Hearing

Conservation
Training

Environmental Health and

Safety
University of Tennessee

Did You Know?

About 30 million workers are exposed to

hazardous noise on the job. One in 4 of
these workers (or 7.5 million Americans)
will develop permanent hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most
common occupational hazard for
American workers
Hearing loss from noise is slow and
painless; you can have a disability
before you notice it
If you must raise your voice to speak
with someone only 3 feet away, you are
in high (hazardous) noise.
It is 100% preventable

Hearing Conservation

Noise Conservation is also called

the Noise Standard and is regulated
by OSHA (Occupational Safety and
Health Administration)
OSHA Regulation (29 CFR 1910.95)
Goal - prevent hearing loss
associated with high noise levels at
work

Physical Characteristics

Frequency range: 20 Hz 20 kHz

Intensity range: 10-12 to 1 W/m2

Factor of 1000

Factor of 1012

Filtering of information

Physical characteristics

Graphics: Rossing, Moore & Wheeler, The Science of Sound, 3rd Ed.

Psychophysics:

objective and quantitative study of the

relation of physical stimuli and sensory
perceptions
Middle Ear
Transformation into
mechanical and
then electrical
signals

Pressure
fluctuations

Processing:
sorting, selection,
recognition

Structur
e
of the
human
ear

Important parts of the ear

Outer Ear:

Auditory canal
Ear drum

Middle ear:
Ossicles: hammer (malleus), anvil (incus),
stirrup (stapes)
Inner Ear
Cochlea
Auditory nerve

Important parts of the

Cochlea

Oval window
Scala vestibuli (filled
with fluid)
Scala timpani
Round window
Basiliar membrane
Organ of Corti
Auditory nerve

Mechanism of signal
transport

Hall, Musical Acoustics, 3rd Ed.

Lever action of ossicles

Small displacement over large area

becomes large displacement over
small area

Hearing loss

Conduction deafness: reduced

mobility of ossicles due to vibrous
tissue (i. e. from repeated otitis)
Nerve deafness: deterioration of hair
cells or nerve (also age-related
presbycusis)
Can be distinguished through bone
conduction

Just noticable differences

At which frequency difference do

two tones sound different to us?
200/201 Hz
200/202 Hz
200/203 Hz
2000/2002 Hz
2000/2003 Hz
2000/2004 Hz
2000/2006 Hz
2000/2008 Hz

How are sounds

resolved?

Critical band: region on basiliar

membrane for reception of a pure
tone
If critical bands overlap, only a
single tone is heard
The critical band is larger at low
frequencies.

Noise
AtWork
Work
Noise Exposure
Exposure at
We will cover the following topics:
1. Identify potential sources of
hearing loss
2. Learn how to prevent
hearing loss at work
3. Meet regulatory
requirements
4. The purpose of audiometric
testing and how it works

How is Noise Measured?

Noise levels are measured

in decibels (dB)
Decibels are not linear
measurements
The difference in energy
between 100 decibels and
110 is not 10% - actually
is 100 times the sound
level pressure

Effects of exposure to loud noise

Exposure to loud noise will

inevitably cause hearing loss over
time.

Once the nerves of the inner ear

are destroyed or damaged from
exposure to excessive noise, the
damage is permanent

Loud noise damages or destroys

the nerves in the inner ear.

Another effect can be tinnitus or

permanent ringing in the ear.

Factors Affecting Hearing Loss

The following factors can affect

hearing loss:
Noise Intensity or Sound Pressure
Frequency or Pitch of sound
Length of Daily Exposure
Duration of Exposure in Years
Individual Susceptibility
Other Factors (disease, genetics,
lifestyle, age, etc.)

When is Noise Too Loud?

Noise is measured in
units called decibels or
dB
If two people 3 feet apart
must shout to be heard,
the background noise is
too loud (above 85
decibels).
Noise above 140 decibels
causes pain and
immediate hearing loss.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Difficulty hearing people speak.

Inability to hear certain high-pitched or soft
sounds.
Noise or ringing in ears.
Getting complaints that the radio or tv is too loud.

Long Term Exposure to Noise

Our ears can recover
from short exposure to
loud noise, but over time
nerve damage will occur.
The longer and louder
the noise, the greater
chance permanent
damage will occur.
There is no such thing as
tough ears or getting
used to it.

Effects of noise to inner ear

Hair cells in inner ear transmit noise signals to the brain

Normal hair cells

Noise-damaged hair cells

Tinnitus From Noise Exposure

Exposure to high noise levels

can also cause permanent
ringing in the ear or tinnitus.

Tinnitus sufferers usually

complain of constant whistling,
squealing, roaring or buzzing
in one or both ears.

Severe tinnitus may disrupt

sleep, reduce concentration
and cause irritability and
depression.

What is Too Much Noise Exposure?

Damage from noise exposure
depends on the loudness and
length of exposure.
Scientific studies have shown
that hearing loss can occur
when 8-hour average noise
exposure exceeds 85 decibels.
The risk of hearing loss
increases dramatically as noise
levels increase.
Exposure to noise levels above
115 decibels for even five
minutes is very risky.

OSHA Standard
If 8-hour average exceeds 85 dBA then the
employer must:
1. Monitor (measure) exposure and notify
employee of the results
2. Provide audiometric testing
3. Provide hearing protection
4. Provide training
5. Keep records of monitoring and
audiometric testing

Daily Allowable Exposure Times to Noise

The table below shows noise levels and how long a
person can be exposed without hearing protection
before there is damage to the ear.
Noise Level

Allowable Exposure Time

85 decibels

8 hours

90 decibels

4 hours

100 decibels

1 hour

105 decibels

30 minutes

110 decibels

15 minutes

115 decibels

0 minutes

Examples of Common Noise

Exposures
Source

dBA

Source

dBA

Whisper

20

Ipod

90

Refrigerator

40

Woodworking

93-120

Conversation

60

Gun Shot

130-140

Average TV

74

Blender

80

Riding Motorcycle

90

Snow Mobile

120

Rock Concert

140

Examples of Noisy Equipment

Below are some examples of noise levels of various

equipment used on campus without the use of hearing
protection.

Equipment
Back Hoe
Chain Saw
Front-end Loader
Gunshot
Gas Turbine Engine
Lawn Mower
Tractor
Circular Saw

Noise Level
85-95 decibels
110 decibels
90-95 decibels
140 decibels
112 decibels
90 decibels
95-105 decibels
90-100 decibels

Noise Levels and Permissible Exposure Levels

Without Hearing Protection
Below is the maximum amount of time a person
can spend exposed to this equipment without
hearing protection.

Chiller Buildings
Router 97 dBA
Radial arm saw 105 dBA
Table saw 96 dBA
Portable belt sander dBA 100

14 hours
3 hour
1 hour
3.5 hours
2 hours

Examples of Noisy Areas at IST

Campus

Machine Rooms and Chiller Rooms

Generator
Machine Working shops
Over Head Multi-Media
Electric & Interior Lights equipment.
Construction equipment, such as: table
saws, radial arm saw routers, belt sanders,
drills
Landscaping equipment, such as
lawnmowers and leaf blowers.

Noise Control Measures

The employer must take some steps to control noise

exposure in the workplace, such as:
Identifying noise hazardous equipment.
Using Engineering, Administrative and Hearing
Protection to minimize or eliminate noise exposure.
Modifying the source of the noise so it is quieter,
using engineering controls.
Increasing distance between the employee and the
noise hazard.
Limiting worker exposure time.
Requiring the use of hearing protection devices
when the above measures are not feasible and/or
do not decrease noise levels below a TWA-8 of 85
dBA.

Engineering Controls

Engineering controls are

the most preferred option
in reducing or eliminating
the noise hazard by:
Reducing or eliminating noise
at the source.
Interrupting the noise path.
Reducing reverberation and
structural vibration.

Administrative Controls

If engineering controls do not work to

eliminate the noise hazard, then
administrative controls should be
considered:
Operate noisy equipment on second or
third shifts.
Rotate employees through high-noise
areas.
Modify existing machinery.
Place noise limit specs. on new equip.
Maintain equip. in good condition.
Use noise control when installed.
Reporting noisy equip. to supervisor
for repair.

Personal Protective Equipment

If engineering or
administrative controls do
not work to eliminate the
noise hazard, then
personal protective
equipment should be
considered as a last
resort.
This includes using
hearing protection, such
as ear plugs or ear muffs.

Types of Hearing Protection

There are three types of hearing
protection ear muffs, earplugs
and ear caps.
Ear muffs and earplugs provide
about equal protection, ear caps
somewhat less.
earmuffs

earplugs

ear caps

Types of Hearing Protectors

All hearing protectors are designed to

reduce the intensity (loudness) of noise
to the inner ear.
They work much better than wads of
cotton or bits of cloth stuffed in the ear.
All three types have advantages and
disadvantages and people vary on
which they prefer to use.

Cotton doesnt
work!!

Hearing Protection Ear Plugs

Earplugs are made of foam,

rubber or plastic and are either
one-size-fits-all or in sizes small,
medium and large.
Some are disposable, some are
reusable.
They are lightweight, and
require no maintenance.
They are inserted into the ear
canal.

Ear Plug Comfort

Some people may find ear plugs

uncomfortable to wear for long
periods at first.
Ear plugs rarely cause infection
or prolonged irritation of the ear
canal.
Most people can find a
comfortable fit by trying several
different sizes, types or brands.
Custom-molded earplugs can be
obtained for maximum comfort.
custom molded
earplugs

Inserting Foam Earplugs

Foam type earplugs are one-size-fits-all and
must be inserted properly into the ear.

Roll earplug into small cylinder first, then insert in ear.

Inserting Foam Earplugs

Earplug incorrectly inserted

Earplug correctly inserted

Ear Muffs
Ear muffs cover the whole
ear and are preferred by
some people.
They have replaceable
pads and some high-tech
styles filter out specific
noise pitches.
They last longer than most
plugs.

Attached Earmuffs
Some muffs are attached to
hard hats or goggles.

Some high-tech muffs can filter

out certain frequencies or have
radios inside for communication
in high noise areas.

Ear Muff Comfort & Glasses

Muffs can be uncomfortable

in hot weather.

Muffs dont seal well for someone

with glasses or heavy sideburns.

Ear Caps

Ear caps are like

earplugs, except they do
not go into the ear
canal, they only block it.
They are good for
occasional use or for
people who find
earplugs uncomfortable.
They are not as
protective as earplugs
or muffs.

Noise Reduction of Hearing Protection

The noise reduction rating
or NRR of hearing
protection is measured in
decibels.
The NRR is found on the
earmuff or earplug package.
The higher the number, the
greater the protection.

How can you hear anything

with earmuffs on?

Using earmuffs or plugs in

noisy areas can actually
make it easier to hear
coworkers or machinery.

They reduce overwhelming

loud background noise.

They are similar to dark

glasses that reduce the suns
glare making it easier to see.

Proper Use of Hearing Protection

Earmuffs and plugs

provide good protection
only when used
properly.
Sometimes people will
remove hearing
protection for just a
minute in a noisy area.
In areas of very high
noise exposure, this
could result in noise
It wont protect your ears if
overexposure.
it is around your neck!!!

Instructions on Selection, Fitting, Use,

and Care of Hearing Protectors
Ear plugs

Keep clean and free of materials

Wash in mild liquid detergent and warm water
Squeeze excess water and air dry

Discard plugs when hardened or do not

re-expand

Ear Canals
Clean like normal ear plugs
Do not tamper with the headband and
the acoustic seal

Instructions on Selection, Fitting, Use,

and Care of Hearing Protectors

Ear Muffs

Keep clean and free of debris

Clean cushions with warm soapy water

Do not tamper with the acoustic seal

between the cushions and the
headband
Do not modify the ear muffs in any
way
Do not stretch or abuse the headband

Proper Use of Hearing Protection

It takes just a few minutes of
unprotected exposure at noise
above 115 decibels to risk
hearing damage.
Earplugs not well inserted into
the ear canal will not provide
complete protection.
Likewise, earmuffs not snug
against the head will leak
noise into the ear.

Hearing Aids Are Not Hearing Protection

Hearing aids do not block out

enough sound for most
workplace noise.
Some hearing aids can actually
increase the noise level at the
ear.
Just turning off the hearing
aids will not prevent further
hearing loss from noise
exposure.

Portable Radios/CD Players/iPods

These devices do not provide
protection from noise.
The earphones are not
earmuffs and the music only
adds to background other
noise.
The music level in the
earphones themselves can
exceed 85 decibels and cause
hearing loss.

Monitoring

Environmental Health and Safety or

the Department of Hearing and
Speech can conduct noise monitoring
to determine the level of noise
exposure.
Sound level meter - gives an
instant reading
Sound level dosimeter - provides
an integrated long-duration
(example 6 hour) reading
EHS maintains record of noise
sampling

Sound Level Meter

Sound Level Dosimeter

Audiometric Testing

All University employees included

in the Hearing Conservation
Program must undergo initial and
annual audiometric testing.
Audiometric testing is required by
TOSHA for any employees
exposed to excessive noise
These tests, which are done by
trained technicians, 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.

Purpose of Audiometric Testing

The purpose of Audiometric Testing is

to:
Measure hearing by sending tones
to each ear through headphones.
Show how ones hearing compares
to normal hearing based on age.
Determine whether hearing is being
conserved.
Alert employee and employer for
noise, age or medical related
hearing loss.

Audiometric Testing
Audiometric testing results can
be used to check the following:

If the hearing protection in use

is adequate,

If there is a change in noise

exposure,

If there is a medical condition

of the ear unrelated to noise
exposure.

How Does Audiometric Testing Work?

When you are first hired, a
baseline test is taken.
The testing is repeated
every year after that and
compared to the baseline
test result.
If a hearing loss is
detected, you will be
referred to a doctor or
audiologist.

Audiometric Testing
Audiometric testing produces
printed audiograms which
show hearing ability at several
pitches or frequencies.
These frequencies include
those of the human voice.
The second and following year
tests are compared to the first
year tests or baseline.

If there is hearing loss of 10 decibels or

more in the human voice frequencies, you
will be sent to the doctor or audiologist.

What is an Audiogram?
An audiogram is a printed chart of the results of the
hearing test. They look similar to the results below.

Normal hearing

Severe hearing loss

Employer Responsibility

Employers are responsible for the

following:

Provide occupational noise training.

Provide hearing protection devices.
Demonstrate commitment wear hearing
protection devices, or PPE, when required.
Enforce the use of PPE.
Keep up to date with PPE selection and use.
Encourage questions and resolve problems.

Employee Responsibility

Employees are responsible to:

Understand the need for personal
protective equipment and audiometric
testing.
Wear PPE and seek replacements when
needed.
Encourage co-workers to wear PPE.
Communicate problems to supervisors.

Copies of the OSHA Standard

and Related Information

UT Hearing Conservation Policy found

in EHS Safety Manual GS 20
OSHA standard available in the EHS
office or online at:

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?
p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9735&p_text_version=FALSE

OSHA Standard: 29 CFR 1910.95

Questions