Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and builds up without pain. OSHA's occupational noise standard for general industry turns that into concrete numbers: 85 and 90 decibels, a baseline within 6 months, an audiogram every year. This quiz reviews them for hearing conservation training.
When a hearing conservation program is required
The employer runs a continuing, effective hearing conservation program whenever exposures reach an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA, the action level (29 CFR 1910.95(c)). The permissible exposure is 90 dBA for 8 hours, and the allowed time halves with every 5 dBA more: 4 hours at 95, 2 hours at 100, 1 hour at 105 (Table G-16). Above those limits, feasible engineering or administrative controls come first, and hearing protectors are used when controls are not enough (1910.95(b)(1)).
The program includes noise monitoring, with employees told their results and allowed to observe the measurements, audiometric testing, hearing protectors, training and records (1910.95(d)–(m)).
Audiograms and standard threshold shift
- A baseline audiogram within 6 months of first exposure at or above the action level (1 year with mobile test vans), after at least 14 hours without workplace noise (1910.95(g)(5)).
- A new audiogram at least annually, compared with the baseline (1910.95(g)(6)–(7)).
- A standard threshold shift is an average change of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz in either ear. The employee is told in writing within 21 days, and protectors are fitted or refitted and their use required, unless a physician finds the shift is not work related (1910.95(g)(8), (g)(10)).
Testing is free for employees, and audiometric records are kept for the duration of employment (1910.95(g)(2), (m)(3)).
Hearing protectors and annual training
Protectors are free, chosen from a variety of suitable types, properly fitted, and required for anyone over the permissible limits, without a baseline yet or with a threshold shift (1910.95(i)). Training is repeated every year and covers the effects of noise on hearing, the types of protectors with their pros, cons and fitting, and the purpose of audiometric testing (1910.95(k)). A copy of the standard is posted in the workplace (1910.95(l)(1)).
Using the quiz
Play it as part of the annual session: people answer from their phones, and each answer shows its paragraph of 1910.95. Hand out earplugs and earmuffs and ask everyone to fit them before the question on protectors. Quizhat is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by OSHA.