Hearing Conservation
Loud noises and unwanted sounds are an occupational hazard than can affect anyone. When noise levels reach 85 dBA or A-weighted decibels, a unit of measurement for sound intensity, employers are required to provide a hearing conservation plan according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The plan requires employers to:
- Monitor noise levels;
- Provide annual audiometric testing for exposed employees;
- Train employees on the risks of hearing loss and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE); and
- Provide adequate PPE that is compatible with the employee and work environment.
Managers, supervisors, principal investigators, and department heads are responsible for making sure that loud areas in their work places are evaluated and monitored appropriately. Audiometric testing opportunities are offered on campus every May.
Signs that noise may be a problem in a work place:
- Employees hear ringing or humming in the ears when leaving work.
- Coworkers have to shout to be heard by employees an arm's length away.
- Employees experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work.
As a part of our services, EHS provides noise level evaluations of work places on campus. If an office or work environment creates excessive noise or any of these issues, please contact EHS at (405) 744-7241 for an official evaluation.
How to use hearing protection
A video series from the Iowa State Environmental Health and Safety department:
*Earbuds, AirPods and headphones are NOT hearing protection and using them to drown out loud noises can cause further hearing damage.
Documents and Resources
OSU Hearing Conservation Fact Sheet
OSHA Occupational Noise Exposure
Coming soon: Hearing Conservation Manual
Standards
Time-weighted average noise limits as a function of exposure duration are shown as follows (sound levels measured in dB (A)):
|
Duration of Exposure (hrs/day) |
ACGIH |
NIOSH |
OSHA |
|
82 |
82 |
85 |
|
|
8 |
85 |
85 |
90 |
|
4 |
88 |
88 |
95 |
|
2 |
91 |
91 |
100 |
|
1 |
94 |
94 |
105 |
|
1/2 (30 minutes) |
97 |
97 |
110 |
|
1/4 (15 minutes) |
100 |
100 |
115* |
|
1/8 (7.5 minutes) |
103 |
103 |
__ |
* No exposure to continuous or intermittent noise in excess of 115 dB(A).