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Hearing Conservation Rev.

Tiny hairlike cells in the cochlea respond to vibrations and are most sensitive to loud noise. Exposure to damaging noise levels greater than 85 dBA can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. A hearing conservation program aims to identify high noise areas, conduct hearing tests, provide hearing protection like earplugs and earmuffs, and train workers on their proper use to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing loss from excessive noise exposure is permanent.

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Anthony Basanta
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72 views10 pages

Hearing Conservation Rev.

Tiny hairlike cells in the cochlea respond to vibrations and are most sensitive to loud noise. Exposure to damaging noise levels greater than 85 dBA can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. A hearing conservation program aims to identify high noise areas, conduct hearing tests, provide hearing protection like earplugs and earmuffs, and train workers on their proper use to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Hearing loss from excessive noise exposure is permanent.

Uploaded by

Anthony Basanta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PLEA

Hearing Conservation
Study Aid
How We Hear Sounds
• Tiny hairlike cells in cochlea respond to vibrations and
are most sensitive to LOUD noise.
NOISE
• The longer you are
exposed to a
damaging level
(greater than 85
dBA), the greater will
be the eventual
hearing loss.
• Hearing protection is
recommended at
noise levels above
85dBA.
Health effects
• Acoustic trauma- a temporary or permanent hearing
loss due to a sudden, intense noise.

• Temporary threshold shift- is a temporary loss in


hearing sensitivity. Sensitivity will return to the pre-
exposed level.

• Permanent threshold shift is a permanent loss in


hearing sensitivity due to the destruction of sensory
cells in the inner ear.

• Tinnitus describes the condition of "ringing in the ears”


Hearing Conservation
Program
Key elements of an effective hearing conservation
program include:
include

1. Noise Monitoring – Identification of ‘high noise’


areas.
2. Hearing Tests – Audiograms (to determine how
well you hear)
3. Hearing Protection – PPE eg. Ear plugs and ear
muffs.
4. Training and Communication
Rule of Thumb
When you feel the need to
shout in order to be heard
3 feet away, the noise levels
are probably 85 dB or more
and hearing protectors are
recommended.
Hearing Protection
• Personal Protective Equipment ( hearing
protective devices-HPD)
Key Employee
Responsibilities
• Understand the need for hearing
protection devices (HPDs).
• Wear HPDs as directed and seek
replacements.
• Communicate problems to supervisors.
• Inspect and clean their personal hearing
protectors.
Hearing Protection Devices
(HPD)
Here are the two basic types of
hearing protection devices you may
use:
• Earplugs
Earplugs:: Most earplugs are
made of soft fiber or foam that
conforms to fit the ear canal.
They come as pre-molded or can
be custom-molded to fit your
ears.
• Earmuffs: Earmuffs are ear
cushions and cups. In order to
get a good seal, your entire ear
must fit within the cups. Push
aside or remove anything that
may keep you from getting a
good seal: hair, beard, hair clips,
and earrings, for example.
Glasses or goggles may affect
the seal as well.
Remember…….
• Hearing loss due to excessive noise is
permanent and cannot be cured!

• You have the responsibility to protect it!!

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