Occupational Noise Exposure

Occupational Noise Exposure Menu Workers' Rights

Hearing Conservation Program

Hearing conservation programs strive to prevent initial occupational hearing loss, preserve and protect remaining hearing, and equip workers with the knowledge and hearing protection devices necessary to safeguard themselves. Employers are required to measure noise levels; provide free annual hearing exams, hearing protection, and training; and conduct evaluations of the adequacy of the hearing protectors in use (unless changes made to tools, equipment, and schedules result in worker noise exposure levels that are less than 85 dBA-TWA). Research indicates that workplaces with appropriate and effective hearing conservation programs have higher levels of worker productivity and a lower incidence of absenteeism.

The following references provide information that can help employers develop and implement a hearing conservation program.

  • Hearing Conservation. OSHA Publication 3074, (Revised 2002). Summarizes the required component of OSHA's hearing conservation program for general industry. Covers monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protectors, training, and recordkeeping requirements.
  • Hearing Conservation for the Hearing-Impaired Worker. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (December 27, 2005). Focuses on how hearing conservation programs can address the needs of hearing-impaired workers exposed to high noise levels in their workplace. Industrial hearing conservation programs may not fully address the specific needs of hearing-impaired workers for hearing protection and communication.
  • Innovative Workplace Safety Accommodations for Hearing-Impaired Workers. OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB), (July 22, 2005). Identifies challenges hearing-impaired workers face responding to emergencies, working safely around machinery, communicating with coworkers, and receiving training. Accommodations necessary to address these challenges may not be part of an employer’s current hearing conservation practice. This Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) focuses on (1) Emergency/Evacuation Response Considerations for Hearing-Impaired Workers and (2) Workplace Safety and Health Considerations for Hearing - Impaired Workers.
  • Hearing Protection-Emerging Trends: Individual Fit Testing. OSHA and the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) Alliance, (August 2008). This best practice document provides information on fit-testing of hearing protectors.
  • Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC). Provides education, information, and resources regarding implementation of a successful and effective hearing conservation program.
    • CAOHC – OSHA Alliance. Formed on April 17, 2023, establishes a formal relationship to promote worker safety and health in the area of workplace noise exposure.
  • Hearing Conservation Archive: E-A-RLog. 3M company. Consists of 21 technical monographs and reference materials on hearing and hearing protection.