User:HunterVegas/sandbox

Engineering & Administration Controls:

Engineering controls and administrative controls are ranked as the most effective protection from noise in the hierarchy of controls. Engineering controls are measures taken to reduce the intensity of noise at the source or between the source and a person exposed to the noise. This can be done by choosing tools that make less noise, installing a barrier between the worker and the noise, enclosing the machinery all together, or making sure the machinery is maintained properly (lubricating equipment). Administrative controls are limitations around noise sources that limit length of noise exposure. Some known methods are choosing to run loud equipment when less workers are around, controlling the amount of time a worker is allowed around the noise source, constructing areas that allow employees a chance to escape from the noise (a sound proof room to give recovery time), or increasing the distance between the worker and the excessive noise source.

Overview[edit]
There are currently no standards or regulations for workers that already have a hearing loss. OSHA provides recommendations only for addressing the needs of these employees who are exposed to high noise levels. Communication and the use of hearing protection devices with hearing aids are some of the issues that these workers face.

Hearing protection use[edit]
Hearing protection is required to protect the residual hearing of workers, even if there is a diagnosis of severe to profound deafness. Specialized hearing protectors are available:


 * passive hearing protectors that supply no amplification to the users
 * active hearing protectors that contain a power supply
 * communication headsets

Appropriate hearing protection should be determined by the worker with the hearing-impairment, as well as the professional running the conservation program. Hearing aids that are turned off are not acceptable forms of hearing protection.

Hearing aid use[edit]
Not only do hearing aids amplify helpful sounds, but they also amplify the background noise of the environment the worker is in. These employees may want to continue to wear their amplification because of communication needs, or localization, but amplifying the noise may exceed the OSHA 8-hour permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 90 dBA. Professionals in charge of the hearing conservation program may allow workers to wear hearing aids under earmuffs on a case-by-case basis. However, when in hazardous noise, hearing aids should not be worn.

Audiometric testing[edit]
Hearing aids must be removed and audiometric testing requirements must be followed (see above). Employers should consider using manual techniques to obtain thresholds instead of a microprocessor audiometer. This is dependent on the severity of the hearing loss. Hearing aids can be worn during the testing instructions, but then should be removed immediately afterwards.