Hearing Conservation Program: OSHA

Did you know that hearing loss is one of the most common job-related injuries, and it’s almost always preventable? Excessive noise exposure, especially over time, can damage the nerve endings in your ears, but it’s entirely preventable.

What does OSHA have to say ?

1. If noise levels exceed 85 decibels over an 8-hour workday, employers must implement a hearing conservation program and provide hearing protection devices (HPDs) free of charge. (3)
2. OSHA requires hearing protection devices (HPD) at work if the noise exposure is 85 dB or more, with average exposure level of no more than 90 dB per 8 hours. For each 5 dB increase, the exposure limit is cut in half.

1. An easy way to gauge if noise levels are too high is if you have to raise your voice to speak to someone 3 feet away from you.  
2. HPDs must be properly fitted, maintained, and employers need to train workers on their use and care. (3) 
3. Employers must monitor noise levels, keep records of exposure measurements and HPD use, and provide medical evaluations and follow-up care for workers who have experienced hearing loss. (3) 
4. Signs should be displayed to warn workers about noise hazards. (3) 

All Hearing Protective Devices (HPD) should have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), which measure the attenuation of the device. Attenuation simply means the decibels of sound the device prevents from entering the ear. (5) However, OSHA takes into account environmental factors and user error when calculating the true effectiveness of the device. (5)  

OSHA determines NRR ratings using this formula (5) 

(NRR-7) / 2 

Example: NRR = 32 

(32-7) / 2= 12.5

De-rated NRR=12.5 

If a hearing device has an NRR of 32, OSHA only considers it to actually block out 12.5 decibels.  

PRO-TIP: No hearing device can achieve a rating higher than 34, because no hearing device can stop the sound coming through the bones of the body.

Be sure to have a full understanding of the noise hazards present at your workplace, and get the correct hearing protection with the correct NRRs. A combination of hearing protection devices may be necessary, depending on the severity of hazards present.

Browse our hearing protection products HERE.

To learn more about types of hearing protection devices, visit our related blog post.  

Are you a visual learner? Watch our webinar on Hearing Conservation HERE.

1. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html 

2. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/about.html 

3. https://www.osha.gov/noise 

4. https://www.osha.gov/noise/exposure-controls 

5. https://www.safeopedia.com/a-primer-on-the-noise-reduction-rating-nrr/2/9104