Occupational Noise and Hearing Protection

Study Notes

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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