1. HEARING PROTECTION
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Today we are going to talk about protecting your ears. Remember, this information applies to you at school, work and home. ▼

2. Noise: Definition How do you know when a sound is too loud?
Noise = sounds above 85 dB (decibels)
Prolonged noise above 85 dB can damage your hearing.
OSHA defines Noise as sounds above 85 dB or decibels. ▼
Prolonged noise above 85dB is considered loud and can damage your hearing. ▼
So, how do you know when a sound is too loud?
The rule of thumb is: IF you need to raise your voice so that someone standing three feet away can understand what you are saying - you are working in a noisy environment. ▼
How do you know when a sound is too loud?

3. Noise Levels (dB) Familiar Sounds Machines* 115 dB  Power press
Chainsaw 110 dB
109 dB  Grinder
100 dB  CNC punch press
95 dB  Metal cutting saw
Lawnmower  90 dB
85 dB = LOUD
Conversation  60 dB
* Highest level measured
DISCUSSION: Think about loud noises you might encounter in the shop and at home. What comes to mind?
---- ▼
This chart shows typical noise levels for familiar sounds and work tools.
Remember, noise LEVELS above 85 decibels are potentially harmful. Everything on the chart, other than conversation, is louder than 85.
Now let’s look at noise sources in our auto body shop and in similar workplaces. ▼

4. Noise Sources Machines Discharging metal objects
Cleaning surfaces with compressed air
Noise sources that are loud and may harm your hearing include: ▼
Machines such as hydraulic presses, grinders, and band saws (Instructor Note: mention other machines in your lab or in workplaces). ▼
Discharging of metal objects into metal bins. ▼
And Cleaning surfaces with compressed air. ▼

5. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss happens when the hair cells in the inner ear become damaged and die.
Hearing loss happens when the tiny hair cells in the inner ear become damaged and die. ▼

6. Hearing Loss Noise-induced hearing loss: Develops gradually
Can also be caused by a sudden, extremely loud noise
Typically, noise-related hearing loss develops gradually, so you may not notice it. ▼
In addition, a sudden, extremely loud noise may also cause temporary or permanent damage. ▼

7. Hearing Loss Severity of loss depends on: How loud the noise is
How long you are exposed
The severity of noise-induced hearing loss depends on: ▼
how loud the noise is ▼
and how long you are exposed to it. ▼

8. Hearing Loss Other causes of hearing loss: Aging
Wax build-up in the ears
Medications
In addition to loud noise, hearing loss can also be caused by: ▼
Aging, ▼
Wax build-up in the ears, ▼
And some Medications, including aspirin ▼

9. Hearing Loss Temporary
Permanent – cannot be corrected with hearing aids
HEARING LOSS can be temporary or permanent.
Over time, temporary hearing loss can become permanent.
Permanent hearing loss cannot be corrected with hearing aids. ▼

10. Tinnitus Hearing ringing, hissing or other sounds
Continuous or intermittent
Temporary or permanent
Permanent – no cure
Example #1
Example #2
Tinnitus is hearing ringing, hissing or other sounds in your head when there is no external noise source. ▼
These sounds can be continuous or intermittent and can vary in loudness.
It is often worse when background noise is low because you become more aware of it – for example at night when you are trying to fall asleep in a quiet room. ▼
Here is one example of what tinnitus might sound like. (click on link to Example #1) ▼
Here is another example. (click on link to Example #2) ▼
Tinnitus can be temporary or permanent and there is no cure for it. ▼

11. Hearing Loss: Symptoms
Hard to follow conversation in a restaurant, or at a family gathering
Difficulty understanding words that sound similar: dart - cart; prey - tray, claim - blame
Cannot hear people clearly on the phone
Cannot hear the phone ring in a quiet room
Turning the volume up on the radio or TV
What did you say?
Once you begin losing your hearing, it becomes harder to communicate.
These are symptoms you might experience: ▼
You may find it hard to follow a conversation where these is background noise, for example, in a restaurant, bar, or at a family gathering. ▼
You have difficulty understanding words that sound similar. For example: dart vs. cart; prey vs. tray, claim vs. blame ▼
You can’t hear people clearly on the phone ▼
You can’t hear the phone ringing in a quiet room ▼
You have to keep turning the volume up on the radio or TV ▼

12. Hearing Loss Tell your doctor if you experience ongoing symptoms
A hearing test can detect noise-induced hearing loss
Hearing loss can be stopped if you protect your ears at work and at home
If you experience the symptoms we just discussed, on an ongoing basis, be sure to tell your doctor. ▼
A doctor will be able to tell if the hearing loss is a result of noise exposure after conducting a hearing test. ▼
Even if you already have some hearing loss, additional damage can be stopped. You must be diligent about protecting your ears at work and at home! ▼

13. Hearing Protection: Types
Ear muffs Ear plugs
You can prevent hearing loss by protecting your ears from loud noise at work and at home.
There are two types of hearing protectors - ear muffs and ear plugs.
Both types are very effective at reducing your exposure to noise – IF the hearing protection fits and is used correctly. ▼ .

14. Hearing Protection: Ear Muffs
Advantages:
Easy to use
Convenient for intermittent use
Ear muffs work by making a seal around your ear to block out the noise.
The advantages of using ear muffs include:
Ear muffs are easy to use. They are easy to put on and take off.
This makes them very convenient for intermittent use. ▼

15. Hearing Protection: Ear Muffs
Disadvantages:
Heavier than plugs
May be uncomfortable in hot environments
Glasses interfere with the seal
More expensive than plugs
The disadvantages of using ear muffs include: ▼
They are heavier than ear plugs ▼
They may be uncomfortable in hot environments ▼
Glasses interfere with the seal and reduce the effectiveness of the muffs ▼
And, they are more expensive than ear plugs ▼
Breaking the seal reduces the effectiveness of ear muffs. ▼
Breaking the seal reduces the effectiveness of ear muffs.

16. Hearing Protection: Ear Plugs
Pre-formed:
Designed for repeated use
Easy to use
Banded are ideal for intermittent use
Foam:
Disposable
Require more handling
More difficult to use
Now let’s look at ear plugs. There are two types: preformed and foam. ▼
Pre-formed ear plugs:
are designed for repeated use. ▼
They are easy to use. They don’t require rolling like the foam plugs. ▼
Banded preformed plugs hang around your neck when not in use. They are ideal for intermittent use. ▼
Foam ear plugs:
are disposable but they require more handling. You must roll them before putting them into the ear canal. This makes them more difficult to use for short tasks. ▼

17. Inserting Ear Plugs Roll foam plug Pull ear back and up
Insert the plug (foam or pre-formed)
Hold foam plugs in place for 10 seconds
Make sure your ear plugs are inserted correctly
Now, let’s look at how to properly insert ear plugs. ▼
First, roll foam plugs into a tight cylinder. ▼
Next, with your free hand pull your ear back and up to straighten the ear canal. ▼
Now, Insert the foam or preformed ear plug. ▼
Hold the foam plug in place for at least 10 seconds, allowing it time to expand. ▼
If the plugs are inserted correctly, your environment will be noticeably quieter. You might experience the sense of being in a tunnel and your ear canal will feel ‘full’. ▼
Incorrect Correct

18. Ear Plugs Wash your hands before inserting ear plugs
Do not reuse ear plugs if you can’t clean them
Store ear plugs in a clean and dry place
When using ear plugs: ▼
Wash your hands before inserting preformed or foam ear plugs. ▼
Don’t reuse ear plugs if you can’t clean them. ▼
Store ear plugs in a clean and dry place. Be sure to dry your ear plugs thoroughly before storing them. ▼

19. Ear Muffs Check ear cups and cushions for signs of wear
Replace damaged parts
Store in a clean and dry place
You must take care of your ear muffs. They require more care than ear plugs. ▼
Check the ear cups and cushions for cracks, tears or other signs of wear. ▼
Replace damaged or worn ear cushions and foam inserts as needed. ▼
Keep your muffs clean and store them in a clean and dry place. ▼

20. Hearing Protection: Selection
NRR of at least 20 dB
Comfortable and proper fit
When choosing your hearing protection, make sure it has an NRR, noise reduction rating, of at least 20 decibels.
The NRR tells you how much your noise exposure will be reduced, when the hearing protection is used properly. ▼
Your hearing protection should also be comfortable and fit properly. ▼

21. Summary Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable
Permanent hearing loss – can’t fix with hearing aids
Wear hearing protection when you use compressed-air tools
NRR must be at least 20dB
Hearing protection must fit and be used correctly
In SUMMARY: ▼
Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. ▼
Permanent hearing loss can’t be fixed with hearing aids. ▼
Wear hearing protection when you use compressed-air tools. ▼
Hearing protection should have an NRR of at least 20dB. ▼
Hearing protection must fit and be used correctly. ▼

22. QUESTIONS?
Do you have any questions?