If you work in a noisy environment, it’s important to wear hearing protection to avoid damaging your ears. OSHA has specific requirements for the type and amount of hearing protection that must be worn in different workplaces. In this blog post, we will discuss OSHA’s hearing protection requirements and how to choose the right type of hearing protection for your needs.
What Is Occupational Hearing Loss?
Occupational hearing loss is damage to your hearing that occurs due to exposure to loud noise at work. Hearing loss from noise exposure can be temporary or permanent and can occur in one or both ears. Symptoms of occupational hearing loss include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty understanding speech, and increased sensitivity to sound.
Each year, an average of 22 million employees in the United States are exposed to harmful levels of noise, according to OSHA. Noise-related hearing loss is preventable, but it cannot be restored once you’ve lost your hearing. That’s why it’s important to wear proper hearing protection if you work in a noisy environment.
What Are OSHA Hearing Protection Requirements?
OSHA’s hearing conservation regulations protect workers from noise-related hearing loss. The regulations require employers to reduce noise exposure and provide workers with hearing protection if noise levels exceed certain limits. Employers must also implement a hearing conservation program as it’ll help individuals in the longer run, the program should include:
- Noise monitoring
- Training on the dangers of noise exposure
- Free annual hearing exams
- Hearing protection for employees who are exposed to loud noise
Types of Noise Exposure
Noise exposures can be classified into two distinct categories:
Sudden Noise
A loud, brief noise that can cause immediate damage to your hearing. Examples of sudden noise include explosions, gunfire, and glass breaking.
In work environments, this type of exposure is common in factories or places with loud machines.
Continuous Noise
A noise that exposure over an extended period. Continuous noises are usually lower in intensity than sudden noises nonetheless they can still damage your hearing if you’re exposed to them long enough. Examples of continuous noise include machinery, traffic, and construction equipment.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
The level of noise is measured in units called decibels (dB). OSHA’s hearing conservation regulations apply to workers exposed to an average noise level of 85 dB or higher over an eight-hour workday.
When selecting hearing protection, it’s important to choose a device that will reduce the noise to a safe level while allowing you to hear warning signals and other important sounds.
According to OSHA hearing protection requirements, they have divided the exposure to various levels of sounds into seven categories. If a person falls into any of these categories, they are bound to be placed under the Hearing Conservation Program.
- 90dB for 8 hours
- 92dB for 6 hours
- 95dB for 5 hours
- 100dB for 2 hours
- 102dB for 1.5 hours
- 105dB for 1 hour
- 110dB for 15 minutes
Hearing Conservation Program
The goal of the hearing conservation program is to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among workers. Employers must implement a hearing conservation program if any employee is exposed to an average noise level of 85 dB or higher over an eight-hour workday. The program must include:
- Noise monitoring
- Training on the dangers of noise exposure
- Free annual hearing exams
- Hearing protection for employees who are exposed to loud noise
Occupational Noise Exposure
OSHA’s noise exposure standards are based on a worker’s time-weighted average (TWA) noise exposure over an eight-hour day. The TWA is the average noise level over eight hours, with any sound above 115 decibels (dB) being considered harmful.
Engineering Control
To minimize the noise level at the worker’s ear, engineers repair or replace equipment or make corresponding physical changes at the noise source or along the transmission channel. Engineering controls that are both affordable and effective include the following:
- Select low sound-producing tools and equipment.
- Regular lubrication of machinery and equipment
- Put a barrier between the source and the employee
- Isolate or surround the source of sounds.
Administrative Control
Administrative controls are changes in the workplace that reduce noise exposure. These types of controls typically involve changing work schedules or work practices. Some common administrative controls include:
- Limited exposure to loud noise for every individual.
- Loud and noisy tasks should be scheduled when fewer people are around because fewer people would be affected by them.
- Providing quiet areas for employees to take breaks from loud noise
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
If engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or do not reduce noise exposure to safe levels, employers must provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE includes earplugs and earmuffs.
When selecting PPE, it’s important to choose a device that will reduce the noise to a safe level but still allow you to hear warning signals and other important sounds.
Types of Hearing Protection Devices
There are two main types of hearing protection devices: earplugs and earmuffs. The earplugs create a seal in the ear canal blocking all sound from entering. Earplugs are available in both disposable and reusable varieties. Earmuffs fit over the ears and create a barrier between the noise and the ear.
When selecting hearing protection, it’s important to choose a comfortable and easy device to use. If you’re unsure which type of hearing protection is right for you, consult with your employer or safety manager. They will be able to help you select a device that meets OSHA’s requirements and fits your needs.
- The following are some tips for using hearing protection devices:
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before use.
- Inspect the device before each use to ensure it is clean and in good working condition.
- Make sure the device fits snugly and securely.
- Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the device.
- Follow your employer’s policies and procedures for using hearing protection devices.
Conclusion
OSHA’s hearing conservation program protects workers from noise-induced hearing loss. The program includes noise monitoring, training on the dangers of noise exposure, free annual hearing exams, and hearing protection for employees exposed to loud noise.
Suppose engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or do not reduce noise exposure to safe levels. In short, employers must provide workers with personal protective equipment (PPE), such as earplugs or earmuffs to ensure the employee’s hearing ability is protected.
When selecting PPE be sure to choose a comfortable and easy-to-use device, moreover follow your employer’s policies and procedures for using hearing protection devices to avoid any conflicts.