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Hearing Conservation
Protecting employees from workplace noise hazards is essential for maintaining a safe and productive environment. OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation training program to prevent hearing loss and ensure compliance with workplace safety standards. At Compsolve, we provide comprehensive hearing conservation training designed to meet OSHA regulations while safeguarding the health of your team.
Our hearing conservation training program includes the following key components:
Compsolve creates a tailored program for your workplace, outlining the policies, procedures, and protective measures necessary to manage noise hazards effectively. This plan is designed to align with OSHA requirements and the specific needs of your business.
Our detailed training session educates employees on the proper use, care, and maintenance of hearing protection devices, such as earplugs and earmuffs. Employees will also learn about the risks of noise exposure and the importance of proactive hearing protection. Each session concludes with a Q&A to ensure full understanding.
We provide comprehensive documentation of all training sessions, including employee sign-in sheets, trainer qualifications, and a summary of the material covered. This log ensures compliance and provides a record for future reference.
Compsolve’s hearing conservation training program
is designed to protect your employees from hearing loss while fostering a culture of safety and compliance. Contact us today to learn more about how our hearing conservation training can help your business create a safer workplace and protect your team from noise hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions
OSHA uses two main numbers:
- 85 dB (Action Level): If the average noise over an 8-hour shift hits 85 decibels, the employer must start a hearing conservation program (testing and training).
- 90 dB (Permissible Exposure Limit): This is the legal limit for an 8-hour day. If it’s louder than this, the employer must use shields, silencers, or mandatory ear protection to bring the noise down.
A good rule of thumb: If you have to shout to be heard by someone standing 3 feet away from you, the noise level is likely at or above 85 dB.
It’s a hearing test. OSHA requires two types:
- Baseline: Taken within 6 months of an employee's first exposure to high noise. It serves as the "reference point."
- Annual: Taken every year after to see if the employee’s hearing has changed compared to their baseline.
An STS is a fancy way of saying "hearing loss." It occurs if an annual audiogram shows an average hearing loss of 10 dB or more in the key frequencies. If this happens, the employer must re-evaluate the worker's ear protection and retraining.
Neither is universally "better"—it’s about the NRR (Noise Reduction Rating).
- Earplugs offer high protection if inserted correctly but are often put in poorly.
- Earmuffs are easier to fit consistently but can be hot or interfere with safety glasses.
Note: If noise is extremely high (over 100 dB), OSHA may require "dual protection" (wearing both at the same time).