• Employers must train employees on the effects of excess noise on hearing, the purpose and use of hearing protection, and the purpose of audiometric testing.
• Employers must train employees to properly care for and maintain hearing protection devices.

Workers exposed to time-weighted averages (TWAs) of 85 dB and above must be trained every year in:

• The effects of noise,
• The purpose, advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types of hearing protectors,
• The selection, fitting, and care of protectors, and
• The purpose and procedures of audiometric testing.

The training requirements are found at 1910.95(k)—Training programs; 1910.95(l)—Access to information and training materials; and 1910.95(i)(4)—The employer shall provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors provided to employees. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires employers to establish a training program for all employees with noise exposures at or above the action level and ensure employee participation. Training must be repeated annually for each employee in the hearing conservation program and the information must be updated to be consistent with changes in protective equipment and work processes.

The employer must ensure that each employee is informed of the following:

• The effects of noise on hearing.
• The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care.
• The purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of test procedures.

Employers must also train employees on the proper care and maintenance of their hearing protection.