Occupational Noise

Dr.Thamer Alotaibi , MD ,
DES
Occupational Medicine
Consultant
 INTRODUCTION
 Loud noises can cause hearing loss
 Prolonged exposure to a harmless noise
can cause hearing loss
 Damage from hearing loss is irreversible
 Noise induced hearing loss is preventable
 Prevention involves:
 noise controls
 safe work practices
 education
 Did You Know?
 About 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise
on the job
 Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common
occupational hazard for American workers
 Hearing loss from noise is slow and painless; you can have
a disability before you notice it
 If you must raise your voice to speak with someone only 3
feet away, you are in high (hazardous) noise.
 It is 100% preventable
 Noise
 What is noise?
 a group of unwanted or/and wanted
sounds which produce an unpleasant
hearing sensation, sometimes disturbing,
which impede communication
 an annoying sound

 The perception depends on the listener and

the circumstances (e.g. rock music can be
pleasant for a person, but uncomfortable in
a surgery room).
 What Is Noise?

 Noise is any unwanted sound

 By-product of many industrial
processes, e.g. operating machinery
 Exposure to high levels of noise may
lead to hearing loss and other
harmful health effects
 What is Noise?

 Energy
 Pressure changes in a medium (air) caused
by vibration or turbulence
 Pressure produces wave motion from source
 Amplitude = Loudness = Decibels = dB
60 dB = Average Speaking Voice
 Frequency = Cycles per Second = Hertz =
Hz
1000 Hz = 1 Kilohertz = 1 kHz = Human Voice
 What is occupational
noise?
 a complex of sounds, of variable
intensities and pitches, having different
characteristics, rhythmic or rhythmless,
produced continuously or
discontinuously by machines, tools,
devices, means of transportation, the
human voice, etc, during the
performance of the professional activity
 How can we protect
from noise?
Technical and organizational
measures

Worke
r
I. Reduces the N at III. At the worker level
II. Reduce
the source E.g.:
exposure time
E.g.: - isolation (special cabin)
- isolation - individual equipment
Increase the
- change the device protection (ear plugs or
distance
ear muffs)
 How can you protect
from noise?
Medical measurements
 Pre-employment examination

 Periodical examinations
 Audiometric testing
 Risk assessment
 Risk management
 WHY AN OCCUPATIONAL
NOISE PROGRAM
 Hearing loss can be temporary or
permanent
 Physical means
 No cure
 Inner ear cells cannot be replaced
 Hearing loss is gradual and painless
 Employee awareness
 Types of Hearing Loss
 Middle ear hearing loss results from lack of
conduction.
 Impacted wax
 Broken ear drum
 Inner ear hearing loss results from lack of
neural connections.
 Naturally due to aging
 Loud noises
 Disease
 Occupational Hearing
Loss
 Noise-Induced Hearing Loss or Noise-
Induced Permanent Threshold Shift
(NIPTS)
 Permanent sensor neural condition
 Cannot be treated or corrected medically
 Threshold Shifts
 Temporary Threshold Shifts (TTS)
 Hearing returns to normal after noise exposure

 Permanent Threshold Shifts (PTS)

 Repeated noise exposure without a return
to normal

 Standard Threshold Shifts (STS)

 > 10 dB average loss in 2000, 3000, or 4000
Hz in either ear
 Non-Auditory Effects of

Noise
Effects cardiovascular system

 Effects the nervous system

 Interferes with speech and concentration

 Causes annoyance, stress, and fatigue

 Reduces work efficiency

 Lowers morale

 Masks warning sounds

 Noise Limit
 No employee shall be exposed above the
permissible exposure level (PEL).

 PEL = 90 dBA for a 8-hour time-weighted

average (TWA)

 Feasible administrative or engineering controls

are required.

 Hearing protection is required to protect the

employee to the PEL.
 Noise Action Limit
 Action Level (AL) = 85 dBA for a 8-hour TWA
 Determined without regard to hearing protector
attenuation

 Hearing Conservation Program (HCP)

required

 Hearing protection devices must be available

 RÉGLEMENT
SEUILS PARAMÈTRES
ATION
Valeur d’exposition Exposition 80 dB(A)
inférieure déclenchant moyenne (Lex,8h)
l’action (VAI)
Niveau de crête 135 dB(C)
(Lp,c)
Valeur d’exposition Exposition 85 dB(A)
supérieure déclenchant moyenne (Lex,8h)
l’action (VAS)
Niveau de crête 137 dB(C)
(Lp,c)
Valeur limite Exposition 87 dB(A)
d’exposition (VLE*) moyenne (Lex,8h)
 EUROPEAN COMMUNITY 1990
REGULATIONS
 General duty to reduce the level of noise exposure by
engineering or administrative means.
 If noise level is above 85dB(A):
 Inform employees of the noise levels present and
measures taken to reduce exposure.
 Make ear protection available and provide training
in its use
 Hearing checks must be made available to
employees exposed to noise levels in excess of
85dB(A) over an 8 hour period
 Monitoring
 Required where exposure may equal or
exceed 85 dB(A) as an 8 hr. TWA
 Measure 8 hr. TWA using:
 Calibrated type I or II integrating dosimeter
 Remonitor when change or new employee
 Employees may observe the monitoring
 Notify employees of monitoring results
 Monitoring
 Strategy to identify all employees who
could be exposed above AL (85 dBA)
 Conduct representative sampling
 Each job classification
 All shifts
 Repeat monitoring when:
 Additional employees are exposed
 Hearing protectors are inadequate
 Notification
 The employer shall notify each
employee exposed at or above 85
dBA of the monitoring results.
 Posting the Standard
 The employer shall make available to
affected employees or their
representatives copies of the
standard.

 The employer shall also post a copy

of the standard in the workplace.
 What are the Health
Effects?
Auditory Non-auditory
Acute :  sleep
 tinnitus disturbances
 acoustic trauma
 general effects
(cardiovascular,
Chronic: metabolic
 hypoaccousia changes)
 Noise Induced  behavioural
Hearing Loss effects
(NIHL)
 Treatment
 Ceasing the exposure to noise and
other toxic substances (Hg, SC2,
toluene, Gentamycin, Kanamycin
etc)

 Medication: antioxidants, vitamins

 Hearing aids in severe cases

 YOUR EARS HAVE NO
PROTECTION
 Noise destroys your hearing little by little.
 Exposure to noise occurs on and off the job.
 Your ears typically “recover” from exposures to
low level noises.
 However, permanent damage may occur from

even a single exposure to very loud noises.

Noise Effects Us In Other Ways

 Noise is Psychologically Stressful

 Noise may distract our attention and cause:
 Accidents, Misunderstandings, Poor
Performance, Fatigue and General Anxiety.
 NIOSH is studying the health effects of
chemical exposures (solvents) combined
with excessive noise exposures.
 How is Noise Measured?
 Noise is measured in decibels (dB) at a
certain scale, such as A or C.
 The decibel scale is logarithmic
 That means, with a 5dB exchange rate, 95 dB
is 100% more noise than 90 dB!
 Human Hearing Ranges
 20 Hz (low rumble) to 20,000 Hz (whine)
 Speech Between 500 Hz to 2000 Hz
 Average Hearing Loss at 4000 Hz and up
 0 dB (just audible) to 140 dB (causes pain)
 80 dB(A) 8 hour TWA will effect some
 100 dB(A) 8 hour TWA will effect all
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
OF HEARING LOSS
 Ringing / buzzing in the ears
 Difficulty with high pitched sounds
 Problems with conversing with others
 Inability to hear consonants
 Raising the volume on the TV / radio
HEARING PROTECTION

 Three ways to protect your

hearing:
 Engineering controls
 Administrative controls
 Hearing protection
ENGINEERING
CONTROLS

 Enclosure
 Sound barriers
 Complete enclosure
 Sound proof cabs
 Mufflers
 Equipment and
exhaust
 ADMINISTRATIVE
CONTROLS

 Decreasing the exposure time

 Limiting the number of personnel
exposed
 Arranging a work roster system
 Hearing Protectors
 Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) - adjust by
the following formula: (NRR-7)/2
 Foam Plugs:
 small, good in heat, least costly, good reduction
 maybe painful, spread infections or impact wax

 Ear Muffs:
 easy, visually observable, less infections
 less effective with glasses, hair or head motion
 Employee Training
 Conduct annually on:
 Effects of noise on hearing
 Reasons for annual audiograms

 Proper selection, use and care of

protectors
 Pros and Cons of various protectors

 Other training may include:

 Explanation of audiometric test results
 Methods to control noise
 Recordkeeping
 Required:
 Audiograms - Retain for duration of
employment, plus at least 6 months
 62.171 ‘Audiometric test procedures’
 Recommended:
 Training dates/content/enrollment
 Personal/Area Monitoring Records
 The Best Ways to Reduce Hearing Loss (in
order of priority)
 Eliminate the source
 Substitute a quieter process
 Engineer sound controls on the source
 Isolate the source by distance
 Shield the source
 Provide sound dampening materials
 Reduce exposure times
 Hearing protective devices (last option)
 Noise Exposure
Noise Exposure at
AtWork
Work
This presentation will cover the following topics:

The effects of noise on

hearing,
Hearing protection – their
purpose, types and use,
The purpose of audiometric
testing and how it works,
Your right to see noise
measurement records and
hearing test results.
Effects of exposure to loud noise

Exposure to loud noise will

inevitably cause hearing loss
over time.

Loud noise damages or destroys

the nerves in the inner ear.

Another effect can be “tinnitus”

or permanent ringing in the ear.
 When is Noise Too Loud?

Noise is measured in units called

“decibels” or “dB”
If two people 3 feet apart must shout
to be heard, the background noise is
too loud (above 85 decibels).

•Noise above 140 decibels causes pain

and immediate hearing loss.
 Long Term Exposure to Noise
Our ears can recover from
short exposure to loud
noise, but over time nerve
damage will occur.

The longer and louder the

noise, the greater chance
permanent damage will
occur.

There is really no such

thing as “tough ears” or
“getting used to it”.
Hearing Loss From Noise Exposure

Hearing loss from noise

exposure is usually not
noticed because it is so
gradual.

Generally a person loses the

ability to hear higher pitches
first.

Often the first noticeable

effect is difficulty in hearing
speech.
 Signs of Hearing Loss

 Do you ask people to speak louder so

that you can hear?
 Do you have to turn the TV or
Radio so loud that others
complain?
 Hearing Loss

•Temporary Hearing Loss

- results from short term
exposure to noise
- hearing returns when away
from the noise
•Permanent Hearing Loss
- results from exposure to a moderate
or high level of noise over a long
period of time
-hearing loss is PERMANENT
 Tinnitus From Noise Exposure

Exposure to high noise levels

can also cause permanent
ringing in the ear or “tinnitus”.

Tinnitus sufferers usually

complain of constant whistling,
squealing, roaring or buzzing in
one or both ears.

Severe tinnitus may disrupt

sleep, reduce concentration and
cause irritability and depression.
 What is Too Much Noise Exposure?

Damage from noise

exposure depends on the
loudness and length of
exposure.

Scientific studies have

shown that hearing loss can
occur when 8-hour average
noise exposure exceeds 85
decibels.
 What is Too Much Noise Exposure?
The risk of hearing loss
increases dramatically as noise
levels increase.

Exposure to noise levels above

115 decibels for even five
minutes is very risky.

Impact or banging noise above

140 decibels will cause
immediate damage to nerves
in the ear.
 Daily Allowable Exposure Times to Noise
The table below shows noise levels and how long a
person can be exposed without hearing protection
before there is damage to the ear.
Noise Level Allowable Exposure Time

85 decibels 8 hours
90 decibels 4 hours
100 decibels 1 hour
105 decibels 30 minutes
110 decibels 15 minutes
115 decibels 0 minutes
 Examples of Noisy Equipment

Equipment Noise Level

Back Hoe 85-95 decibels
Chain Saw 110 decibels
Front-end Loader 90-95 decibels
Gunshot 140 decibels
Jackhammer 112 decibels
Lawn Mower 90 decibels
Tractor 95-105 decibels
Circular Saw 90-100 decibels
 Training
 Must be annual

 Must include:
 Effects of noise on hearing
 Purpose of hearing protectors
 Instruction in protector hearing protector
selection, fitting, use and care
 Purpose of audiometric test and explanation
of the procedures and results
Noise Reduction Rating
 Defined as the maximum number of
decibels (dB) that the hearing protector
will reduce the sound level when worn

 NRR must be on the hearing protector

package.

 NRR example for A-weighted data

 Estimated exposure (dBA) = TWA (dBA) - (NRR - 7)
 Selection of Hearing
Protection Devices
 Hearing protection devices are selected according
to:

 Employee comfort
 Level of noise exposure
 NRR of device
 Type of work being performed
 Environmental conditions

Employee may select hearing protection from a

variety of suitable
hearing protectors provided by employer.
Hearing Aids Are Not Hearing Protection

Hearing aids do not block out

enough sound for most
workplace noise.

Some hearing aids can actually

increase the noise level at the
ear.

Just turning off the hearing aids

will not prevent further hearing
loss from noise exposure.
 Audiometric Testing

 Monitors employee’s hearing over time

 Baseline audiogram must be performed within
first 6 months of work exposure ( 8 hour TWA ≥
85 dBA)
 Annual audiograms are required each year after
baseline audiogram
 Employer must pay for the cost of each required
audiogram
 Audiometric Testing
 A qualified person performs the hearing
test, usually an audiologist.

 The audiometers are calibrated to

determine your threshold of hearing and
changes (threshold shifts).
 Must meet strict specified criteria

 A qualified person interprets the results of

the hearing test.
 Why Do Audiometric
Testing?

 Obtain a Baseline Audiogram for

future comparison
 Identify occupational hearing loss
 Identify Standard Threshold Shifts
(STS)
 Audiometric Testing

 Baseline test (within 6 months of exposure)

 Annual audiograms (compared to baseline)
 Performed by licensed audiologist or doctor
 Inform employees in writing of results if:
 Abnormal test results
 Standard Threshold Shift (STS) detected

 In MSHA Form 7000-1 when average loss >=

25 dB in either ear
 Audiometric Testing
 Provided at no cost to the employee
 Within 6 months of first exposure
 For mobile test van, within 12 months

 Provided annually and analyzed

 Allowance for aging
 STS notification
 What is Audiometric Testing?
“Audiometric testing” is the
same thing as hearing
tests.

It is done by trained
technicians to detect any
hearing loss.

Annual audiometric testing

is required by OSHA for
any employees exposed to
excessive noise.
 Purpose of Audiometric Testing
Most of us develop a mild
hearing loss as we age,
especially in the higher pitches.

A severe or significant hearing

loss at a younger age may
mean you have had excessive
noise exposure.

Audiometric testing done yearly

can detect early stages of
hearing loss.
 Comparing Baseline and
Annual Audiograms
 Compare the latest audiogram with the
oldest
 Compute differences of test results at : 2
kHz, 3 kHz and 4 kHz
 Notify employee within 10 days, of hearing
loss when > 10 dB(A), also known as a
Standard Threshold Shift (STS)
 Retrain employee on hearing protection
 Audiometric Testing
Audiometric testing results can
be used to check the following:
If the hearing protection in use
is adequate,
If there is a change in noise
exposure,
If there is a medical condition
of the ear unrelated to noise
exposure.
AUDIOMETRIC TESTING
 Painless and short test to measure
hearing
 Establishes a baseline
 Detects changes in hearing
 Audiometric Testing
Audiometric testing produces
printed audiograms which
show hearing ability at several
pitches or frequencies.
These frequencies include
those of the human voice.
The second and following year
tests are compared to the first
year tests or baseline.

If there is hearing loss of 10 decibels or

more in the human voice frequencies, you
will be sent to the doctor or audiologist.
The audiogram - records both
ways of sound transmission: air and
bone conduction

Normal audiogram
Example of Audiogram
 What is an Audiogram?
An audiogram is a printed chart of the results of the
hearing test. They look similar to the results below.

Normal hearing Severe hearing loss

 Types of Hearing
Protection Devices

 Ear muffs
 Foam insert
earplugs
 Semi-aural
earplugs
 Types of Hearing Protectors
All hearing protectors are designed to
reduce the intensity (loudness) of noise
to the inner ear.

They work much better than wads of

cotton or bits of cloth stuffed in the ear.

All three types have advantages and

disadvantages and people vary on which
they prefer to use.

Cotton doesn’t
work!!
 Proper Use of Hearing Protection
Earmuffs and plugs provide
good protection only when
used properly.

Sometimes people will

remove hearing protection
for “just a minute” in a
noisy area.

In areas of very high noise

exposure, this could result
in noise overexposure.

It won’t protect your ears if

it is around your neck!!!
 How can you hear anything
with earmuffs on?
Using earmuffs or plugs in noisy
areas can actually make it
easier to hear coworkers or
machinery.

They reduce overwhelming loud

background noise.

They are similar to dark glasses

that reduce the sun’s glare
making it easier to see.
 Attached Earmuffs

Some muffs are attached to

hard hats.

Some high-tech muffs can filter

out certain frequencies or have
radios inside for communication
in high noise areas.
 Ear Muffs
Advantages
 More protection at higher
frequencies than earplugs
 Various NRRs available
 Durable, long lasting
 Can be fitted on hard hat
 Reusable
Disadvantages
 Higher cost
 Eye glasses can interfere
with ear muff seal
 May be uncomfortable in
hot environments
 Must be cleaned before
use by another worker
 Ear Muffs

Ear muffs cover the whole

ear and are preferred by
some people.

They have replaceable

pads and some high-tech
styles filter out specific
noise pitches.

They last longer than most

plugs.
 Ear Muff Comfort & Glasses

Muffs can be uncomfortable

in hot weather.

Muffs don’t seal well for someone

with glasses or heavy sideburns.
 Proper Use of Hearing Protection

It takes just a few minutes of

unprotected exposure at noise
above 115 decibels to risk
hearing damage.

Earplugs not well inserted into

the ear canal will not provide
complete protection.

Likewise, earmuffs not snug

against the head will “leak”
noise into the ear.
 Ear Caps
Ear caps are like earplugs,
except they do not go into
the ear canal, they only
block it.

They are good for occasional

use or for people who find
earplugs uncomfortable.

They are not as protective

as earplugs or muffs.
 Types of Hearing Protection
There are three types of hearing
protection – ear muffs, earplugs
and ear caps.

Ear muffs and earplugs provide

about equal protection, ear caps
somewhat less.

earmuffs

earplugs ear caps

 Semi-aural Caps
Advantages
 Various NRRs available
 Easy to insert
 May be used several
times
 Ideal for people going in
and out of noisy areas
Disadvantages
 Improper insertion
reduces effectiveness
 More expensive than ear
plugs
 Typically have lower
NRRs than plugs or muffs
 Foam Insert Earplugs

Advantages
Disadvantages
 More protection at lower
frequencies than muffs
 Various NRRs available
 Hands must be
 Inexpensive; disposable cleaned before
 Can be custom molded for inserting earplugs
individual worker  Improper insertion
 Reusable plugs are available
reduces NRR value
 Ear Plug Comfort
Some people may find ear plugs
uncomfortable to wear for long
periods at first.
Ear plugs rarely cause infection or
prolonged irritation of the ear
canal.
Most people can find a
comfortable fit by trying several
different sizes, types or brands.
Custom-molded earplugs can be
obtained for maximum comfort.

custom molded
earplugs
 Hearing Protection – Ear Plugs

Earplugs are made of foam, rubber

or plastic and are either one-size-
fits-all or in sizes small, medium
and large.
Some are disposable, some are
reusable.
They are lightweight, and require no
maintenance.
They are inserted into the ear canal.
 Inserting Foam Earplugs
Foam type earplugs are one-size-fits-all and
must be inserted properly into the ear.

Roll earplug into small cylinder first, reach around head

to pull ear canal straight, then insert in ear.
 Hearing Protectors
 Shall be available to “action level”
employees

 Shall be required for those employees:

 Exposed at or above 90 dBA
 Exposed at or above 85 dBA (without an
audiometric baseline)
 Who have an STS
 Noise Measuring

Equipment
Sound level meters
 Basic instrument to
measure sound pressure
variations in air

 Noise dosimeter
 Combines sound pressure
and
time for employee
exposure
monitoring
 Noise Measuring
Equipment
 Octave band analyzer
 Diagnostic tool to help find
appropriate engineering
controls to reduce noise
levels
 SUMMARY

 Know the source of harmful noise

 Use engineering and
administrative controls to avoid
exposure to noise
 Obey posted high noise area signs
 Wear hearing protection properly
 Summary
 Distinguish between sound and
noise
 Discuss types of hearing loss
 Become familiar with types of noise
measuring equipment
 Understand the requirements of 29
CFR 1910.95
 Access to Information
and
Training Materials
 www.osha.gov

 www.inrs.fr