['Industrial Hygiene']
['Hearing Conservation and Noise']
03/12/2025
Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
FAQ
Noise, or unwanted sound, is a by-product of many industrial processes. Sound consists of pressure changes in a medium (usually air), caused by vibration or turbulence. These pressure changes produce waves emanating away from the turbulent or vibrating source. Exposure to high levels of noise causes hearing loss and may cause other harmful health effects as well. The extent of damage depends primarily on the intensity of the noise and the duration of the exposure.
['Industrial Hygiene']
['Hearing Conservation and Noise']
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OSHA doesn’t give a specific number, but says you need to provide a “variety” of suitable hearing protectors. The reason is that different conditions may make some kinds of hearing protection more comfortable than others. For example, if it’s really warm in the work area, ear muffs may feel too hot to wear and ear plugs would be more comfortable.
On the other hand, everyone’s ear canals are shaped differently. Ear plugs just aren’t comfortable for everyone. Also, ear plugs that fit a woman’s ear canal may not be adequate for a man. You should have enough different sizes to choose from so all employees can get a good fit.
In the case of ear plugs, OSHA says that you’re in compliance if employees can select from a variety of suitable ear plugs. However, if only ear muffs will work for a particular employee, then you must provide that employee with ear muffs.
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No. OSHA does not require signs stating that hearing protection is required. An employer should consider it a best practice, however, as a way to remind employees to wear it.
OSHA’s Noise standard requires only that audiometric testing be made available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA. If the employee has no hearing loss and no medical problems, then no notification letter is required. On the other hand, the standard does not prohibit an employer from having a company rule that employees submit to audiometric testing.
If the employee refuses to see a physician, employers may use whatever documentation they prefer to document that they have offered the referral.
OSHA doesn’t give a specific number, but says you need to provide a “variety” of suitable hearing protectors. The reason is that different conditions may make some kinds of hearing protection more comfortable than others. For example, if it’s really warm in the work area, ear muffs may feel too hot to wear and ear plugs would be more comfortable.
On the other hand, everyone’s ear canals are shaped differently. Ear plugs just aren’t comfortable for everyone. Also, ear plugs that fit a woman’s ear canal may not be adequate for a man. You should have enough different sizes to choose from so all employees can get a good fit.
In the case of ear plugs, OSHA says that you’re in compliance if employees can select from a variety of suitable ear plugs. However, if only ear muffs will work for a particular employee, then you must provide that employee with ear muffs.
READ MORE
SHOW LESS
No. OSHA does not require signs stating that hearing protection is required. An employer should consider it a best practice, however, as a way to remind employees to wear it.
OSHA’s Noise standard requires only that audiometric testing be made available to all employees whose exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA. If the employee has no hearing loss and no medical problems, then no notification letter is required. On the other hand, the standard does not prohibit an employer from having a company rule that employees submit to audiometric testing.
If the employee refuses to see a physician, employers may use whatever documentation they prefer to document that they have offered the referral.
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Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.