1. Hearing Conservation

2. Effects of noise Causes hearing loss
Amount of damage depends upon the intensity of the noise and duration of exposure
Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent 1a

3. Effects of noise Prolonged exposure generally causes permanent damage
Noise-induced permanent threshold shift is not reversible/ cannot be medically treated 1b

4. Effects of noise
Noise-induced hearing loss typically starts with hearing threshold shifts in the higher frequencies
The type of hearing loss can be identified and measured with audiometric examination 1c

5. Noise hazards
Noise is unwanted/unpleasant sound that may have a negative effect depending on:
loudness/frequency
duration of exposure
how old/healthy person is 2a

6. Noise hazards Sound is measured by: Noise types include: frequency
intensity
Noise types include:
wide band
narrow band
impulse 2b

7. Noise hazards
Hearing protection must be provided when noise equals or exceeds an eight-hour time- weighted average of 85dB 2c

8. Noise hazards can cause:
Drowsiness and irritability
Inability to hear important instructions
High blood pressure, ulcers, headaches 2d

9. Noise hazards can cause:
Sleeping disorders
Temporary or permanent hearing loss 2e

10. Control measures Isolate noisy machinery in a separate area
Place machinery on rubber mountings
Use sound- absorbing acoustical tiles 3a

11. Control measures
Arrange work schedules to reduce employee exposure to noise
Inform supervisors of unpleasant/ unacceptable noise levels 3b

12. Hearing protection
Factors taken into account when selecting hearing protection devices include:
noise hazards
noise frequencies
fit and comfort
noise reduction
rating 4a

13. Purpose/procedure for audiometric testing
Checks a person’s hearing
Trained technician uses an audiometer to send sounds through headphones 5a

14. Purpose/procedure for audiometric testing
Person being tested responds to the sounds when they are first heard
Chart records responses 5b

15. Hearing protection makes common sense
You are ultimately responsible for your own hearing
You have the most to lose if you suffer hearing loss
Make sure earplugs fit properly 6a

16. Hearing protection makes common sense
Have an annual hearing test
Keep hearing protection devices in good operation 6b

17. Hearing protection makes common sense
Don’t use homemade hearing protection devices
Wear hearing protection devices at work as required 6c