Turn Down the Risk: Why Hearing Protection Is More Than Just Earplugs

Determining the need to provide hearing protection for employees can be challenging. Employees exposure to excessive noise depends upon a number of factors, including the loudness of the noise as measured in decibels db the duration of each employee's exposure to the noise whether employees move between work areas with different noise levels whether noise is generated from one or multiple sources. If engineering and work practice control do not lower employee exposure to workplace noise to acceptable levels, employees must wear appropriate hearing protection. Hearing protectors reduce the amount of noise that gets through to the ear. The amount of this reduction is referred to as attenuation, which differs according to the type of hearing protection used and how well it fits. If the employees are exposed to occupational noise at or above 85 decibels averaged over an eight hour period, the employer is required to institute a hearing conservation program that includes regular testing of employees hearing by qualified professionals. Generally, the louder the noise, the shorter the exposure time. Before hearing protection is required, hearing protectors worn by employees must reduce the employee's noise exposure to within the acceptable limits. Manufacturers of hearing protection devices must display the device's noise reduction rating on the product packaging. Types of Hearing Earplugs generally offer the most hearing protection. Insert a disposable earplug into the ear by gently rolling it into a small diameter oval and inserting it into the ear canal. The ear should be pulled up and back as the plug is inserted. Then hold the plug in the ear for several seconds to allow it to expand and fit securely. Earmuffs are only as effective as the seal around the entire earth. Facial hair and eyeglasses can decrease the protection earmuffs can provide because they get in the way of the seal. If earmuffs are cracked, cut or missing gaskets, they're not as effective in protecting the worker's hearing. These two types of hearing protection are meant to save a worker's hearing when they're exposed to loud noises day after day. However, employers should warn their employees that hearing protection may also block out important safety warning sounds like alarms or other co workers yelling for assistance, so they must be vigilant to stay aware of visual cues and signals. For a more detailed discussion of the requirements for a comprehensive hearing conservation program, refer to the OSHA standard on occupational noise exposure or ask about our hearing protection specific training. It.