Noise and Hearing Conservation

The purpose of Hearing Conservation program is to provide a safe work environment for University employees.  According to OSHA, noise is one of the top occupational health hazards.  Exposure to prolonged high noise levels can cause hearing loss and other harmful health effects.  Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent and depends on noise intensity and duration.

 UWM Hearing Conservation Program

Resources

• Proper Insertion of Protective Foam Earplugs

• NIOSH Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention Index Page
• NIOSH Hearing Protector Device Compendium
• NIOSH Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure

• OSHA: Occupational Noise Exposure, 29 CFR 1910.95
  • Appendix A: “Noise Exposure Computation”
  • Appendix B: “Methods for Estimating the Adequacy of Hearing Protector Attenuation”
  • Appendix C: “Audiometric Measuring Instruments”
  • Appendix D: “Audiometric Test Rooms”
  • Appendix E: “Acoustic Calibration of Audiometers”
  • Appendix F: “Calculations and Application of Age Corrections to Audiograms”
  • Appendix G: “Monitoring Noise Levels Non-Mandatory Informational Appendix”
  • Appendix H: “Availability of Referenced Documents”
  • Appendix I: “Definitions”
• OSHA Noise and Hearing Conservation eTool, (01/2005)
  • Section I: What is considered “noise” and what are the potential health effects?
  • Section II: What standards limit and control noise exposure?
  • Section III: How do I evaluate noise exposure?
  • Section IV: What constitutes an effective hearing conservation program?