Transcript Hearing Conservation Training

Hearing Conservation
Training
Training Overview
Occupational Noise
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing Conservation Program (1910.95)
Audiometric Testing
Noise Control Measures
Hearing Protection Devices
Recordkeeping and Training
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
Types of Hearing Protection
Most popular
Foam Earplugs
PVC Earplugs
Earmuffs
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
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
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
Fitting
Make sure your hands are clean!
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
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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