Ashland University

Hearing Conservation Program

January, 2006

 

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

When an individual is regularly exposed to excessive noise, a temporary loss of hearing can occur. If this exposure continues, the hearing loss can become permanent and worsen with increased exposure. This loss of hearing will eventually affect an individual's communicative ability.

Noise-induced hearing loss can most definitely be considered a disability. It affects an individual's enjoyment of life by interfering in communicative abilities. A loss of hearing can adversely affect a worker's ability to carry out his job because sounds or directions which once could be heard or understood, are now unclear.

OSHA Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1910.95, defines hearing program requirements to include:

  1. A Hearing Conservation Program is required when an eight hour time weighted average exposure is equal to or exceeds 85 dBA. Employers are required to conduct a thorough noise survey to determine whether exposures exceed 85 dBA.

    The following table illustrates various noise levels:

    Whisper

    10dB

    Quiet office

    30dB

    Street sounds

    70dB

    Sander

    85dB

    Factory

    80-90dB

    Pneumatic drill

    100dB

    Car horn

    102dB

2. An audiometric testing program must be established for all employees whose exposures are equal to or exceed 85dBA. The program shall include a baseline audiogram, annual audiogram and an evaluation of audiogram by an audiologist, qualified otolaryngologist, or physician.

3.Hearing protection shall be supplied to employees exposed to sound levels in excess of 85 dBA.

Hearing Protection

Hearing protectors are generally available in two different types:

  1. Earplugs are worn inside the ear canal. Earplugs are less costly than ear muffs. The service life of earplugs is limited ranging from single use to several months. Several types are available. Whatever plug is used must be able to provide a snug fit.
  2. Earmuffs cover the external ear. They are more expensive, but have a much longer service life than earplugs. They require no additional fittings and only a simple demonstration is necessary to insure their effective use.

The best ear protection is the one which the employees will wear! It is best to offer several styles or types.

Education

Supervisors

Supervisors must take the responsibility to see that workers have hearing protection available.

Supervisors should understand the reason why hearing protection is necessary and those who work in a high noise area must be familiar with the following:

  1. The employees and the decibel level of the area or equipment.
  2. The effects of excessive exposure to noise.
  3. The reasons why use of ear protection is recommended.

A supervisor who regularly wears hearing protection sets an excellent example for those workers who should wear this equipment.

Employees

Employees should be educated and encouraged to wear ear protection. They should be informed in the basics of the University hearing program.

  1. Various operations generate excessive noise levels.
  2. There is a proper way to wear hearing protection so that it may be effective.
  3. Management personnel who are frequently around a high noise area should wear hearing protection. The detrimental effects of high noise can affect supervisors just as it does workers directly involved in high noise operations.

Employment termination requirements

All employees who work in a high noise area (sound levels above 85 dBA, time weighted average) will be given annual audiometric tests. Any employee who once worked in a high noise area, and is terminating employment for any reason, shall be given an audiogram. A refusal must be documented.

 Audiometric data analysis

The results of audiometric test data will be reviewed by the qualified professional who will place the data into one of four categories:

  1. Normal hearing
  2. Normal hearing but starting to show effects of high noise exposure.
  3. Measurable hearing loss
  4. Referral to physician for medical treatment.

When employees fall into categories b and c, action should be taken to guard against additional hearing loss.

The hearing protection program for areas where a b or c category person is working will be reviewed to determine the cause of the problem. It should be determined if employees are wearing their hearing protection and if the protection program is adequate.

Where audiometric testing has been performed, comparisons of hearing status from year to year will be made. When employees show a hearing threshold of 10 dBA or more in the direction of increased hearing loss at one of the primary speech frequencies, an investigation of the contributing facts will be undertaken.

Employee Notification

Federal noise standards include provisions to inform employees of their hearing status.