indiana.eduNoise and Hearing Conservation
Noise is a significant health hazard present in many workplaces today. Prolonged exposure to noise at home or in the workplace can cause permanent hearing loss. When noise levels in the workplace exceed permissible limits established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), measures such as engineering controls and hearing conservation programs are instituted to protect personnel, lowering noise levels by as much as 20-40 decibels. If you suspect elevated noise levels are present in your work area, contact UOEHSM to conduct a noise level survey. If tasks expose you to noise levels high enough for the hearing conservation program, we will guide you through requirements for initial and annual hearing tests, hearing protection device selection and workplace noise analysis.
PUBLICATIONS
- Indiana University Hearing Conservation Program PDF
- OSHA Noise and Hearing Conservation
- CDC Hearing Loss Prevention
SERVICES
- Noise Surveys
- Employee Noise Exposure Monitoring
- Training
TOPICS
- Choosing hearing protection
- Fitting instructions for disposable earplugs
- Typical sound levels