Hearing protection devices

Annual training in the four categories mentioned previously and comfortable, easy to don hearing protection can prevent hearing loss. 

Foam plugs—are compressed and twisted between the thumb and forefinger, then inserted into the ear canal. The foam memory then causes the plug to try to return to its original shape, expanding it into the ear canal. The worker s skill in inserting these plugs 

Active HeoriM ProtecHoe Devices—are noise-attenuating helmets that provide active noise cancellation, communications features, and attenuation. They reduce noise by introducing destructive cancellation that applies opposite-phase sound waves at the ear. Some are designed for hearing protection and others for one- or two-way communication. 

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If applicable, has the employer implemented a hearing conservation program that includes noise monitoring, use of hearing protection devices, and audiograms [OSHA Reference 1910.95(c)]... 

Ear protection can be carried out naturally and by using hearing protection devices. The ear itself has a protective mechanism that helps... 

Nixon, G. W., and Berger, E. H. "Hearing Protection Devices." In Handbook of Acoustical Measurements and Noise Control, edited by G. M. Harris, 3rd ed. Woodbury, NY Acoustical Society of America, 1998. 

Describe three types of hearing protection devices. 

Use of hearing protection in both occupational and non-occupational environments is intended to help reduce noise exposure levels and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the absence of feasible engineering and administrative noise reduction control methods, use of earplugs or earmuffs is common practice. Unfortunately there are still many myths surrounding the use and effectiveness of hearing protection devices (HPDs). In this article, some of the more common myths and the realities are addressed. 

Hearing Protection Devices. It (the NRR) is independent of the noise spectrum in which it is applied. The values of sound attenuation used for calculation of the NRR... 

Hearing conservation—Preventing or minimizing noise-indnced deafness through the use of hearing protection devices, engineering methods, annual audiometric tests, and employee training. 

In fact, when your employees are exposed to more than the Permissible Noise Exposures (PNE) in the table to the left, you must attempt to reduce the level below the PNE with engineering or administrative controls. If that is impossible or inadequate, you must provide workers with hearing protection devices (HPDs). 

Hearing protection devices (HPDs) do not block out sound completely, but they give some protection by reducing the amount of sound reaching your ear. At the same time, you will be able to hear speech and important machinery sounds. 

Don t use homemade hearing protection devices they don t work. 

Keep hearing protection devices in good condition. 

Wear hearing protection devices at work as required and at home when working on noisy projects. 

List the dBA levels of various equipment and tasks. For example, rock drilling can reach 115 dBA, chain saws 125 dBA, abrasive blasting 112 dBA, heavy equipment 110 dBA, demolition 117 dBA, and needle guns 112 dBA. Show slides of the equipment/tasks that require hearing protectors. Dispell myths about workers getting used to the noise. Have samples of all approved hearing protective devices. Indicate where workers can find hearing protectors. 

Have you considered your safety equipment needs Do you have the required number of respirators, lifelines, warning signs, safety nets, special face and eye protection devices, hearing protection devices, and other PPE ... 

There are two kinds of hearing protection devices (see Figure 28-2). Muffs fit over the ears to keep sound from entering the ears. Plugs of various types fit into the ear canal. In either case there must be a good seal between a device and the head or ear canal. Plain cotton plugs are not acceptable for hearing protection, since they have little sound reduction. 

Obtain literature, including performance and cost, on hearing protection devices. Assume the employer considers providing disposable plugs every day, reusable... 

Ear-plugs are only generally effective up to noise levels of 100-105dBA while ear-muffs can provide protection at higher noise levels to meet a 90 dBA criterion, for noise received by the wearer. Comparative attenuation characteristics for various personal hearing protection devices are shown in Figure 20.15. 

Double hearing protection A combination of both earplug and earmuff types of hearing protection devices is required for employees who have demonstrated temporary threshold shift during audiometric examination and for those who have been advised by a medical doctor to wear double protection in work areas that exceed 104 dBA. 

Noise reduction ratio The number of decibels of sound reduction actually achieved by a particular hearing protection device. 

The exposme-outcome results often form the basis of the application of safety technology to injmy prevention and control. Industrial deafness has drawn the attention of safety engineering experts in the application of hearing protection devices. Respiratory protection has required the development of a range of controls to address a wide range of risks, from simple dust masks to the more elaborate use of positive pressme air-supphed respirators. 

Noise levels not only change over time, they also vary in different areas of the facility — often so widely that different hearing protection is required for various work areas or, occasionally, various tasks in the same work area. Recognize noisy spots and periodically take readings in these problem areas. Repeat monitoring whenever a change in production, process, equipment or controls increases noise exposures to the extent that additional employees may be exposed or hearing protection device attenuation is inadequate. At a minimum, conduct annual assessments — or even more frequent assessments in previously identified noisy spots. ... 

However, if workers are still exposed to hazardous levels of noise after controls have been put in place, employers must provide hearing protective devices. 

Various kinds of hearing protective devices are available for use in the workplace. The selection of the right hearing protection depends on several factors ... 

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