Hearing Conservation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Engineering controls Isolate noisy machinery in a separate area Place machinery on rubber mountings Use sound- absorbing acoustical tiles 3a

Engineering controls Arrange work schedules to reduce employee exposure to noise Inform supervisors of unpleasant/ unacceptable noise levels 3b

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jay Industries, Inc. Hearing Conservation Program Audiometric Testing Trailer Noise protection training Medical Surveillance

Hearing Conservation Program Components Conduct hearing tests Testing and reporting meets OSHA requirements Medical follow-up if needed Noise monitoring Education and training

Jay Mobile Hearing Trailer

Hearing Testing State of the art audiometric equipment Self-contained trailer Certified Occupational Conservationist on staff Annual testing if needed Testing upon hire

Annual Testing Baseline readings established Annual testing conducted if above action level

OSHA Requirements Reportable thresh holds are established OSHA reports determined with professional supervision OSHA reports are filed as needed

Medical Follow-up Re-testing as required, through Audiology Dept. of AVITA Professional review of borderline hearing thresh holds Professional review of hearing changes Professional referral if needed

Noise Monitoring Noisy areas in plants are monitored Dosimeter calibrated annually Noise maps are established Noise readings available upon request

Testing upon hire New employees tested within six months of hire This establishes a baseline

Any questions? Contact HR, EHS, or your supervisor