor for
repair.
 Engineering Controls
• Reduce noise at the source.
• Interrupt the noise path.
• Reduce reverberation and structural
vibration.
 Personal Protective Equipment
(Hearing Protection Devices - HPD)
• Employers shall provide to employees
exposed to 8 hr TWA of 85 dB at no cost.
• Employers shall ensure being worn:
– by employees exposed to 8 hr TWA of 90dB
or greater
– by employees exposed to 8 hr TWA of 85dB
or greater and:
• Whose baseline audiogram has not been
established
• Who have experienced a threshold shift
 Hearing Protection Device (HPD)
Noise Reduction
• HPD must reduce employee noise exposure
below PEL e.g. below 8 hr TWA of 90 dB.
• Employees with standard threshold shift (STS),
HPD must reduce employees noise exposure
below an 8 hr TWA of 85 dB.
• Noise Reduction Ratio (NRR)
1. Convert dose to TWA; subtract 7 from NRR;
subtract remainder from TWA to obtain the est.TWA
under ear protector
2. Subtract 7 from NRR; subtract remainder from TWA
to obtain the est. TWA under ear protector
 Hearing Protection Use
• Voluntary Use
– Exposed to an 8 hr TWA of 85 dB
• Mandatory Use
– Exposed to an 8 hr TWA of 90 dB
– Exposed to an 8 hr TWA of 85 dB but have not
had a baseline hearing test
– Employees who have suffered STS hearing
loss and are exposed to an 8 hr TWA of 85 dB
 Employee Responsibility
• Understand the need for hearing
protection devices.
• Wear HPDs and seek replacements.
• Encourage co-workers to wear HPDs.
• Communicate problems to supervisors.
 Management Responsibility
• Provide occupational noise training.
• Provide hearing protection devices.
• Demonstrate commitment – wear HPDs.
• Enforce the use of HPDs.
• Keep up to date with HPD selection and
use.
• Encourage questions and resolve
problems.
 Purpose of Hearing Protectors
• Reduction of sound waves traveling to the
inner ear
 Advantages and Disadvantages of
Different Types of Hearing Protectors
Kind of Protector Advantages Disadvantages
Ear Plug •Free head movements •Can work loose during the
•Good for tight work work day
spaces •Must be replaced
•Worn with any hairstyle periodically
•Worn with hats, eye •Small and can easily be
protection, respirators lost
•Good protection against
high frequency sounds
Ear Muff •Headband can be •Difficult to wear with eye,
adjusted for comfort head and breathing
•Seldom come loose protection
during the work day
•Free head movements
 Attenuation of Different Types of
Hearing Protectors
• Ear Plugs
– Reduce noise by as much as 30 decibels
• Ear Canals
– Reduce noise by as much as 30 decibels
– Used when individual is unable to use traditional ear
plugs
• Ear Muffs
– Reduce noise by as much as 15-30 decibels
– Use in conjunction with ear plugs when exposed to
high noise levels (105+ decibels)
 Instructions on Selection, Fitting,
Use, and Care of Hearing Protectors
Ear plugs
– Keep clean and free of materials
• Wash in mild liquid detergent and warm water
• Squeeze excess water and air dry
– Discard plugs when hardened or do not re-
expand
• Ear Canals
– Clean like normal ear plugs
– Do not tamper with the headband and the
acoustic seal
 Instructions on Selection, Fitting,
Use, and Care of Hearing
Protectors
• Ear Muffs
– Keep clean and free of debris
• Clean cushions with warm soapy water
– Do not tamper with the acoustic seal between
the cushions and the headband
– Do not modify the ear muffs in any way
– Do not stretch or abuse the headband
 Audiometric Testing
• Conducted by a qualified audiologist.
• Baseline Audiogram/Test
– Shows initial hearing status
– For comparison to future audiograms
• Periodic (Annual) Audiogram/Test
– To determine if HCP is effective and if non-
noise factors affects hearing
– Recheck audiogram or professional referral
necessary if significant hearing change occurs
Purpose of Audiometric Testing
• To measure hearing by sending tones to
each ear through headphones.
• To show how one’s hearing compares to
normal hearing based on age.
• To determine whether hearing is being
conserved.
• To alert employee and employer for noise,
age or medical related hearing loss.
 Explanation of Test Procedures
• Audiometer sends tones to each ear
through headphones.
• Listen carefully and respond each time
you hear a tone.
• Levels at which you can barely hear the
tones is your hearing threshold levels.
• Audiogram records threshold (dB) for
different pitches or frequencies (Hertz).
 Evaluation of Audiogram
• Annual audiogram compared to baseline audiogram to
determine threshold shift
• If threshold shift
– Employee must be notified in writing within 21 days
• If threshold shift from occ. noise exp.
– Employee fitted with hearing protectors, trained in use and care,
required to use them.
– Employee refitted with better attenuation hearing protectors and
retrained in hearing protector use
– Refer employee to eval/exam if add. testing necessary or if
medical pathology is caused by hearing protectors
– Inform employee of need to eval/exam if medical pathology
unrelated to hearing protectors is suspected
Evaluation of Audiogram (con’t)
• If subsequent audiogram to noise exp.
less than 8 hr TWA of 90dBA indicates
that threshold shift is not persistant:
– Inform employee of new audiogram
– May discontinue required use of hearing
protectors
 Normal Audiogram and Degree of Hearing Loss

-10
0 Normal Hearing
10
Hearing Threshold Level

20
30 Mild Hearing Loss
40
dB

50 Moderate Hearing Loss

60
70 Severe Hearing Loss
80
90 Profound Hearing Loss
100
500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000

Frequency, Hz (low pitched to high pitched sounds)

 Standard Threshold Shift
• Hearing ability changed by an average of
10 decibels.
• Employee notification within 21 days.
• Revised hearing protection required.
• Further medical evaluation.
• Allowance may be made for the
contribution of aging.
Audiometric Test Requirements
• Test shall be pure tone, air conduction,
hearing threshold exam.
• Test frequencies from 500 to 6000 Hz in
each ear.
• Audiometers shall meet ANSI S3.6 and
Appendix B
• Audiometric exams administered in room
shall meet Appendix C
 Audiometer Calibration
• Audiometer functional operation shall be
checked daily.
• Audiometer calibration shall be checked
acoustically annually per Appendix D
 Training
• Provide annually to employees who are exposed
to noise at or above 8 hr TWA of 85 dB.
• Topics must include:
– Effects of Noise on Hearing
– Purpose of Hearing Protectors
– Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of
Hearing Protectors
– Attenuation of Different Types of Hearing Protectors
– Instructions on Selection, Fitting, Use, and Care of
Hearing Protectors
– Purpose of Audiometric Testing
 Record Keeping
• Employee Exposure Measurements
• Audiometric Tests
– Audiogram/Noise Exposure Assessment
– Job classification
– Audiometer calibration date
• Hearing Protection Devices Used
• Audiometric Test Rooms
– Background sound pressure level in test room
 Summary
• Constant exposure to noise over 85 dB
can cause hearing damage.
• Hearing loss can not be cured or repaired.
• Hearing tests are conducted annually.
• Hearing protection devices include ear
plugs, ear muffs, and canal caps.
 Question 1
What happens when people are exposed
to excessive noise?

a) They can’t hear someone talking to them.

b) Over a period of time, they will develop

hearing loss.

c) Some people may develop permanent ringing

in their ears.

d) Some people will be stressed out by constant

exposure to loud noise.
 Question 2

What is the lowest level of noise that can

cause hearing loss?
a) When it hurts your ears.

b) 65 decibels

c) 85 decibels

d) An average of 85 decibels over 8 hours.

 Question 3

What is NRR?
a) The noise level of rifles.

b) The noise rating of any loud machinery.

c) The noise reduction rating of hearing protection.

d) A measure of how well earplugs work.

 Question 4

Ear plugs work better than ear muffs in

blocking out noise.

a) True.

b) False.

c) It depends.
 Question 5
Why is audiometric testing required?

a) To make sure you haven’t gone deaf.

b) To test for any hearing loss during your employment.

c) To test the noise of machinery.

d) To see how well you remember noise training material.

 QUIZ
1. Employee participation in the Hearing
Conservation Program is required when
exposed to an 8 hr TWA noise level of ____
decibels.
2. Hearing damage can easily be repaired with
surgery. True or False
3. Describe a sign of hearing loss: _______
4. Name two off-work activities that may expose
you to high-noise levels.
5. Your company keeps records of noise
monitoring and hearing tests. True or False
 QUIZ
6. A noise dosimeter is used to test an
employee’s hearing capability. True or False
7. Describe one of the ways noise impacts the
workplace. ____________________________
8. Name two kinds of hearing protection devices:
_______________ and __________________
9. In order to look for hearing loss, how often are
hearing tests conducted? ________________
10. Name one of the ways management attempts
to control employee noise exposure:
_____________________________________