Hearing Conservation Programs

Workplace systems protecting noise exposed workers

Overview

Hearing conservation programs are workplace systems designed to prevent occupational noise induced hearing loss. In the United States, regulations from OSHA require employers to run a program when average daily noise exposure reaches a defined action level, and similar rules exist in the European Union and elsewhere. Elements include noise measurement and exposure monitoring, engineering and administrative noise controls, provision of hearing protectors with training on their use, baseline and periodic audiometric testing, and recordkeeping. A standard threshold shift on a follow up audiogram triggers further evaluation and review of protection. Occupational exposure limits relate permissible exposure to both sound level and duration, and organizations such as NIOSH have argued for more protective criteria than those in some regulations. The hierarchy of controls favours reducing noise at the source over reliance on personal protection. Industries such as construction, agriculture, mining, and the military remain particular concerns.