1. Syracuse University Hearing Conservation Program Training John Rossiter, Safety Department

2. Introduction This training is designed to teach you about the purpose and benefits of a hearing conservation program. After completing the training, you should understand the following:  The effects of noise on hearing 4 The purpose of SU's Hearing Conservation Program 4 The proper selection and use of hearing protection devices  The purpose of audiometric testing

3. How We Hear When we hear a sound this is what actually takes place:  SOUND WAVES enter the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate.  VIBRATIONS pass through 3 connected bones in the middle ear  This motion SETS FLUID MOVING in the inner ear.  Moving fluid bends thousands of delicate hair-like cells which convert the vibrations into NERVE IMPULSES.  Nerve impulses are CARRIED to the brain by the auditory nerve 4 In the brain, these impulses are CONVERTED into what we "hear" as sound. Sound is measured by its:  frequency 4intensity

4. How Noise Affects Health  A temporary hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noise for a few hours. Fortunately, hearing is usually restored after a period of time away from noise.  A permanent hearing loss occurs after the ear has been continually exposed to excess noise and has gradually become unable to recover from temporary hearing loss. There are warning signs that may be indicative of permanent hearing loss:  inability to hear high-pitched or soft sounds  trouble understanding conversation, or speech heard over the telephone  ringing or roaring in the ears (called tinnitus)

5. Noise Levels

6. Hearing Conservation Program  A Hearing Conservation Program must include four basic parts:  Noise Monitoring  Hearing Protection  Hearing Tests  Training

7. Noise Monitoring 4 Area monitoring –noise meter 4 Personal monitoring –noise dosimeter

8. Hearing Protection Devices  ear muffs 4 ear plugs  canal caps Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): a number that indicates the degree to which that device reduces noise exposure. There are three basic types of hearing protection devices:

9. HPD - Ear Plugs  Light weight  Can be worn without interference from eyeglasses, headgear, earrings or hair  Comfortable in hot/humid environments 4 Less expensive than ear muffs

10. Ear Plug Insertion 4 Wash your hands. 4 Inspect the ear plugs.  Roll the plug between your fingers and thumb, making sure there are no wrinkles or creases in the plug.  Reach one hand behind your head and pull your ear outward and upward to widen the auditory canal. 4 Insert the plug well into the ear and hold it in place until it expands.

11. HPD - Ear Muffs  Provide more consistent protection than plugs  One size fits most heads  Easy to put on and take off  Good for short jobs

12. Ear Muff Disadvantages  heavier than ear plugs  may be uncomfortable in hot environments  eyeglass wearers may not get a good seal  expensive  resonate (vibrate) at lower sound frequencies (<400 Hz)

13. Wearing Ear Muffs 4 Inspect for cracks, tears or other signs of wear. 4 Choose eyewear with thin temples so they don't interfere with the seal. 4 Push your hair away from your ears. 4 Center the ear muffs over your head and make sure the seal is tight.  Adjust the headband so the ear muffs are resting comfortably on your head. The cups should be entirely cover your ears.

14. HPD - Canal Caps 4 They DO NOT extend into the ear canal, only close the ear opening. 4 They are NOT designed for continuous, long- term wearing. 4 They do not give you as much protection as ear plugs or ear muffs.

15. Ear Cap Insertion  Wash your hands  Reach one hand behind your head and pull your ear outward and upward to widen the auditory canal. 4 Insert the tip of the cap into the ear, firmly pushing and wiggling them into place

16. Audiometric Testing 4 Audiometric Testing –Baseline –Annual retest A Standard Threshold Shift (STS) occurs when the hearing threshold has changed by an average of 10 decibels (dB) or more in either ear at 2000, 3000 or 4000 Hertz. If audiometric testing reveals that you have a STS, you will be notified.

17. It’s Your Hearing - Protect It! 4 Attend annual training 4 Get an annual audiogram 4 Wear PPE if required 4 Avoid long term exposure to noise, both at home and at work