Work-related hearing loss continues to be a critical workplace safety and health issue. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the occupational safety and health community named hearing loss one of the 21 priority areas for research in the next century. Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable but once acquired, hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. Therefore, prevention measures must be taken by employers and workers to ensure the protection of workers' hearing.
-Center for Disease Control
OSHA 29CFR 1926.101(a)
Wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to those specified in Table D-2, Permissible Noise Exposures, in 1926.52, ear protective devices shall be provided and used.
TABLE D-2 - PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURES
|
Duration per day
(hours)
|
Sound level
dBA slow response
|
|
8
|
90
|
|
6
|
92
|
|
4
|
95
|
|
3
|
97
|
|
2
|
100
|
|
1½
|
102
|
|
1
|
105
|
|
½
|
110
|
|
¼ or less
|
115
|