Syracuse UniversityHearing Conservation

Program Training

John Rossiter, Safety Department

Introduction

This training is designed to teach you about the purpose and benefits of a hearing conservation program.  After completing the training, you should understand the following:

The effects of noise on hearing The purpose of SU's Hearing Conservation Program The proper selection and use of hearing protection

devices

The purpose of audiometric testing

How We Hear

When we hear a sound this is what actually takes place: SOUND WAVES enter the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate.

VIBRATIONS pass through 3 connected bones in the middle ear This motion SETS FLUID MOVING in the inner ear. Moving fluid bends thousands of delicate hair-like cells which convert the

vibrations into NERVE IMPULSES. Nerve impulses are CARRIED to the brain by the auditory nerve In the brain, these impulses are CONVERTED into what we "hear" as

sound.

Sound is measured by its: frequencyintensity

How Noise Affects Health A temporary hearing loss can be caused by exposure to

loud noise for a few hours.  Fortunately, hearing is usually restored after a period of time away from noise.

A permanent hearing loss occurs after the ear has been continually exposed to excess noise and has gradually become unable to recover from temporary hearing loss.

There are warning signs that may be indicative of permanent hearing loss:

inability to hear high-pitched or soft sounds

trouble understanding conversation, or speech heard over the telephone

ringing or roaring in the ears (called tinnitus)

Noise LevelsDECIBELS EXPOSURE EFFECTS

85-90

Exposure over a length of time MAYcause hearing loss. Examples: subway,loud shout

Most hearing loss happens overa period of time - weeks, monthsor years. No pain at this level ofexposure.

90-100Exposure over a length of time causeshearing loss. Examples: Power mower,air hammer, newspaper press

At this level of exposure, thenoise can be uncomfortable

100-130Exposure over a short period of timecauses hearing loss. Examples: riveter,compactor, rock concert

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) mayoccur after an exposure at thislevel. Discomfort threshold is120 dB(A)

140+A single exposure can cause hearingloss. Examples: jet taking off, shotgun

Pain threshold.

Hearing Conservation Program A Hearing Conservation Program

must include four basic parts:    Noise Monitoring Hearing Protection Hearing Tests Training

Noise Monitoring

Area monitoring– noise meter

Personal monitoring– noise dosimeter

Hearing Protection Devices

ear muffs ear plugs

canal caps

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): a number that indicates the degree to which that device reduces noise exposure. 

There are three basic types of hearing protection devices:

HPD - Ear Plugs

Light weight Can be worn without interference

from eyeglasses, headgear, earrings or hair

Comfortable in hot/humid environments

Less expensive than ear muffs

Ear Plug Insertion Wash your hands. Inspect the ear plugs. Roll the plug between your fingers and thumb,

making sure there are no wrinkles or creases in the plug.

Reach one hand behind your head and pull your ear outward and upward to widen the auditory canal. 

Insert the plug well into the ear and hold it in place until it expands. 

HPD - Ear Muffs

Provide more consistent protection than plugs

One size fits most heads Easy to put on and take off Good for short jobs

Ear Muff Disadvantages

heavier than ear plugs may be uncomfortable in hot

environments eyeglass wearers may not get a good

seal expensive resonate (vibrate) at lower sound

frequencies (<400 Hz)

Wearing Ear Muffs

Inspect for cracks, tears or other signs of wear. Choose eyewear with thin temples so they

don't interfere with the seal.  Push your hair away from your ears.   Center the ear muffs over your head and make

sure the seal is tight. Adjust the headband so the ear muffs are

resting comfortably on your head.  The cups should be entirely cover your ears. 

HPD - Canal Caps

They DO NOT extend into the ear canal, only close the ear opening. 

They are NOT designed for continuous, long-term wearing.

They do not give you as much protection as ear plugs or ear muffs.

Ear Cap Insertion

Wash your hands Reach one hand behind your head and

pull your ear outward and upward to widen the auditory canal. 

Insert the tip of the cap into the ear, firmly pushing and wiggling them into place  

Audiometric Testing

Audiometric Testing– Baseline– Annual retest

A Standard Threshold Shift (STS) occurs when the hearing threshold has changed by an average of 10 decibels (dB) or more in either ear at 2000, 3000 or 4000 Hertz.  If audiometric testing reveals that you have a STS, you will be notified.

It’s Your Hearing - Protect It!

Attend annual training Get an annual audiogram Wear PPE if required Avoid long term exposure to noise, both

at home and at work