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Program aims to prevent hearing loss, protect remaining hearing, and provide workers with knowledge and devices for self-safeguarding.
Published on August 15, 2024
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (2024), an estimated 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work annually. Occupational noise exposures can be present in many types of businesses and, if uncontrolled, may cause safety and health problems in affected workers. Some hazards are loud enough to damage hearing from a short exposure period, while others may be dangerous when workers are exposed over a long period.
Examples of occupational noise include but are not limited to hammering, loudspeakers, jackhammers, explosions, drilling, jet engines and large vehicles. Workers exposed to loud noise may experience health conditions like temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, psychological stress and difficulties with communication and concentration. A formal hearing conservation program is one method of controlling noise hazards to help prevent health consequences.
What is a hearing conservation program?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines hearing conservation programs' purpose and major components. This program strives to prevent initial occupational hearing loss, preserve and protect remaining hearing and equip workers with the knowledge and hearing protection devices necessary to safeguard themselves (OSHA, n.d.).
When does OSHA require a hearing conservation program?
OSHA standards mandate employers to administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed 85 decibels over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). This threshold can be measured using a sound level meter or a dosimeter.
What makes up a formal hearing conservation program?
The required components of OSHA’s hearing conservation program for general industry covers the following topics:
Monitoring – Monitor noise levels of all employees meeting or exceeding the threshold of 85 decibels over an 8-hour TWA. The exposure measurement must include all continuous, intermittent and impulsive noise within an 80 to 130 dB range and be taken during a typical work situation. Employers must repeat monitoring whenever production, process or control changes increase noise exposure.
Audiometric testing – Establish and maintain processes for baseline audiograms, annual audiograms, training and follow-up procedures. Employers must make audiometric testing available at no cost to employees.
Hearing protectors – Employers must provide hearing protectors to workers, ensuring employees have access to protectors before they experience any hearing loss. Protection must include a selection of at least one variety of hearing plug and one variety of hearing muff.
Training – Employers must train employees at least annually in the effects of noise; the purpose, advantages and disadvantages of various types of hearing protectors; the selection, fit and care of protectors; and the purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.
Recordkeeping requirements – Employers must keep noise exposure measurement records for two years and maintain records of audiometric test results for the duration of the affected employee’s employment.
For more information and specific requirements for hearing conservation programs, visit OSHA’s website.
Sources:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (2024). About occupational hearing loss. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (n.d.). Hearing conservation program.
Occupational noise exposure, 29 C.F.R. § 1910.95 (2024).
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