Hearing Conservation, Hearing Protection & Noise Control

Hearing Conservation and Hearing Protection is achieved through preventative measures. To reduce occupational hearing loss, all employees, who work in potentially noisy areas, are provided hearing protection, training and annual hearing tests. OSHA hearing conservation standard is covered in 29 CFR 1910.95. Engineering controls are applied to reduce noise from equipment and operations.

After engineering controls are evaluated for effectiveness or feasibility, administrative controls should be considered to reduce noise exposure. Administrative controls include restricting exposure time or using personal protective equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment, such as ear plugs or muffs, may be used to reduce the amount of noise exposure. Each plug or muff has a noise reductions factor (NR) as evaluated by ANSI Standards (S3.19 - 1974 or Z24.22 - 1957). For example, if a work area has an ambient noise exposure of 96 dB(A), the hearing protectors should be rated 6 NR or better to be effective.

According to OSHA Regulations, each location with noise exposures of 85 to 89 dB(A) will provide hearing protectors for the Employee's optional use. Noise exposures at 90 dB(A) or above require the mandatory use of hearing protection. Further, OSHA requires that a variety of hearing protectors be available for Employees to choose (both a variety of plug and muff type hearing protectors).

Types of Hearing Protection

Hearing protection devices are the first line of defense against noise in environments where engineering controls have not reduced employee exposure to safe levels. Hearing protective devices can prevent significant hearing loss, but only if they are used properly. The most popular hearing protection devices are earplugs which are inserted into the ear canal to provide a seal against the canal walls. Earmuffs enclose the entire external ears inside rigid cups. The inside of the muff cup is lined with acoustic foam and the perimeter of the cup is fitted with a cushion that seals against the head around the ear by the force of the headband.

Use of Hearing Protectors

Management, Supervision and Employees shall properly wear the prescribed hearing protectors while working in or traveling through any section of a Location that is designated a High Noise Area. (excluding offices, break rooms, and rest facilities). The following rules will be enforced:
• Personal stereos, such as Walkmans, etc., will not be permitted in any operating area of company property.
• Hearing protectors, at least two types of plugs and one type of muffs, will be provided and maintained by Company
• Hearing protectors and replacements will be provided free of charge
• Hearing protectors will be properly worn at all times, except in offices, break rooms, rest facilities.

All materials in the members area for this topic index

Program Material
Programs (written)		(1)
Hearing Conservation Safety Program	Download
Program Development		(1)
Hearing Conservation Program Development	Download
Fact Sheets		(7)
Audiogram Safety Topic Fact Sheet	Download
Electrical Accident Accident Reports Hearing Conservation Safety Topic Fact Sheet	Download
Glossary Noise And Hearing Conservation Terms Safety Topic Fact Sheet	Download
Hearing Protection Nrr Safety Topic Fact Sheet	Download
Noise Level Safety Topic Fact Sheet	Download
Recordkeeping Hearingloss Std	Download
Technical Choosing The Correct Hearing Protection Safety Topic Fact Sheet	Download
Forms & Documents
Audits		(1)
Hearing Conservation Audit Guide	Download
Checklists		(1)
Hearing Protection Supervisor Safety Checklist	Download
Forms		(1)
Hearing Loss Prevention Program Form	Download
Inspections		(1)
Noise Control Inspection General Form	Download
Training Material
Articles		(4)
Hearing Hazards Not Just Noise Safety Article	Download
Hearing Loss Prevention Safety Article	Download
Hearing Protection Effective Use Safety Article	Download
Noise In The Workplace Safety Article	Download
Handouts		(3)
Hearing Training Handout Korean	Download
Hearing Training Handout Spanish	Download
Hearing Training Handout	Download
Management		(2)
Hearing Conservation Program Elements Management Safety Brief	Download
Management Hearing Conservation	Download
Outlines		(1)
Hearing Conservation Training Outline	Download
Pamphlets		(2)
Hearing Loss And Noise Pamphlet Spanish	Download
Hearing Loss And Noise Pamphlet	Download
PowerPoints		(2)
Hearing Conservation and Noise Exposure PowerPoint Spanish	Download
Hearing Conservation and Noise Exposure PowerPoint	Download
Quizzes		(2)
Hearing Safety Quiz Answer Key	Download
Hearing Safety Quiz	Download
Reminders/Overheads		(4)
Hearing Hazards Reminder	Download
Hearing P Hazards Reminder	Download
Hearing P Types Reminder	Download
Hearing Types Reminder	Download
Sessions		(1)
Hearing Protection Safety Session	Download
Supervisor		(2)
2 Minute Safety Hearing	Download
2brief Hearing	Download
Talks		(2)
PPE Hearing 2 Talk	Download
PPE Hearing Talk	Download
Videos		(2)
Hearing Conservation Construction	Download
Hearing Conservation	Download
Awareness
Safety Comic Strip		(1)
Comic Archive Hearing Protection Conservation Safety Comic Strip	Download