NOISE AND ACOUSTICS ~ Hierarchy of ControlsNoise + Acoustics Ototoxic Chemical Exposures Confirmed Ototoxics Ethyl Benzene Lead and Inorganic Compounds (Pb) Styrene Toluene Trichloroethylene Possible Carbon disulfide n-Hexane Xylene Noise Ototoxic Chemicals Hearing Loss

How We Hear The Auditory System Acoustical Mechanical Hydraulic Chem/Elec

Hearing Protection Selection Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs) Single-Use / Multiple-Use / Detectable Earplugs Banded Earplugs Passive Earmuffs Radio & Stereo Earmuffs Intelligent Hearing Protection Sound Amplification Earmuffs

Hearing Protection Selection PROCON More natural sounds Lower attenuation ideal for moderate noise environments Ideal for hearing-impaired workers Lower attenuation than most earplugs Slightly higher cost Uniform / Flat Attenuation HPDs

Hearing Protection Selection Uniform / Flat Attenuation HPDs Variation in attenuation is only 5 dB in speech range ( kHz) Frequency in Hz Attenuation in dB Uniform Attenuation Earplug Conventional Earplug Speech will sound more natural with this earplug.

Hearing Protection Selection Intelligent Hearing Protection PROCON Communicate in high, changing noise Increased situational awareness Can integrate active hearing protection, ANR, fit testing, PSEM Connect with radios Compatible with other PPE Higher cost than passive HPD Control unit as additional PPE to wear Appropriate for specific applications or environments (eg. intrinsically safe)

Hearing Protection Selection Choosing a protector with an NRR higher than necessary may result in overprotection Hazards of Overprotection Verbal communication may be hindered Warning alarms may not be heard Machine noises may be too diminished HPDs may be removed

Hearing Protection Selection Hazards of Overprotection Insufficient Protection Acceptable Protection Optimal Protection Possible Overprotection 85 dB 80 dB 75 dB 70 dB

Hearing Protection Selection Hazards of Overprotection In the United States, 76% of noise-exposed workers need no more than 10 dB of protection. 90% need no more than 15 dB of protection. 10 dB

Overprotection/Underprotection 20-25% workers exposed between dB will still get NIHL. While HPD use is mandatory at 90 dB, you should protect to at least 85 dB. Avoid overprotection – protected levels below dB can create additional safety risk. Hearing Protection Selection

Hearing Protection Selection Factors The right hearing protector should feel comfortable One protector may not satisfy all workers Offer a variety of earplugs or earmuffs to meet varying worker needs and preferences Comfort

Selecting HPDs with suitable attenuation for noise environment Avoid overprotection in marginal noise environments Consider banded earplugs for intermittent noise or electronic earmuffs for impact noise. Hearing Protection Selection Hearing Protection Selection Factors Noise Reduction

Every ear canal has its own shape and size Ensure proper fit with variety of earplug sizes and shapes Sized multiple-use earplugs Low-pressure foam earplugs for smaller ear canals Hearing Protection Selection Hearing Protection Selection Factors Size

Keep workers connected to their environment Uniform attenuation allows speech/signals to be hear more naturally Sound amplification earmuffs for workers with hearing impairment Hearing Protection Selection Hearing Protection Selection Factors Communication

Consider job requirements in HPD selection Detectable earplugs for process industries Hi-visibility earmuffs for dark/high traffic areas Dielectric HPDs for electrical environments Hearing Protection Selection Hearing Protection Selection Factors Job Requirements

Proper care and maintenance can extend life and performance of HPDs Examine and clean all multiple-use earplugs daily Clean and replace ear cushions on earmuffs every 4-6 months Hearing Protection Selection Hearing Protection Selection Factors Roll vs. No-Roll earplugs Foam vs. multiple-use earplugs Clean and replace ear cushions on earmuffs every 4-6 months Clean and examine multi-use earplugs daily Hygiene

Cap-mounted earmuffs for hard hats Multiple-position earmuffs for full-brim hard hats Ultraslim neckband earmuffs with welding shields Respirators preventing communication Eyewear interfering w/seal of earmuffs, attenuation Hearing Protection Selection Hearing Protection Selection Factors Use w/ Other PPE

Awareness of surroundings Understand what is happening around you Communicate with co- workers (face-to-face or 2- way radios) Increased personal safety, avoid other risks Avoid isolation from environment Hearing Protection Selection Hearing Protection Selection Factors Connect w/ Environment

How much noise is reaching the ear of the worker ? Noise Reduction Rating Noise Level100 dBA NRR25 dB It’s completely UNKNOWN!

Noise Reduction Rating A laboratory estimate of the amount of attenuation achievable by 98% of users when properly fit A population-based rating ― some users will get more attenuation, some will get less The NRR is only a population estimate, not a predictor of individual attenuation. Noise Reduction Rating

10 human subjects tested in a simulated industrial room Tested with ears open / occluded at nine frequencies Each subject tested 3x NRR calculated to be population average A test subject in the Howard Leight Acoustical Lab, San Diego, CA, accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) Noise Reduction Rating Determining the NRR

NRR Attenuation Number of test subjects NRR Noise Reduction Rating Determining the NRR

De-Rating Methods (US/CAN) Noise Reduction Rating Class System A up to 100 B up to 95 C up to 90 Reduce NRR Earmuffs NRR – 25% Formable Earplugs NRR – 50% All Other Earplugs NRR – 70% Fit Test NRR ÷ 2 pending feasibility of engineering controls

Real-World Attenuation ≠ NRR Noise Reduction Rating 192 Users of a Flanged Multiple-Use Earplug (NRR 27) Attenuation in dB Retraining and refitting resulted in an average +14 Real user attenuation <0 to 38 dB

Three New Labels LABELDESCRIPTION Conventional HPD  Perform lab test with subjects who fit the protector after brief training  Estimates the range of protection achieved by 20% and 80% of users Active Noise Reduction (ANR) Uses a Microphone-in-Real-Ear (MIRE) method to estimate protection Measured with ANR turned OFF and ON to show the additional attenuation from the ANR Level Dependent/ Impulse Noise Reduction Testing will occur over a range of impulse noise levels. Multiple tests to determine lower and upper ranges of impulse noise reduction Will include two ranges to identify attenuation for passive and active modes Noise Reduction Rating

20 human subjects tested in a simulated industrial room Subject trained then fits their own earplugs Tested with ears open / occluded at 9 frequencies Each subject tested 2x NRR calculated to be population average Determining New NRR Noise Reduction Rating

New NRR (NR sa) Attenuation Number of test subjects % achieved > 26 dB 80% achieved > 20 dB 2826 Noise Reduction Rating

How to Apply the New Label Two-number range displays the estimated protection achievable by minimally-trained users [80%] versus proficient users [20%]. A wider range indicates greater variability in the fit of that HPD. Smaller ranges indicate more consistency of fit. For example, earmuffs will usually have a tighter fitting range than earplugs, and may have a smaller NRR range. 80%20%

Noise Reduction Rating NRR Change Resources PDF and other articles available at

1. FIT 2. WEAR TIME A worker who selects an earplug with an PAR of 30 effectively reduced his 8-hour PAR to just … but then removes that HPD for just … 30 dB 5 min 10 min 30 min 15 min 26 dB 24 dB 22 dB 18 dB In noise exposures, small intervals of no protection quickly void large intervals of adequate protection. Biggest Factors in Achieving PAR Noise Reduction Rating

For extreme noise environments To estimate the protected noise level, add about 5 dB to the higher NRR protector + DUAL PROTECTION = EARPLUG EARMUFF Dual Protection Noise Reduction Rating Earplug PAR 29 dB Earmuff NRR 29 dB Maximum Dual Protection 34 dB

What Can I Do Now? Evaluate Noise Spectra Determine if spectral balance corrections will be necessary One-on-One Training Research studies confirm that one-on- one training is superior to group training Although the new labeling regulation takes effect whenever the final rule is published by the EPA, there are a number of actions you can take now to prepare your Hearing Conservation Program for the change. Noise Reduction Rating

What Can I Do Now? Evaluate HPD Selection Determine whether they are appropriate for your noise environment. Use the Howard Leight Hearing Protector Selector for recommendations.Howard Leight Hearing Protector Selector Update Training Program Hold “Toolbox Training” with fit training refresher Noise Reduction Rating

What Can I Do Now? Use Earplug Fit Testing Train how to properly fit HPDs Select appropriate HPDs Document adequate protection Use In-Ear Dosimetry Measure, document noise dose employee is exposed to during work shift Noise Reduction Rating

Next Generation of Hearing Conservation Technology

Personal Sound Exposure Monitoring (PSEM) New Measurement Technologies Earplug Fit Testing Next Generation of Hearing Conservation Technology

Earplug Fit Testing Provides an accurate, real-world picture of your employees’ hearing protector effectiveness. ID if your employees are Getting the right protection Need additional training Need different earplug Problem Solver: Eliminate De-Rating Schemes Improve One-on-One Training Validate Hearing Protector Selection Adapt to Impending NRR Change Next Generation of Hearing Conservation Technology

Fit Testing Systems Real Ear at Above Threshold (REAAT) Loudness Balance Commercial Available System Next Generation of Hearing Conservation Technology

Personal Measurement Systems Personal Sound Exposure Monitoring (PSEM) Commercial Available Systems Next Generation of Hearing Conservation Technology

Fit Testing as Best Practice OSHA / NIOSH / NHCA Alliance Research studies have suggested that when individuals are involved in the fitting process and receive positive feedback on the proper fit of their earplug, they will be more likely to have a positive attitude about protecting their hearing and will be more apt to use hearing protection correctly and consistently in the workplace. This positive outcome should result in reducing noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace. Available for download at Next Generation of Hearing Conservation Technology

Fit Testing Comments from Workers "I know how to better fit my earplugs now.” "I was amazed with the results after being shown the proper way to use earplugs. "Learned A LOT about best earplugs for me." "I found a more comfortable fit. It was very beneficial." "Very glad I did the fitting test. Now I know the correct way to fit my ear plugs.” "Recently had a threshold shift. Found better earplugs." "Feel like am protected now!" "I had no idea I was not using my earplugs correctly." Next Generation of Hearing Conservation Technology

PROs & CONs of Fit Testing PROCON Estimate / MeasureCost NRR ObsoleteTime Investment Fulfills OSHA Compliance Not Standardized Eliminate De-Ratings Medico-Legal Cases Work-Relatedness No Dual Protection Employee Feedback Next Generation of Hearing Conservation Technology

How much protection? 0 dB >33 dB EAR #1 EAR #2 EAR #3 Hearing Protector Fitting

Frequency in Hz Attenuation in dB Max Poor Fit NRR = 0dB Max Good Fit NRR = 33dB Good Fit vs Bad Fit Hearing Protector Fitting

Roll-Down Foam Earplugs 2. Pull Back pinna by reaching over head with free hand, gently pull top of ear up and out 1. Roll entire earplug into a crease-free cylinder 3. Insert earplug well into ear canal and hold until it fully expands

Show, Don’t Tell Provide copy of annual audiogram to worker Use personal examples to demonstrate consequences of hearing loss Ask questions: What is your favorite sound? What sound would you miss the most if you couldn’t hear? What sounds connect you to people and your environment? Training + Motivation Personalize Hearing Loss

Training + Motivation Training Materials Demonstrate Future Risk AIH

Training + Motivation

Training + Motivation Send Clear Message On + Off Job HC Part of Everyday Life Include recreational hearing conservation in annual training Provide extra HPDs for home use Promote Hearing Conservation at company/family events

Training + Motivation Remove Barriers to HPD Use Make HPDs Available Highlight “where to find HPDs” in annual training Make sure HPDs are well- stocked and accessible Include group of workers in selection process for increased acceptance Offer wide variety to match comfort, job requirements

Training + Motivation Checking Off the OSHA Amendment List  Health effects of noise  Purpose of hearing protection  Advantages/ disadvantages of various  Selection, fit, use and care of HPD  Purpose and procedures of audiometric testing    

Training + Motivation Professional Organizations

Training + Motivation Online Resources

Challenges in Industry Bringing It Together Hearing Protection Situational Awareness vs Hearing Protection Two-Way Communication vs Situational Awareness Two-Way Communication vs

Challenges in Industry Bringing It Together Too LITTLE Hearing Protection Worker Isolation, Safety Risk to Self and Others Too MUCH Hearing Protection Noise Exposure, Risk for Occ Hearing Loss

Challenges in Industry Bringing It Together Difficulties in managing two-way communications in extreme noise environments

Challenges in Industry Bringing It Together High Noise Exposure Most provide attenuation >25 dB (without de-ratings) Oil platforms > 110 dBA Mining > 105 dBA Passive Protection Most designed for constant noise levels Do not adapt for changing noise levels or types of noise (intermittent, impact) Communication without two-way radios Photo: Øyvind Hagen / Statoil

Challenges in Industry Bringing It Together Difficult Speech Intelligibility Communication in high noise levels requires concentration by the user Often raise headset volume to compensate for high ambient noise Additional risk for NIHL Boom microphones may pick up ambient sound when transmitting speech Position critical for boom mics Outgoing communications may be compromised

Challenges in Industry Bringing It Together Wear with Other PPE Hearing protectors with headsets or boom mics not always compatible with other PPE Dual Protection Requirements Requirements for earplugs and earmuffs in noise levels > dBA Properly fit earplug inhibits worker’s ability to hear through a headset Workers do not like to wear both

Challenges in Industry Bringing It Together Improper Use = Unknown Attenuation? Workers wearing one cup on, one cup off to hear surroundings At risk for binaural NIHL Extreme Climates / Weather Earmuffs very uncomfortable to wear in very hot and humid conditions Earmuffs preferred in colder climates Wear with hats and balaclavas may compromise optimal attenuation

Challenges in Industry Bringing It Together Low Frequency Sounds Noise felt as vibration More intense in closed or confined spaces Continued exposure can lead to worker fatigue, annoyance Mobile Workers Exposed to changing noise throughout work day May require different hearing protectors for each environment or task Intelligent protection solutions Photo: Helge Hansen / Statoil

Noise Levels dBA HPD Requirements Dual Protection Key Challenges Reducing noise levels, especially in high noise areas, via engineering controls Ensuring workers wearing hearing protection properly, especially in extreme heat/humidity Validate amount of attenuation each worker achieves Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together

Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together Tactic #1: Engineering Controls LocationPre-Enclosure dBAPost-Enclosure dBAHood Insulation dBATotal Reduction dB F/16 # F/16 # F/16 # Packout Table

Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together Tactic #2: Earplug Fit Testing Site Procedure All workers showing a shift (decrease) in hearing now receive a fit-test as part of “retraining.” All new (or re-hire) employees receive a fit-test prior to beginning work to Departments prioritized and tested per protocol Find the appropriate earplug Ensure they know how to fit it properly.

Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together The Results The Data 17% achieved adequate Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) on their first test 78% were able to achieve adequate protection at their first training session to bring their noise exposure to 82 dB or below 67% of workers changed from their initial ear plug selection, mostly due to comfort of proper fit

Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together The Results: More People Protected to Safer Levels “This means that when an employee walks away, he can tell us, ‘Yes, I know what right feels like.’

Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together The Results: Distribution of PAR Shifted Goal of > 25 dB of protection achieved by most workers

Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together The Results: Reduction in Recordables YearConfirmed STS Comment Prior to noise control Non-production associate Best practices at this plant have been adopted at other Shaw locations

Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together The Results: Hearing Conservation Program Changes HC Program Improvements E xpanded HPD offerings from 3 to 6 choices Workers are “certified” to a particular earplug Mandated job rotation in departments Emphasis on equipment maintenance

Case Study #1: Shaw Industries Bringing It Together The Results: Award Winner Recognized for the demonstrated results in noise control and its use of fit testing to better train and protect workers

Noise Levels dBA TWA HPD Requirements 100% wear when on plant floor (even walking through) Key Challenges Intermittent noise exposures Moderately low TWAs Possible overprotection Case Study #2: Gulfstream Aerospace Bringing It Together

Case Study #2: Gulfstream Aerospace Bringing It Together Tactic #1: Engineering Controls Quieter Equipment Purchase new equipment that does not exceed 82 dB during normal operation Implement engineering controls around test generator

Case Study #2: Gulfstream Aerospace Bringing It Together Tactic #2: Earplug Fit Testing Next Fit Training with Same Earplug Try a Different Earplug Test Worker with Usual Earplug “Fit the way you normally wear it.” Pass > 15 dB Photo courtesy of Gulfstream Aerospace

Case Study #2: Gulfstream Aerospace Bringing It Together Earplug Fit Testing: Value-Added Time Investment Identified workers with poor fit and spent value-added time

Case Study #2: Gulfstream Aerospace Bringing It Together Earplug Fit Testing: Goal Goal of > 15 dB protection now achieved by most workers Light Blue – Initial Fitting Dark Blue = Final Fitting

Case Study #2: Gulfstream Aerospace Bringing It Together The Results: OSHA Recordable Drop Dramatic Drop in Recordable Hearing Loss Cases

Case Study #2: Gulfstream Aerospace Bringing It Together The Results: Hearing Conservation Program Changes HC Program Improvements Workers are “certified” to a specific earplug High worker engagement in safety solution Continued earplug fit testing in other business units Possible development of earplug fit testing stations throughout facility Expanded hearing protector offering