The Ohio State University Office of Environmental Health and Safety Hearing Conservation Program Annual Training

1. The Ohio State UniversityOffice of Environmental Health and SafetyHearing Conservation ProgramAnnual 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. NOISEWhat 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: 500-1500 Hz • High frequency: 1500 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, 1971 (29 CFR 1910.95) • Hearing Conservation Amendment March 8, 1983 (29 CFR 1910.95) • Personal Protective Equipment July 5, 1994 (29 CFR 1910.132)

7. Noise Standard • Monitor Noise Exposure • 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. 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 OSHA Noise Exposure Table

11. Common Decibel Levels 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 EarHumans typically can hear from 0 dB to 140 dB at 1,000 Hz.

13. 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 Possible Effects of Noise on You

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

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

16. 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. Audiometric Testing(85 dBA)

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. Advantages 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 EarmuffsAdvantages -Vs- Disadvantages

20. Earplugs Advantages -Vs- Disadvantages • Advantages • 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-7 2

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 ProtectionCleaning • 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