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Objective

The objective of the hearing conservation program is to minimize employee exposure to noise and prevent occupational hearing loss. The program applies to all people working in areas that have noise levels equal to or exceeding a time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA over an eight-hour work shift.

Responsibilities

Management

  • Identify work areas where noise levels equal or exceed 85 dBA.
  • Use engineering and administrative controls to limit employee exposure.
  • Provide adequate hearing protection for employees.
  • Post signs and warnings in all high noise areas.
  • Conduct noise surveys whenever a change in production, process, equipment, or controls changes noise exposures to workers.
  • Conduct annual hearing test for all employees.
  • Conduct hearing conservation training for all employees.

Employees

  • Use company-issued hearing protection in designated high noise areas.
  • Request new hearing protection when needed.
  • Exercise proper care of issued hearing protection.

Noise Monitoring

Monitoring for noise exposure levels will be conducted by [Responsible Person] to identify employees exposed to noise at or above 85 dBA over an eight-hour shift. Repeat monitoring will be conducted whenever there are changes in production, process, equipment, or controls increase noise exposures. It is the responsibility of the individual departments to notify  [Responsible Person] when there is a possible need for monitoring.  

Employee Training

Employees in the hearing conservation program will be trained at least annually. Training shall consist of the following components:

  • Effects of noise on hearing.
  • The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of the test procedures.
  • The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types.
  • Instruction on selection, fitting, use, and care of hearing protectors.

Hearing Protection

Hearing protectors will be provided to all workers exposed to eight-hour TWA noise levels of 85 dB or above. Management, supervisors, and employees shall properly wear the prescribed hearing protection while working in any area that is designated as a high noise area.

  • Hearing protection will be provided at no cost to employees.
  • Employees will be able to select their hearing protection from a variety of suitable hearing protectors.
  • Employees will receive training in the use and care of hearing protection.

Audiograms/Hearing Tests

  • Employees in the hearing conservation program will be required to have both a baseline and annual audiogram at no cost to the employee.
  • The baseline audiogram will be given to an employee within six months of an employee’s first exposure at or above a time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA. Hearing protectors must be worn until they receive their baseline audiogram. Annual audiograms will be performed within one year from the date of the previous audiogram. 
  • Annual audiograms will be compared against baseline audiograms to determine whether the employee has lost hearing ability or experienced a standard threshold shift (STS). An STS is an average shift in either ear of 10 dB or more at 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 hertz.
  • If an annual audiogram shows that an employee has suffered an STS, the employee will be re-tested within 30 days of the annual audiogram. If the re-test confirms the occurrence of an STS, the employee will be notified in writing within 21 days of the confirmation.                 

Recordkeeping

  • Accurate records shall be maintained of all employee exposure measurements.
  • Noise measurement records shall be retained for two years; audiometric test records shall be retained for the duration of the affected employee’s employment.

Personnel in Hearing Conservation Program

Hearing protection is required for and has been issued to the following personnel:

Employee Name

Job Description/ Equip. Used

Type of Hearing Protection Issued

Department

Date Issued