1. Hearing Conservation Training

2. Training Overview Occupational Noise Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing Conservation Program ( )
Audiometric Testing
Noise Control Measures
Hearing Protection Devices
Recordkeeping and Training

3. Occupational Noise A common problem found in many workplaces
High levels of noise can damage your hearing
Losing your hearing is a gradual process, and is less noticeable than other types of workplace injuries
It is a permanent handicap for those who are affected

4. The Affects of Noise
Psychological – can startle, annoy, and disrupt concentration.
Interference with communication, resulting in interference with job performance and safety (Confined Spaces).
Physiological – noise induced hearing loss, aural pain, or even nausea.

5. Types of Hearing Loss
Damage to the delicate structures of your ears can result in the loss of your ability to hear. There are two types of hearing loss
Conductive
Sensory

6. Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is caused by damage to or a malfunction of the outer and middle ear. It results in a decrease in your hearing, but you can still understand speech is caused by damage to or a malfunction of the outer and middle ear. It results in a decrease in your hearing, but you can still understand speech
Caused by middle ear infections, perforation of the eardrum
Can usually be corrected medically or surgically

7. Sensory Hearing Loss
Sensory hearing loss is a hearing loss caused by damage to or a malfunction of the inner ear, auditory nerve, or the brain. It makes it more difficult to understand speech

8. Sensory Hearing Loss Causes include noise, disease, injury, drugs
Sensory hearing loss CANNOT be corrected medically or surgically. It is permanent
Hearing loss in the workplace would most likely be a sensory hearing loss

9. Hearing Conservation Program
When employee noise exposures equal or exceed a time weighted average sound level of 85 dBA, a hearing conservation program must be implemented
No exposure to continuous, intermittent, or impact noise of a peak level of 140 dB shall occur
No exposure shall exceed a time weighted average of 115 dBA for continuous noise

10. Hearing Conservation Program
Noise Hazard Assessment
Noise exposed workers and/or noise hazards will be identified and an assessment performed by the Program Administrator.
If you feel the need to shout to be heard 3 feet away, the noise level is approaching 85 dBA.

11. Hearing Conservation Program
Monitoring
Noise monitoring will be performed by the Program Administrator
Affected employees will be notified
Re-monitoring will be performed when there are changes in equipment, operations or periodically to ensure effectiveness of program

12. Hearing Conservation Program
Audiometric Testing
All employees in the Hearing Conservation Program must undergo initial and annual audiometric testing
Tests are used to gauge hearing loss in affected employees and will be provided at no cost to the employees
The initial test is used as a baseline and the annual test is used to determine if hearing loss has occurred

13. Audiometric Testing (cont.)
The audiometric testing procedure tests the employees hearing threshold at a range of different frequencies.
The hearing threshold is the lowest level at which the employee is able to detect the test tone at each frequency and is determined by employee response.
Tests are performed
in both ears.

14. Noise Control Measures
Identify noise hazardous equipment
Modify the noise source so it is quieter
Increase distance between the employee and the noise hazard
Limit exposure time
Use hearing protection devices when the above measures are not feasible and/or do not decrease noise levels below a TWA-8 of 85 dBA

15. Types of Hearing Protection
Most popular
Foam Earplugs
PVC Earplugs
Earmuffs

16. Advantages/ Disadvantages
Earplugs
+ small and lightweight, comfortable in hot environments, easily used with other safety equipment
- may work loose and require occasional refitting, require specific fitting instructions, frequently soiled

17. Advantages/ Disadvantages
Earmuffs
+ One size fits all, fits better for long periods of time
- May fit tight on your head, uncomfortable in warm environments, problems occur when used with other equipment

18. Fitting
Reseat hearing protection devices throughout the work shift if they become loose or break their seal
If devices are uncomfortable or problematic, see your supervisor for replacement or alternative devices.
Never alter or modify hearing protection devices

19. Fitting
Make sure your hands are clean!

21. Caring for Hearing Protectors
Earplugs- store in clean, cool, dry place, if they become soiled or damaged, get a new pair (everyday)
Earmuffs- store in clean, cool, dry place, inspect for cracks around foam cups

22. Recordkeeping/ Training
A copy of the Hearing Conservation Program and standard is available to all employees
Training is required annually for all employees included in the Hearing Conservation Program

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