The OSHA standard for noise requires at-workers to receive training on how noise affects them along with the controls to protect them from exposure and monitor their hearing. If this the type of training that you require to meet your regulatory obligations, contact us at The Windsor Consulting Group, Inc. We have over 60 occupational health and safety course offering to help your workforce, public, and the environment

1. The Windsor Consulting Group
Safety Training Presentations
Hearing Conservation
29 CFR 1910.95

2. Did You Know?
 Noise induced hearing loss is the most common
occupational health hazard for workers
 Hearing loss from noise is slow and painless; you can
develop the disability before you notice it
 If raise your voice 3 feet away a person; this is a
hazardous noise area
 Noise induced hearing loss is 100% preventable

3. Did You Know?
 Four million workers go to work each day in
damaging noise.
 Ten million people in the U.S. have a noise-
related hearing loss.
 Twenty-two million workers are exposed to
potentially damaging noise each year.

4. Did You Know?
 In 2007, 23,000 cases of occupational hearing
loss cause hearing impairment.
 Reported cases of hearing loss accounted for
14% of occupational illness in 2007.
 In 2007, approximately 82% of the cases
involving occupational hearing loss were
workers in the manufacturing sector.

5. What Is Noise?
 Noise is unwanted sound or sound that is
unpleasant, unexpected or undesired
 Product of many operating industrial
machinery and equipment
 Exposure to hazardous noise levels can lead to
temporary or permanent hearing loss

6. Occupational Noise Sources
Air hammer Compressor Radial saw
Rough seas Cement mixer Elevator room

7. Occupational Noise Sources
Hammer DrillHammer Drill
Chain SawChain Saw
Chop SawChop Saw
Miter SawMiter Saw
Impact WrenchImpact Wrench
Tile SawTile Saw
Circular SawCircular Saw
Hand DrillHand Drill
Metal ShearMetal Shear
RouterRouter
PlanerPlaner
Belt SanderBelt Sander
Table SawTable Saw
Orb. Sand.Orb. Sand.
MortisingMortising
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115
WorkTask/Tool

8. Occupational Noise Sources
Equipment Noise Level
Back Hoe 85-95 decibels
Chain Saw 110 decibels
Front-end Loader 90-95 decibels
Gunshot 140 decibels
Jackhammer112 decibels
Lawn Mower 90 decibels
Tractor 95-105 decibels
Circular Saw 90-100 decibels

9. Hearing Loss
 Can you imagine
not being able to:
– Hear music?
– Listen to the sounds of nature?
– Socialize with your family?
 Can you imagine being
afflicted with uncomfortable
ringing or abnormal sounds
that interfere with sleep?

10. Hearing Loss
 Exposure to loud noise will
inevitably cause hearing loss
over time.
 Loud noise damages or
destroys the nerves in the inner
ear.
 Another effect can be
“tinnitus” or permanent
ringing in the ear.

11. How Much Noise Is Too Much?
 85 decibels (A-weighted) is the OSHA 8-
hour “action level”
 90 decibels (A-weighted) is the OSHA
maximum permissible exposure limit without
hearing protection
 100 dBA exposure longer than 15-minutes
are not recommended
 110 dBA exposures for more than 1 minute
can result in permeant hearing loss

12. How We Hear Sounds

13. Anatomy Of The Ear
Ear Drum
Semi-Circular Canals
Cochlea
Ear Bones
Outer Ear

14. How We Hear Sounds
 Sound waves enter
the ear canal
 Eardrum vibrations
pass along tiny bones
 Tiny hair like cells
flow back and forth
 The auditory nerve
sends signals that are
registered as sound
to the brain

15. The middle ear is
the air-filled
space between
the eardrum and
the bony inner
ear.
It contains the
ossicles, muscles
and the
Eustachian tube

16. How We Hear Sounds
This is
the
inner
ear

17. How We Hear Sounds
This
electron
micrograph
shows the
organ of
Corti within
the inner
ear

18. How We Hear Sound

19. How We Hear Sounds
Normal hair cells Noise-damaged hair cells
Hair cells in inner ear transmit
noise signals to the brain

20. How We Hear Sound
 Each scale approximates the response of the
human ear at different ranges of pressure
 Because the human ear does not hear sound as if
a machine. The human ear is more sensitive to
higher frequencies
 Derived from comparison experiments
 Example: a noise of 1000 Hz frequency and an
SPL of 20 dB sounds as loud as a noise of 25
dB at 500 Hz

21. How We Hear Sound
 A-Scale is most common and referenced by
OSHA regulations
 B-Scale rarely used (medium sound pressure
levels)
 C-Scale common for evaluating explosions and
impact noise

22. ■ Pitch is determined by the position on the
basilar membrane of its maximum deflection
in response to sound.
■ Like the keys on a piano, there is a
progression from low pitch to high pitch from
the apical end to the basal end. So, if the
maximum deflection of the basilar membrane
occurs in basal end, a high pitch tone is
perceived.

23. How Hearing Is Damaged
 Hearing ability consists of delicate parts
 Hair like cells are flattened
 You do not get used to noise; you gradually
lose your hearing
 Once hearing is damaged, it cannot be repaired
or replaced

24. How Hearing Is Damaged
 Our ears can recover from short
exposure to loud noise, but over
time nerve damage will occur.
 The longer and louder the noise,
the greater chance permanent
damage will occur.
 There is really no such thing as
“tough ears” or “getting used to
it”.

25. How Hearing Is Damaged
 Conductive
– Sound is not conducted from outer ear to inner ear
– Reduction in sound level
– Condition results from fluid in middle ear, foreign
bodies, infection in ear canal, impacted ear wax,
malformation of ear

26. How Hearing Is Damaged
 Sensorineural
– Results from damage to the inner ear or nerve pathways
from ear to brain
– Corrected through surgery
– Caused by birth injury, diseases, noise exposure, head
trauma, aging
 Mixed
– Hearing loss resulting from both conductive and
sensorineural

27. Signs of Hearing Loss
 Difficulty hearing
people speak
 Inability to hear
certain high-pitched
or soft sounds
 Noise or ringing in ears
 Getting complaints that the
radio or TV volume
is too high

28. Signs of Hearing Loss
 Temporary Hearing Loss
– results from short term exposure to noise (gun shot, pile
driver, explosion or other impact noise)
– hearing returns when away from the noise
 Permanent Hearing Loss
– results from exposure to a moderate or high level of noise
over a long period of time
– hearing loss can be permanent without protectors

29. Signs of Hearing Loss
 Effects of Age and Noise on Hearing
Normal Aging Effects
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000
Frequency Hz
HearingThreshold
LeveldB
age 60 age 40 age 20
Loss from Aging plus
95dB Noise Expsoure
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000
Frequency Hz
HearingThresholdLeveldB
40 yrs.exp. 20 yrs.exp.
10 yrs.exp. 0 yrs.exp

30. Evaluating Hearing Loss
 Audiograms
– A hearing evaluation exam, called audiometry, produces a report
called an audiogram
– OSHA requires all workers exposed to an 8-hour TWA of at
least 85 dBA (Action Level) receive a baseline audiogram and
annual follow-up exam
– Employee sits in soundproof booth with headphones and control
button to produce HTL (Hearing Threshold Level)
– Method of Limits at the following test frequencies: 500, 1000,
2000, 3000, 4000, 6000 Hz, the range most detectable by the
human ear
– Speech range: 1000 – 4000 Hz

31. Types of Noise
 Pitch or frequency
 Loudness
– Whisper 10 decibels
– Street sounds 70 decibels
– Sander 85 decibels
– Sporting event 100 decibels
– Mowing the lawn 101 decibels
– Motorcycle riding 112 decibels
– Concerts 125 decibels
– Shooting range 130 decibels

32. Hazardous Occupational Noise
Task
Avg. Noise Level
(dBA)
Operating forklift 87
Cutting Wood 93
Cutting lawn 94
Installing trench
conduit
95.8
Welding 98.4
Grinding 99.7
Chipping
Concrete
102.9
Working near
Generator
116
Tools
Avg. Noise Level
(dBA)
Lathe 81
Welding
Equipment
94.9
Hand Power Saw 97.2
Screw Gun, Drill 97.7
Rotohammer 97.8
Chop saw 98.4
Stationary Power
tool
101.8
Chipping Gun 103.0

33. Does Noise
Impact the Workplace?
 Interferes with
communication
 Causes fatigue
 Distracting or irritating
 Reduces morale
or efficiency

34. Noise Sources
Noise sources
 Aerodynamic – fan
blade
– Non directional
– Directional

35. Noise Sources
Hydraulic
Shear
Air Bag
Shear
Lmax
over 8 dB(A)
reduction in
Leq achieved
Leq
SoundPressureLeveldB(A)
Lmax
Leq
Sheet
Damping
Modified
Damping
Enclosure
Modified
Enclosure
12 dB(A)
reduction in
Lmax achieved
10dB(A)

36. Noise Exposure Limits

37. Noise Exposure Limits
Sound Level
(dBA)
Permitted Duration per
Workday (hours)
Sound Level
(dBA)
Permitted Duration per
Workday (hours)
90 8.00 103 1.32
91 6.96 104 1.15
92 6.06 105 1.00
93 5.28 106 0.86
94 4.60 107 0.76
95 4.00 108 0.66
96 3.48 109 0.56
97 3.03 110 0.50
98 2.63 111 0.43
99 2.30 112 0.38
100 2.00 113 0.33
101 1.73 114 0.28
102 1.52 115 0.25

38. Hearing Conservation Flowchart

39. Hearing Conservation Goals
 Noise and hearing
 Hearing Conservation Program
 Quiz

40. Hearing Conservation Goals
 Workplace noise sampling including personal
and area noise monitoring which identifies
which employees are at risk from noise.
 Informing workers at risk from hazardous levels
of noise exposure of the results of their noise
monitoring.
 Providing affected workers or their authorized
representatives with an opportunity to observe
any noise measurements conducted.

41. Hearing Conservation Goals
 Maintaining a worker audiometric testing
program (hearing tests) which is a professional
evaluation of the health effects of noise upon
individual worker's hearing.
 Implementing comprehensive hearing protection
follow-up procedures for workers who show a
loss of hearing (standard threshold shift) after
completing baseline (first) and yearly
audiometric testing.

42. Hearing Conservation Goals
 Proper selection of hearing protection based
upon individual fit and manufacturer's quality
testing indicating the likely protection that they
will provide to a properly trained wearer.
 Evaluate the hearing protectors attenuation and
effectiveness for the specific workplace noise.
 Data management of and worker access to
records regarding monitoring and noise
sampling.

43. Hearing Conservation Goals
 Training and information that ensures the
workers are aware of the hazard from excessive
noise exposures and how to properly use the
protective equipment that has been provided.
 Data management of and worker access to
records regarding monitoring and noise
sampling.

44. Sound Level Meters

45. Sound Contour Mapping

46. Personal Dosimetry

47. Personal Noise Dosimeter

48. Noise Monitoring
 Monitoring program and strategy
 Sound level meters
 Noise dosimeters
 Repeat monitoring

49. Noise Monitoring
Things that can go wrong include:
■ Failure to follow manufacturer
instructions
■ Failure to start and stop properly
to avoid invalid data
■ Microphone moved accidentally
or intentionally
■ Excessive bumps to microphone
■ Non normal work day
■ Wind effects and battery failure

50. Noise Monitoring
Example:
Using a
Chain
Saw

51. Noise Monitoring
Frequency analysis 1/3 octave-band spectral data for maximum sound
levels generated by an internal combustion engine.

52. Noise Monitoring
Predicted Noise Exposure Winter Schedule 1998 + Ballet
All Performances
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
25-Dec
04-Jan
14-Jan
24-Jan
03-Feb
13-Feb
23-Feb
05-Mar
14-Mar
24-Mar
03-Apr
13-Apr
23-Apr
03-May
13-May
23-May
01-Jun
11-Jun
21-Jun
01-Jul
11-Jul
21-Jul
31-Jul
10-Aug
20-Aug
30-Aug
09-Sep
19-Sep
29-Sep
09-Oct
19-Oct
29-Oct
dB(A)
Performance weekly average Long term Exposure
Predicted Noise Exposure Winter Schedule 1998 + Ballet
All Performances
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
25-Dec
04-Jan
14-Jan
24-Jan
03-Feb
13-Feb
23-Feb
05-Mar
14-Mar
24-Mar
03-Apr
13-Apr
23-Apr
03-May
13-May
23-May
01-Jun
11-Jun
21-Jun
01-Jul
11-Jul
21-Jul
31-Jul
10-Aug
20-Aug
30-Aug
09-Sep
19-Sep
29-Sep
09-Oct
19-Oct
29-Oct
dB(A)
Performance weekly average Long term Exposure

53. Noise Risk Assessment
No. Work Process or Operation LAeqT
Peak Complies with Regulatory
Requirements
1 Cushman Trucker 75 103 YES
2 Cushman Spray Unit 76 102 YES
3 Quad Runner 72 101 YES
4 Honda Bike 67 - YES
5 Mower Reelmaster 6700-D 83 102 YES
6 Mower Ransomes 213-D 83 102 YES
7 Mower John Deere 2653A 86 105 NO, if exposure exceeds 6 hrs. 36 min.
8 Mower John Deere F1145 90 115 NO, if exposure exceeds 2 hrs. 32 min.
9 Whipper Snipper Kawasaki 98 113 NO, if exposure exceeds 25 min.
10 Blower Echo 94 108 NO, if exposure exceeds 1 hr. 4 min.

54. Noise Risk Assessment

55. Affected Employees
 Each employee exposed to noise at or above the
8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85
decibels must be notified.
 Affected employees must be included in the
Hearing Conservation Program.

56. Hearing Tests
 Audiometric testing offered
 Conducted by qualified medical provider
 Baseline tests
 Annual testing
 Required for any employees
exposed to excessive noise

57. Hearing Tests
 Many people develop a mild
hearing loss as we age, mostly
in the higher pitches
 Severe or significant hearing
loss can mean you had
excessive noise exposure
 Audiometric testing done
yearly can detect early stages
of hearing loss

58. Hearing Tests
 Results can be used to check
the following:
– If the hearing protection in use
is adequate,
– If there is a change in noise
exposure,
– If there is a medical condition
of the ear unrelated to noise
exposure.

59. Hearing Tests
 Results produces printed
audiograms which show
hearing ability at several
pitches or frequencies.
 These frequencies include
those of the human voice.
 Second and following year
tests are compared to the
first year tests or baseline.

60. Normal Vs Noise-Induced
Audiometric Testing

61. Reasons for Poor Audiogram
 Ear wax buildup
 Head cold, congestion
 Confusion about response procedure
 Incorrect placement of headphones
 Hair under headphones
 Audiometer malfunction

62. Standard Threshold Shift
 Hearing ability changed by an average of 10
decibels or more in either/both ears
 Employee notification within 21 days and
report on OSHA injury/illness log
 Revised hearing protection required
 Further medical evaluation
– Refer employee for more testing or if medical
pathology is caused by hearing protectors
– Inform employee if medical pathology unrelated
to hearing protectors is suspected

63. Standard Threshold Shift
Normal Audiogram and Degree of Hearing Loss
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
500 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000
Frequency, Hz (low pitched to high pitched sounds)
HearingThresholdLevel
dB
Normal Hearing
Mild Hearing Loss
Moderate Hearing Loss
Severe Hearing Loss
Profound Hearing Loss

64. Noise Reduction Efforts
 Engineering Controls
– Reduce noise at the source
– Interrupt the noise path
– Reduce reverberation and structural vibration
 Administrative
– Operate noisy equipment on second or third shifts
– Rotate employees through high-noise areas

65. Noise Control Measures

66. Solutions for Noise Controls
 Buy Quiet - select and purchase low-noise
generating tools and machinery
 Maintain tools and equipment routinely
 Reduce vibration where possible
 Isolate noise in an insulated room or enclosure
 Put barrier between source and the employee
 Isolate employee from the source in a room or
booth (such as sound wall or windows)

67. Engineering Controls
NOISENOISE
Control BoothControl Booth

68. Engineering Controls
EnclosureEnclosure
NOISE

69. Engineering Controls

70. Engineering Controls

71. Administrative Controls
 Scheduling of shifts
 Noisy tasks in controlled areas
 Quiet tasks away from noisy tasks
 Noise refuge areas or control rooms,
 Remote control and remote monitoring,
 Maintenance and servicing schedules
 Specifications for limiting noise levels.
 Workers stay away from noisy areas whenever possible

72. Administrative Controls

73. Hearing Protection
Devices (HPDs)
 Ear plugs
 Canal caps
 Earmuffs

74. Hearing Protection Use
 Voluntary use
– Exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels
 Mandatory use
– Exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 90 decibels
– Exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels but
have not had a baseline hearing test
– Employees who have suffered STS hearing loss
and are exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels

75. Fitting Foam Earplugs
Left photo
shows a proper
insertion of a formable
earplug, which is
fibreglass down in a
sheathing material.
Right photo
is an improper
insertion, as the device
is too loose, or is not
inserted deeply
enough to be of
benefit.

76. Fitting Foam Earplugs
Earplug incorrectly
inserted
Earplug correctly
inserted

77. Fitting Foam Earplugs
Proper Insertion: the end
flange is just past the
tragus.
Improper Insertion: the
end flange extends past
the tragus.

78. Fitting Ear Muffs
 Ear muffs cover the whole
ear and are preferred by
some people
 Have replaceable pads and
some high-tech styles filter
out specific noise pitches
 Last longer than most plugs

79. Fitting Ear Muffs
 Some muffs are attached to
hard hats or goggles
 Some high-tech muffs can
filter out certain frequencies
or have radios inside for
communication in high noise
areas

80. Fitting Ear Muffs
 Excessive hair over the ears: can
break seal of the earmuff cups,
significantly reducing the overall
attenuation
 Same is true for safety glass
temple bars
 All gaps or penetrations should be
minimized to achieve effective
attenuation

81. Fitting Ear Muffs
 Earmuff is too big for user
 The headband is fully closed,
but does not rest on the top
of the head, as it should
 Be careful to ensure HPDs
are compatible with the
wearer’s physical anatomy

82. Fitting Ear Muffs
 Both earmuff cushions
show permanent
impressions, allows air
leaks and reduces the
attenuation.
 The cushions need to
be replaced

83. Fitting Ear Muffs
 Muffs can be uncomfortable
in hot weather
 Muffs don’t seal well for
someone with glasses or
heavy sideburns

84. Ear Plugs Vs Ear Muffs
Earplugs Earmuffs
Advantages
Small & easily carried, convenient to use
with other PPE, more comfortable in hot,
humid work areas and convenient for use in
confined work areas.
Advantages
Less attenuation variably among users,
designed so that one size fits most hat sizes,
may be worn with minor ear infections and
not easily misplaced or lost.
Disadvantages
Require more time to fit, difficult to insert
or remove, may irritate the ear canal, easily
misplace, more difficult to see and monitor
use, get dirty when your hands are dirty.
Disadvantages
Heavier, less portable, inconvenient for use
with other PPE, uncomfortable in hot
humid work areas, inconvenient for use in
confined areas.

85. Fitting Ear Canal Caps
 Ear caps are like earplugs, but
don’t go into the ear canal,
they only block it.
 Good for occasional use or for
people who find earplugs
uncomfortable.
 Not as protective as earplugs
or muffs.

86. Hearing Protection Device
Noise Reduction
 HPDs must reduce employee noise exposure
below an 8-hour TWA of 90 decibels
 Employees with STS, noise exposure
reduced below an 8-hour TWA of 85
decibels
 Noise reduction ratio (NRR)
– Lab versus real world
– Ear plugs: use 1/3 of NRR
– Earmuffs: use 1/2 of NRR

87. Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
of Hearing Protection
 “Noise reduction rating” or “NRR” of
hearing protection is measured in decibels.
 NRR is found on the earmuff or earplug
package. The higher the number, the
greater the protection.

88. Attenuation of Different Types of
Hearing Protectors
 Ear Plugs
– Reduce noise by as much as 30 decibels
 Ear Canals
– Reduce noise by as much as 30 decibels
– Used when individual is unable to use traditional
ear plugs
 Ear Muffs
– Reduce noise by as much as 15-30 decibels
– Use in conjunction with ear plugs when exposed
to high noise levels (105+ decibels)

89. Hearing Protector Use
Effect of removal of HPD
60
70
80
90
100
110
0:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
4:00
5:00
6:00
7:00
8:00
Time
dB
inside protector
Outside Protector
HP off 5min
In Ear Cumulative Leq

90. Hearing Protector Use
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0
120.0
63 125 250 500 1,000 2,000 4,000 8,000 Total
Frequency
SoundPressureLeveldB
A weighted Source level
Source level
Estimated in-ear noise level

91. Octave Band Evaluation
line Frequency (Hz): 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Overall
level
1 Noise Level dB 103 105 107 102 97 99 92 111
2 A-weighting -16.1 -8.6 -3.2 0 +1.2 +1.0 -1.1 --
3 Noise Level dBA 86.9 96.4 103.8 102 98.2 100 90.9 108
4
Mean
Attenuation of
HPD
12.8 19 28.5 36.1 38.1 38.3 26.7 --
5
Standard
Deviation
1.8 2.0 2.5 2.1 3.1 3.3 1.7 --
6 Mean – 1 SD 11 17 26 34 35 35 25 --
7
Estimated in-
ear level, dBA
75.9 79 77.8 68 63.2 65 65.9 83

92. Hearing Aids Are Not Hearing
Protection
 Hearing aids do not block out
enough sound for most workplace
noise
 Some hearing aids can actually
increase the noise level at the ear
 Just turning off the hearing aids
will not prevent further hearing
loss from noise exposure

93. Ear Buds in Portable Radios/
CD Players/iPods
 Most of these devices do not
provide protection from nois
 Earphones are not earmuffs and
the music only adds to
background other noise
 Music level in the earphones can
exceed 85 decibels and cause
hearing loss

94. Management Responsibility
 Provide hearing protection devices
 Demonstrate commitment—wear HPDs
 Provide hearing protection training
 Enforce the use of HPDs
 Knowledgeable in HPD selection and use
 Encourage questions and solve problems

95. Training
 Required annually
 Topics must include:
– Effects of occupational
noise on hearing
– Purpose for hearing
protection devices
– Attenuation, advantages , and
disadvantages of HPD
– Instructions of fitting,
used, care, and selection
– Purpose for hearing tests

96. Recordkeeping
 Noise monitoring results
 Hearing test results
 Job assignments and noise exposure history
 Hearing protection devices used
 Records accessible to affected workers

97. Employee Responsibility
 Understand the need for Hearing
Protection Devices (HPDs)
 Wear HPDs and seek replacements
 Encourage co-workers to wear HPDs
 Communicate problems to supervisors

98. Summary
 Constant exposure to noise over 85 decibels
can cause hearing damage.
 Hearing loss cannot be cured or repaired
 Hearing tests are conducted annually
 Hearing protection devices include ear plugs,
earmuffs, and canal caps

99. Consequences of NIHL
 Social isolation
 Impaired communication with coworkers and
family
 Decreased ability to monitor the work
environment (warning signals, equipment
sounds)
 Increased injuries from impaired
communication and isolation

100. Consequences of NIHL
 Anxiety, irritability, decreased self-esteem; − lost
productivity
 Expenses for workers’ compensation and hearing aids.
 Noise-induced hearing impairment occurs predominantly at
higher frequencies (3000−6000 Hz), with the largest effect
at 4000 Hz.
 It is irreversible and increases in severity with continued
exposure

101. Quiz
1. Employee participation in the Hearing Conservation
Program is required when exposed to an 8-hour TWA
noise level of ____ decibels.
2. Hearing damage can easily be repaired
with surgery. True or False
3. Describe a sign of hearing loss:___________________.
4. Name two off-work activities that may expose you to
high-noise levels: ______________, _______________.
5. Your company keeps records of noise
monitoring and hearing tests. True or False

102. Quiz (cont.)
6. A noise dosimeter is used to test an
employee’s hearing capability. True or False
7. Describe one of the ways noise impacts the workplace:
____________________________________________
.
8. Name two kinds of hearing protection devices:
____________________ and ____________________.
9. In order to look for hearing loss, how often are hearing
tests conducted? _____________________________
10. Name one of the ways management attempts to control
employee noise exposure:_______________________.

103. Quiz Answers
1. Exposed to 85 decibels for an 8-hour TWA.
2. False. Hearing damage cannot be repaired or
replaced. Hearing can only be aided once
it is damaged.
3. Difficulty hearing people; noise or ringing; TV or
radio is too loud for others.
4. Mowing the lawn, using a table saw, riding a
motorcycle, attending a sporting event.
5. True. These records are available for employee
review upon request.

104. Quiz Answers (cont.)
6. False. Noise dosimeters are worn by employees
to determine their level of noise exposure.
7. Disrupts communication, causes employee
fatigue, distracts or irritates, reduces morale.
8. Ear plugs, earmuffs, canal caps.
9. Hearing tests are conducted annually.
10. Engineering or administrative controls. The use of
hearing protection should be used as a last resort.