1. Hearing Conservation Program Annual Training

2. Objectives Effects of Noise on Hearing
Audiometric Testing (Purpose & Procedures)
Hearing Protection Care and Use
Advantages/Disadvantages of
Ear Plugs & Ear Muffs

3. Elements of a Hearing Conservation Program
Noise Measurement
Engineering and Administrative Controls
Protective Devices
Annual Audiometric Testing
Education and Training
Recordkeeping

4. NOISE What is it? Pressure Changes in a Medium
Caused by Vibrations or Turbulence
Unwanted Sound
Causes Harm

5. Types of Noise Low frequency: 20-500 Hz
Mid-to-high frequency: Hz
High frequency: Hz and above
Humans typically hear 16 Hz to 20,000 Hz
Human speech frequencies are typically
300 Hz to 3,000 Hz

6. OSHA Noise and Related Standards
Occupational Noise Exposure Standard May 29, (29 CFR )
Hearing Conservation Amendment March 8, (29 CFR )
Personal Protective Equipment July 5, (29 CFR )

7. Noise Standard Monitor Noise Exposure Institute Control Measures
Work Areas
Institute Control Measures
Hearing Protection
Engineering & Administrative

8. Hearing Conservation Amendment
Monitor Noise Exposure
Audiometric Calibration
Test Room Conformance
Audiogram Evaluation
Hearing Protection (Standard Threshold Shift)
Training / Education
Recordkeeping
Employee Notification
Access to Information

9. Noise in Your Work Environment
OSHA Designated Exposure Limits
85 dBA - Action Level for HCP
90 dBA - Permissible 8-hr. TWA
Two-Foot Rule

10. OSHA Noise Exposure Table
Noise Level (dBA) 90 92 95 97
100
102
105
110
115
Duration (Hours) 8 6 4 3 2
1.5 1 .5
.25 or less

11. Common Decibel Levels 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 Decibels
Jet Engine
Private Plane
Power Saw
Chain Saw
Leaf Blower
Hair Dryer
Rock Concert
Video Arcade
Snowmobile
Explosion
Gun Shot
Lawn Mower
Normal Speech
140
130
120
110
100 90 80 70 60
Decibels

12. The Ear Humans typically can hear from 0 dB to 140 dB at 1,000 Hz.

13. Possible Effects of Noise on You
Temporary Hearing Loss
Permanent Hearing Loss
Low Birth Weight
Premature Birth
Anxiety
Nervousness
Sleep Loss
Digestive Disorders
Aggravation of Ulcers
Hypertension
Increases Heart Rate
Increased Blood Pressure
Increase in Respiration and Oxygen Consumption
Increase in Sweating
Disruption in Communications

14. Noise Monitoring Equipment
Sound Level Meter
Octave Band (Frequency) Analyzer
Personal Dosimeter

15. Examples of Engineering and Administrative Controls (90 dBA)
Engineering Controls
Mufflers
Shields
Booths
Acoustic Materials
Administrative Controls
Work Schedules
Job Rotations
Intermittent Operation of Machinery

16. Audiometric Testing (85 dBA)
Baseline Testing
Annual Testing
Supporting Information
Current or Past Medical Conditions
History of Noise Exposures
Procedure
Silent Booth
Headset
Series of Tones
14 hours without workplace noise exposure prior to the audiometric examination.

17. Evaluation of Audiogram
Audiograms are to be compared to baseline audiograms.
Standard Threshold Shift (STS)
10 dB Average from Baseline at:
2,000 Hz
3,000 Hz
4,000 Hz
A Professional shall Review Problem Audiograms and Determine the Need for Further Evaluation.

18. Hearing Protection (85 dBA)
Purpose
Prevent Hearing Loss by Reducing Noise Exposure
Types
Earplugs
Earmuffs
Semi-Aural Devices
Double Protection (add 5dB)

19. Earmuffs Advantages -Vs- Disadvantages
One Size Fits Nearly All
Good for Intermittent Exposure
Absorbs High Frequency Energy (>2000 Hz)
Disadvantages
Warm, Bulky & Heavy
Other Protective Equipment Interferes with the Seal
Glasses, Hair & Facial Hair Interferes with the Seal

20. Earplugs Advantages -Vs- Disadvantages
More Comfortable
Can be Worn with Other Protective Equipment
Not Affected by Glasses, Hair or Facial Hair
More Convenient in Confined Spaces
Disadvantages
More Detailed Insertion Procedure
Mostly Disposable (More Costly)
Not effective against Low Frequency Noise

21. Things to Think About When Selecting Hearing Protection
Your Work Situation
Comfort (Which do you Prefer?)
Ease of Use
Attenuation

22. NRR Noise Reduction Rating EPA Under Laboratory Setting Formula: NRR-72

23. Hearing Protection Fitting
Proper Fit Ensures Protection
Must Maintain a Good Seal
Readjust as Necessary

24. Hearing Protection Fitting
Earplug Insertion Procedures
Clean Hands
Use Opposite Hand
Reach Behind Head - Over Top
Pull Outward and Upward on Pinna (Outer-Ear)
Push Earplug Upwards, Towards Front of Head into Ear Canal

25. Re-usable Hearing Protection Cleaning
Use Only Mild Detergent and Warm Water
Earplugs - Wash and Dry Before Re-use or Storage
Earmuffs - Wipe Cushions Clean; Foam Liners can also be Removed for Cleaning

26. Hearing Protection Replacement
Equipment Should be Replaced When:
Manufacturer Recommends Single Use
Cannot be Adequately Cleaned
No Longer Retains Original Appearance or Resiliency
Recommended Replacement Schedule is Met

27. Summary Effects of Noise Noise Measurement Noise Control
Audiometric Testing
Hearing Protection

28. Wear Your
Hearing
Protection