October 2026
 |
Inside the October Issue |
Preventing Occupational
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise is part of everyday life, but noise-induced hearing loss
is nearly always preventable.
High noise levels can also contribute to serious workplace accidents
and injuries. Noise can reduce workers' awareness of what
is happening around them, including signals, alarms, and verbal
warnings. Reducing workplace noise below 85 dBA is the best
way to prevent occupational hearing loss and other effects from
hazardous noise.
If workers are repeatedly exposed to noise at or above the recommended exposure limit (REL), employers must provide a hearing loss prevention program. Noise levels are likely hazardous if a person must raise their voice to speak with someone is an arm's length away. Hearing loss from routine noise exposure is 100 percent preventable and is best addressed by creating a quieter workplace.
Monitor worker hearing
Audiometry is a hearing test that measures the lowest level
of sound a person can hear (called thresholds) across a range of
frequencies (pitches).
An audiogram is a graph of hearing thresholds at various frequencies in each ear. Thresholds which are 25 dB HL (hearing level) or better (lower) are considered normal for adults. Noise exposure initially affects hearing most at frequencies around 3000-6000 Hz, creating a “notch” in the audiogram.
NIOSH recommends annual audiometric testing for workers exposed to noise above the REL. Testing should be performed by a professional certified by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) or equivalent certification.
Communicate with workers
about noise exposure
You should tell workers they are having
their noise exposure monitored and provide
them with an explanation of the results.
When workers know their daily noise exposure
and the workplace noise level, they
can help make a hearing loss prevention
program effective.
Involve workers in the noise monitoring process. They can provide important information about the work environment, machinery operation, and specific job tasks. Encourage workers to tell you when changes in equipment or production occur. Noise levels should be re-measured whenever a change is made that could affect exposure levels.
Understanding hearing protection
Employers should not rely on personal
protective equipment (PPE) alone to control
hazards when other effective control options
are available. Employers should implement
engineering and administrative
controls first to reduce worker noise exposure.
PPE is generally less effective than
elimination, substitution, and engineering
controls.
Hearing protection is often:
• Inadequately chosen;
• Worn incorrectly;
• Used inconsistently.
Employers can avoid these pitfalls by selecting
appropriate hearing protectors and
providing proper training. Full story »
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