Hearing Conservation Training

1. Hearing Conservation Training

2. Training Overview • Occupational Noise • Types of Hearing Loss • Hearing Conservation Program (1910.95) • Audiometric Testing • Noise Control Measures • Hearing Protection Devices • Recordkeeping and Training

3. Occupational Noise • A common problem found in many workplaces • High levels of noise can damage your hearing • Losing your hearing is a gradual process, and is less noticeable than other types of workplace injuries • It is a permanent handicap for those who are affected

4. The Affects of Noise • Psychological – can startle, annoy, and disrupt concentration. • Interference with communication, resulting in interference with job performance and safety (Confined Spaces). • Physiological – noise induced hearing loss, aural pain, or even nausea.

5. Types of Hearing Loss • Damage to the delicate structures of your ears can result in the loss of your ability to hear. There are two types of hearing loss • Conductive • Sensory

6. Conductive Hearing Loss • Conductive hearing loss is caused by damage to or a malfunction of the outer and middle ear. It results in a decrease in your hearing, but you can still understand speech is caused by damage to or a malfunction of the outer and middle ear. It results in a decrease in your hearing, but you can still understand speech • Caused by middle ear infections, perforation of the eardrum • Can usually be corrected medically or surgically

7. Sensory Hearing Loss • Sensory hearing loss is a hearing loss caused by damage to or a malfunction of the inner ear, auditory nerve, or the brain. It makes it more difficult to understand speech

8. Sensory Hearing Loss • Causes include noise, disease, injury, drugs • Sensory hearing loss CANNOT be corrected medically or surgically. It is permanent • Hearing loss in the workplace would most likely be a sensory hearing loss

9. Hearing Conservation Program • When employee noise exposures equal or exceed a time weighted average sound level of 85 dBA, a hearing conservation program must be implemented • No exposure to continuous, intermittent, or impact noise of a peak level of 140 dB shall occur • No exposure shall exceed a time weighted average of 115 dBA for continuous noise

10. Hearing Conservation Program • Noise Hazard Assessment • Noise exposed workers and/or noise hazards will be identified and an assessment performed by the Program Administrator. • If you feel the need to shout to be heard 3 feet away, the noise level is approaching 85 dBA.

11. Hearing Conservation Program • Monitoring • Noise monitoring will be performed by the Program Administrator • Affected employees will be notified • Re-monitoring will be performed when there are changes in equipment, operations or periodically to ensure effectiveness of program

12. Hearing Conservation Program • Audiometric Testing • All employees in the Hearing Conservation Program must undergo initial and annual audiometric testing • Tests are used to gauge hearing loss in affected employees and will be provided at no cost to the employees • The initial test is used as a baseline and the annual test is used to determine if hearing loss has occurred

13. Audiometric Testing (cont.) • The audiometric testing procedure tests the employees hearing threshold at a range of different frequencies. • The hearing threshold is the lowest level at which the employee is able to detect the test tone at each frequency and is determined by employee response. • Tests are performed in both ears.

14. Noise Control Measures • Identify noise hazardous equipment • Modify the noise source so it is quieter • Increase distance between the employee and the noise hazard • Limit exposure time • Use hearing protection devices when the above measures are not feasible and/or do not decrease noise levels below a TWA-8 of 85 dBA

15. Types of Hearing Protection • Most popular • Foam Earplugs • PVC Earplugs • Earmuffs

16. Advantages/ Disadvantages • Earplugs • + small and lightweight, comfortable in hot environments, easily used with other safety equipment • - may work loose and require occasional refitting, require specific fitting instructions, frequently soiled

17. Advantages/ Disadvantages • Earmuffs • + One size fits all, fits better for long periods of time • - May fit tight on your head, uncomfortable in warm environments, problems occur when used with other equipment

18. Fitting • Reseat hearing protection devices throughout the work shift if they become loose or break their seal • If devices are uncomfortable or problematic, see your supervisor for replacement or alternative devices. • Never alter or modify hearing protection devices

19. Fitting • Make sure your hands are clean!

21. Caring for Hearing Protectors • Earplugs- store in clean, cool, dry place, if they become soiled or damaged, get a new pair (everyday) • Earmuffs- store in clean, cool, dry place, inspect for cracks around foam cups

22. Recordkeeping/ Training • A copy of the Hearing Conservation Program and standard is available to all employees • Training is required annually for all employees included in the Hearing Conservation Program

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