References OPNAVINST series 29CFR (Codes of Federal Regulations) OPNAVINST series 29CFR (Codes of Federal Regulations)

Why Hearing Conservation? Hazardous noise levels are common in industrial areas because of machinery, motors and many other industrial operations. Permanent hearing loss from continuous noise exposure is preventable. Hazardous noise levels are common in industrial areas because of machinery, motors and many other industrial operations. Permanent hearing loss from continuous noise exposure is preventable.

Why Hearing Conservation? The Navy has a program to ensure noise hazardous areas are identified; hazardous noise is eliminated, where possible; hazards are posted; personnel are provided with protective equipment; and testing is conducted to monitor program compliance. The Navy has a program to ensure noise hazardous areas are identified; hazardous noise is eliminated, where possible; hazards are posted; personnel are provided with protective equipment; and testing is conducted to monitor program compliance.

Exposure 1.Exposure to high levels of continuous noise or sudden, impact noise can cause permanent hearing loss. 2.Hearing loss from continuous noise is cumulative over time, and may not become noticeably severe for many years. Once lost, that hearing cannot be recovered.

Exposure 3.Hearing loss from continuous noise damages delicate hair-like cells in the inner ear. The more damaged cells you have, the more hearing loss. These cells NEVER heal.

Exposure 4.Hearing losses are preventable. Hearing losses also make up the majority of all compensation claims from occupational causes.

Exposure 5.The Navy’s program is designed to “conserve” or save your hearing, and prevent permanent hearing loss.

If you are exposed to noise levels greater than 84dBA, you will be entered into a Hearing Conservation program.

When you report to your new command you shall receive a baseline screening. When you report to your new command you shall receive a baseline screening.

Goals of the Navy Program Elements Prevent occupational hearing loss and ensure auditory fitness. Prevent noise exposure that has been recognized as an occupational hazard. Prevent hearing loss.

Hearing Conservation Program Elements Work environments shall be surveyed to identify potentially hazardous noise levels and personnel at risk. Work environments shall be surveyed to identify potentially hazardous noise levels and personnel at risk.

Hearing Conservation Program Elements Equipment that produces potentially hazardous noise shall be modified to reduce the noise level, if FEASIBLE.

Hearing Conservation Program Elements Education is vital to the overall success of a Hearing Conservation Program.

Navy Exposure Above 84 decibels on the “A” weighted scale (84dBA) requires hearing protection. “A” weighted means the frequencies and sound levels measured are those experienced by humans, so the meter “hears” similar to the way your ear hears. “A” weighted means the frequencies and sound levels measured are those experienced by humans, so the meter “hears” similar to the way your ear hears.

Navy Exposure The limit for impact noise is 140 dBA The limit for impact noise is 140 dBA Above 104 dBA requires DOUBLE hearing protection

Employer Responsibilities the employer has to properly train and inform the employee of noise hazards and issue hearing protection. the employer has to properly train and inform the employee of noise hazards and issue hearing protection.

Individual Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the individual to utilize the hearing protective devices they have been given.

How much is a dBA? Jet Airplane 140 dBA Jet Airplane 140 dBA

How much is a dBA? Missile firing 120 dBA Missile firing 120 dBA

How much is a dBA? Automobile horn 112 dBA Automobile horn 112 dBA

How much is a dBA? Diesel Engine 110 dBA Diesel Engine 110 dBA

How much is a dBA? Steam Boiler 100 dBA Steam Boiler 100 dBA

How much is a dBA? Lawnmower 95 dBA Lawnmower 95 dBA

How much is a dBA? Subway e-TRAIN 90 dBA Subway e-TRAIN 90 dBA

How much is a dBA? Noisy Restaurant 80 dBA Noisy Restaurant 80 dBA

How much is a dBA? Traffic 75 dBA Traffic 75 dBA

How much is a dBA? Quiet Home 50 dBA Quiet Home 50 dBA

Noise NOISE is the leading cause of hearing loss in the Navy. Disease, injury and age are the others. 30 to 50 percent of all military personnel develop significant noise induced hearing loss.

Noise does not toughen your ears……. It destroys them!!! Can I toughen my Can I toughen my ears to noise? Can I toughen my ears to noise?

Noise There is NO known cure for noise-induced hearing loss in the INNER EAR. Hearing problems in the outer and middle ears are usually medically treatable,… BUT …..

Off-Duty What can I do to reduce noise off-duty?

Off-Duty Insert carpets, drapes and acoustical tile to absorb sounds that would otherwise bounce off bare floors, walls and ceilings. Place rubber mats under noisy or vibrating appliances.

Off-Duty Enclose noisy machines with materials that absorb sound. Many commercial products are available. Maintain equipment to keep loose or unoiled parts from creating more noise.

Off-Duty Buy plastic replacement parts if possible, when metal parts wear out - plastic is less noisy. Choose quieter models when replacing blenders, dishwashers, etc. Look for items with a HIGH noise reduction rating (NRR).

Off-Duty Plant leafy shrubs at window height to absorb traffic noise. Don’t play music loudly or use noisy equipment in small enclosed spaces.

Temporary Threshold Shift: You may not hear certain sounds at the end of the day. Within 15 to 40 hours after exposure to noise your hearing bounces back.

Permanent Threshold Shift: There are NO physical signs, NO pain. There may be a ringing in your ears. Hearing no longer bounces back. The LOSS is PERMANENT.

Audiometric Testing While being tested you sit in a “quiet room”. A trained technician uses an instrument (an audiometer) to send sounds (tones) through headphones. The person being tested responds to these tones. The chart that records responses to test sounds is called an AUDIOGRAM. While being tested you sit in a “quiet room”. A trained technician uses an instrument (an audiometer) to send sounds (tones) through headphones. The person being tested responds to these tones. The chart that records responses to test sounds is called an AUDIOGRAM.

Audiometric Testing It checks workers hearing ability so any hearing loss can be identified and dealt with properly.

Audiometric Testing It measures the overall success of the program and evaluates workers hearing protection so changes can be made if necessary.

Hearing loss from noise is preventable. Wear your Hearing Protection. Hearing loss from noise is preventable. Wear your Hearing Protection.

Earplugs Very effective for most noise levels, but they must be carefully fit. Earplugs take some getting used to, and it may take more than one fitting to get a comfortable pair. Keep them clean with soap and water. Use a carrying case when not in use. Very effective for most noise levels, but they must be carefully fit. Earplugs take some getting used to, and it may take more than one fitting to get a comfortable pair. Keep them clean with soap and water. Use a carrying case when not in use.

Earplugs 3 basic types of plugs Formable/Disposable type Premolded / Universal / Multi-size type Custom Molded Type Only earplugs listed in OPNAVINST series may be used

Canal Caps Just as effective as earplugs. They’re a possible choice for people who can’t use earplugs and are useful for people who enter and leave high noise areas frequently.

Earmuffs These are convenient and practical for intermittent exposures. You must not bend or modify any part of the headband, cup or cushion. Cushions must be replaced when hard or cracked.

Thanks Enjoy the sounds around you and have a……. SAFE DAY Enjoy the sounds around you and have a……. SAFE DAY