Occupational Noise and Hearing Protection

Occupational Noise

• Definition: Noise exposure that occurs in the workplace, exceeding 85 decibels (dB) and lasting for 8 hours or more
• Sources:
  • Machinery and equipment
  • Power tools and hand tools
  • Construction and demolition
  • Music and entertainment
• Effects:
  • Permanent hearing loss (sensorineural)
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Decreased productivity and communication

Hearing Protection

• Importance:
  • Prevents hearing loss and tinnitus
  • Reduces noise exposure
  • Enhances communication and productivity
• Types:
  1. Earplugs:
     • Disposable or custom-made
     • Reduce noise by 15-30 dB
  2. Earmuffs:
     • Cover the entire ear
     • Reduce noise by 20-30 dB
  3. Hearing Protectors with Communication:
     • Allow for communication while maintaining noise protection
     • Examples: earplugs with speakers, hearing protectors with radios

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

• Definition: A rating system that indicates the amount of noise reduction provided by a hearing protector
• Calculation: Based on the difference between the noise level and the noise level after wearing the protector
• Importance: Helps select the appropriate hearing protector for the specific noise environment

Regulations and Guidelines

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations:
  • Require employers to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure exceeds 85 dB
  • Mandate regular audiometric testing and training for employees
• NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) guidelines:
  • Recommend limiting noise exposure to 85 dB or less for 8 hours
  • Suggest using hearing protectors with an NRR of 22 or higher for noise levels above 100 dB

Occupational Noise

• Occupational noise is excessive noise exposure in the workplace, exceeding 85 decibels (dB) and lasting for 8 hours or more
• Sources of occupational noise include machinery and equipment, power tools and hand tools, construction and demolition, and music and entertainment
• Effects of occupational noise include permanent hearing loss (sensorineural), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and decreased productivity and communication

Hearing Protection

• Hearing protection is crucial to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus, reduce noise exposure, and enhance communication and productivity
• Types of hearing protection include earplugs, earmuffs, and hearing protectors with communication
• Earplugs can be disposable or custom-made and reduce noise by 15-30 dB
• Earmuffs cover the entire ear and reduce noise by 20-30 dB
• Hearing protectors with communication allow for communication while maintaining noise protection, examples include earplugs with speakers and hearing protectors with radios

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

• NRR is a rating system that indicates the amount of noise reduction provided by a hearing protector
• NRR is calculated based on the difference between the noise level and the noise level after wearing the protector
• NRR is important for selecting the appropriate hearing protector for the specific noise environment

Regulations and Guidelines

• OSHA regulations require employers to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure exceeds 85 dB
• OSHA regulations mandate regular audiometric testing and training for employees
• NIOSH guidelines recommend limiting noise exposure to 85 dB or less for 8 hours
• NIOSH guidelines suggest using hearing protectors with an NRR of 22 or higher for noise levels above 100 dB