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Hearing Conservation Program
P2S-EHS-003
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Agenda
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Objectives and Responsibilities
The Effects of Noise
Factors Affecting Hearing Loss
Hearing Conservation Program
Noise Hazard Assessments
Noise Exposure and Monitoring Results
Audiometric Testing
Noise Control Measures
Hearing Protection Devices
Recordkeeping and Employee Training
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Objective
The objective of the program is to
identify and control noise hazards and
protect all employees who have a
potential to develop noise induced
hearing loss.
 This program involves all Pro2Serve
employees exposed to noise hazards or
who have a potential to develop noise
induced hearing loss.
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P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Responsibilities
Corporate ES&H
 Contracted Audiologist/Physician
 Supervisors
 Employees
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P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Responsibilities
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Corporate ES&H
– identifying employees whose position contains
potential noise hazards;
– conducting noise surveys and dosimetry;
– coordinating the Hearing Conservation Program;
and
– providing appropriate hearing conservation
training
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Responsibilities
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Contracted Audiologist/Physician
– performing audiogram evaluations and
identifying any anatomical factors that
might interfere with the use of the
protector or medical condition that might
be aggravated;
– maintaining audiometric test records and;
– managing the Audiometric Testing
Program.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Responsibilities
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Supervisors
– ensuring that all employees with potential for hazardous
noise levels have their work area assessed for noise
hazards;
– ensuring that noise hazard equipment/areas (greater than
or equal to 85 dBA operating noise level) are properly
labeled or posted;
– ensuring that all employees who are included in this
Hearing Conservation Program undergo initial audiometric
testing, at the designated provider, and annually thereafter;
– issuing hearing protection devices, and providing
employees with the manufacturer’s instructions for use,
care, limitations, and warnings;
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Responsibilities
 Supervisors
(Continued)
– ensuring that new employee orientation/training
and annual refresher training of employees are
provided;
– enforcing the Hearing Conservation Program by
ensuring that all employees comply with all
facets of the program, including proper use and
care for hearing protection devices; and
– providing a copy of the Hearing Conservation
Program (P2S-EHS-003) upon their request.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Responsibilities
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Employees
– participating in the audiometric testing program
and following the instructions regarding noise
exposure prior to testing;
– attending the hearing conservation training
initially and annually thereafter; and
– properly using and caring for hearing protective
devices where these devices are required and
following the hearing conservation program
requirements.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
The Effects of Noise
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Psychological – can startle, annoy, and disrupt
concentration, sleep, or relaxation.
Interference with communication, resulting in
interference with job performance and safety.
Physiological – noise induced hearing loss, aural
pain, or even nausea.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
The Effects of Noise
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Types of Hearing Loss
– Conductive: A hearing problem involving the
outer or middle ear.
– Sensorineural: A hearing problem involving
the inner ear.
– Tinnitus: Often occurs in conjunction with
hearing loss.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Factors Affecting Hearing Loss
Noise Intensity or Sound Pressure
 Frequency or Pitch
 Length of Daily Exposure
 Duration of Exposure in Years
 Individual Susceptibility
 Other Factors (disease, genetics, lifestyle,
age, etc.)
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P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Conservation Program
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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 C-weighted level of 140 dB shall
occur.
No exposure shall exceed a time weighted average of
115 dBA for continuous noise.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Conservation Program
Introduction
 Noise Hazard Assessment
 Employee Inclusion
 Noise Control Measures
 Employee Education and Training
 References
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P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Noise Hazard Assessment
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Noise exposed workers and/or noise hazards will
be identified in the PPE Program through the
hazard assessment.
Noise monitoring will be completed when a
potential noise hazard is identified on the PPE
Hazard Assessment.
If you feel the need to shout to be heard 3 feet
away, the noise level is approaching 85 dBA.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Noise Exposures
Source
dBA
Source
dBA
Whisper
20
Walkman
Refrigerator
40
Woodworking
93-120
Conversation
60
Gun Shot
130-140
Average TV
74
Blender
80
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
90
Riding Motorcycle
90
Snow Mobile
120
Rock Concert
140
Noise Monitoring Results
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Audiometric Testing
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All University employees included in the Hearing
Conservation Program must undergo initial and
annual audiometric testing.
These 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.
Results of the exam are discussed on page 9 of the
written program.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Audiometric Testing
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Purpose
– Audiometric exams serve as
a
monitoring function to determine if an
STS has occurred;
 an educational and motivational tool and;
 a tool for assessing overall program
effectiveness.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Audiometric Testing
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Test Procedures
– 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.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
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.
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P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
Purpose of Hearing Protectors
 Advantages and Disadvantages
 Attenuation of Various Types
 Selection Instructions
 Fitting
 Use
 Care
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P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
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Purpose of Hearing Protectors
– Hearing protection devices include ear plugs
(pre-molded, foam rubber, custom molded),
ear muffs and canal caps.
– The purpose of hearing protection devices is
to reduce the harmful auditory and/or
annoying effects of sound.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
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Advantages and Disadvantages
– Simplified overview of comparative features of
earplugs and earmuffs
Reference
Berger, E.H., L.H. Royster, J.D. Royster, D.P. and Driscoll, M.
Layne. The Noise Manual. AIHA Press. May 2000.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
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Attenuation
– The process of reducing noise to acceptable
levels.
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Attenuation of Various Types
– Attenuation is different for different types and
styles of hearing protection devices.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Earplugs
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html.
National Institute for Occupational Safety.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Earmuffs
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html.
National Institute for Occupational Safety.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
(HPD)
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Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
– HPD’s have an NRR that is used to determine
how effectively HPD’s reduce employee
exposure by subtracting the NRR from the
employees exposure.
– However, the NRR does not accurately reflect
attenuation and a safety factor of 7 must be
used.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
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Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Estimated A-weighted TWA under Hearing Protection
Employee TWA (dBA) – (NRR - 7dB)
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A combination of ear muffs and earplugs
or other HPD provides greater protection
than either device alone.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
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Selection Instructions
– Employees shall be given the opportunity to select
their hearing protection from a variety of suitable
types.
– As with any personal protective equipment (PPE)
careful consideration must be given to comfort and fit.
– Employees are more likely to wear PPE that fits
correctly.
– Contact Environmental Health and Safety before
ordering HPD’s.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
 Fitting
– Reseat HPD’s throughout the work shift
if they become loose or break their seal.
– Replacement HPD’s must be obtained
from the supervisor when damaged or
deteriorated.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
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Fitting
– If devices are uncomfortable or problematic,
see your supervisor for replacement or
alternative devices. It may also be necessary
to see the contracted physician for re-fitting.
– Never alter or modify HPD’s.
Reference
Berger, E.H., L.H. Royster, J.D. Royster, D.P. and Driscoll, M. Layne.
The Noise Manual. AIHA Press. May 2000.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing Protection Devices
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Use and Care
– Proper fit, use and maintenance instruction are
included in the manufacturers
recommendations.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Recordkeeping
A copy of the Hearing Conservation
Program and standard is available to all
employees through Environmental Health
and Safety or through your supervisor.
 The contracted audiologist/physician will
maintain records of all audiometric tests.
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P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Employee Training
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Training is required annually for all
Pro2Serve employees included in the
Hearing Conservation Program.
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Summary










Objectives and Responsibilities
The Effects of Noise
Factors Affecting Hearing Loss
Hearing Conservation Program
Noise Hazard Assessments
Noise Exposure and Monitoring Results
Audiometric Testing
Noise Control Measures
Hearing Protection Devices
Recordkeeping and Employee Training
P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program
Where to Get More Information
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/def
ault.html. National Institute for
Occupational Safety.
 http://www.osha.gov/.Occupational Safety
and Health Administration.
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P2S-EHS-003 Hearing Conservation Program