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and off the job.
NOISE AND ACOUSTICS
Hazardous noise exposures occur
on the job ..…
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NOISE AND ACOUSTICS
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Causes no pain Causes no visible trauma Leaves no visible scars Is unnoticeable in its earliest stages Accumulates with each over-exposure Takes years to diagnose
Is permanent and 100% preventable
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NOISE AND ACOUSTICS
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NOISE AND ACOUSTICS
How do I know if the noise levels are hazardous?
If you must shout to be understood over the background noise when standing
about one arm-length away from somebody,
that background noise is hazardous.
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NOISE AND ACOUSTICSTime-Weighted Average
Permissible Exposure Limits
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OSHA STANDARDTime-Weighted Average
Permissible Exposure Limits
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HOW WE HEAR
Sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate
Bones in middle ear transmit vibrations to cochlea
Receptors (hair cells) in cochlea convert vibrations to electrical energy
Brain interprets these electrical impulses as sound
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HOW WE HEAR
Nerve cells in the cochlea are tuned to specific frequencies
Base of the cochlea is sensitive to high frequency sounds
Tip of the cochlea is sensitive to low frequency sounds
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HOW WE HEAR
17-year old girl• Low noise exposure• Normal cochlea• Receptors intact
76-year old man• Low noise exposure • Fewer receptors but still
intact
59-year old man• High noise exposure• Damaged cochlea• Receptors destroyed
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HOW WE HEAR
High-frequency sounds of speech
K P
SH
STHTF
CH
H
High-frequency
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HPD SELECTION
The Best Hearing
Protection
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER
PPE
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER
PPE
COMFORTCOMFORT
NOISE REDUCTION
NOISE REDUCTION
SIZESIZE
COMMUNICATION NEEDS
COMMUNICATION NEEDS
SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
CLEANLINESSCLEANLINESS
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HPD SELECTIONCommon Objections to Wearing HPDs
“Hearing protectors are uncomfortable.”
“I don’t need them, I am used
to the noise.”
“I already lost some of my hearing, so why should I wear them?”
“I can’t hear my co-workers if I
wear them.”
“I can always get a
hearing aid.”
“Can I hurt my eardrums if I
insert a plug to deeply.” “My machine
sounds different.”
“Won’t I get an ear
infection?”
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FITTING TIPSFind the Right Size
Maximum protection is only accomplished when an earplug acoustically seals in the ear canal.
No earplug fits all ear canals, so manufacturers have responded with a variety of sizes.
It is important to find your right size to obtain an acoustic seal
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FITTING TIPSROLL-DOWN FOAM
2. Pull Back pinna by reaching over head with free hand, gently pull top of ear up and out
1. Roll entire earplug into a crease-free cylinder
3. Insert earplug well into ear canal and hold until it fully expands
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FITTING TIPSVisual Check for Foam Earplugs
If properly fitted, the end of the earplugs should not extend beyond the tragus (flap of the ear canal).
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1. Reach over head with free hand, pull ear up and back and insert earplug well inside ear canal.
2. Earplugsshould be inserted as shown in these drawings. Stop pushing earplug when finger touches the ear.
3. If properlyfitted, the end of the earplugs should not be visible to someone looking at you from the front.
NO-ROLL FOAM EARPLUGS
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MULTIPLE-USE EARPLUGS
1. While holding the stem, reach hand overhead and gently pull top of ear up and back.
2. Insert earplug so all flanges are well inside the ear canal. 3. If properly
fitted, only the stem of the earplugs should be visible to someone looking at you from the front.
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2. Acoustical Check - Cup hands over ears and release. Earplugs should block enough noise so that covering your ears with hands should not result in a significant noise difference.
EARPLUGS (ALL)
1. Visual Check - The earplug should sit well inside the ear canal and not stick out.
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1. Place earcups over eachouter ear
2. Adjust the headband by sliding the headband up or down at the attachment buttons
3. The ear cushions should seal firmly against the head
EARMUFF INSTRUCTIONS
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EARMUFF INSTRUCTIONS – DON’TS
For best results, remove all hair from underneath earcup.
Ensure that the earcup creates a seal and covers the ear completely.
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PRODUCTSTypes of Hearing Protectors
Earplugs Single-Use Multiple-Use Detectable
Banded Protectors Banded Earplugs Canal Caps
Earmuffs Standard (Headband) Cap-Mounted Electronic Special Application
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PROS AND CONS OF HPDs – EARPLUGS
PRO•Comfortable for extended use•Disposable earplugs available•Cooler in hot/humid environments
CON•Attenuation highly dependent upon good fit
•Hygiene issues in dirty environments
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CARE & MAINTENANCE OF HPDs – EARPLUGS
•Dispose of single-use earplugs daily
•Clean multiple-use earplugs with mild soap and water, dry thoroughly
•Inspect multiple-use earplugs for dirt, cracks or hardness, replace if damaged
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PROS AND CONS OF HPDs – BANDED EARPLUGS
•Clean and replace pods regularly
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CARE & MAINTENANCE OF HPDs – BANDED EARPLUGS
PRO•Very convenient for intermittent noise
•Readily available around neck when not in use
CON•Lower attenuation than most earplugs
•Some noise transmission through band
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PROS AND CONS OF HPDs – EARMUFFS
PRO•Easy to get proper fit•Good for intermittent noise•Radio & electronic options
CON•Can feel hot/heavy with extended wear
•Compatibility with other PPE?
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CARE & MAINTENANCE OF HPDs – EARMUFFS
•Clean ear cushions and headband regularly with mild soap and water
•Replace ear cushionsand foam inserts every 6 months with normal wear, more often with heavy use or under humid/extreme conditions
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Hearing Loss Due To Noise Exposure Is …
PainlessPermanent
Progressive
… and very PREVENTABLE!
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