High noise levels have the potential to result in permanent hearing loss, and it is important to reduce personal exposures to the extent feasible. Employees shall be trained in the selection, use, and care of hearing protection and will be provided with adequate hearing protection for the high-noise environments in which they are expected to occupy. Employees will wear appropriate hearing protection for their work area. This program is intended to be more protective than the governing regulations in an effort to reduce University employee noise exposures and ultimately prevent hearing loss.
High noise exposure can present many different health concerns:
- Hearing loss – Hearing loss is but one of the health concerns associated with high noise exposure. Hearing loss can be acute/temporary (symptoms from exposure present themselves quickly and are significant, but go away after a short time) or chronic/long term (symptoms develop gradually over a long period to the point where the individual may not be aware of the change). Damage to your hearing is permanent. Once lost, it will not come back.
- Tinnitus – Tinnitus can be caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise and results in a sensation of hearing sound (usually a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound) when no external sound is present. Tinnitus can be difficult to treat and may never go away. Prevention is the best course of action.
Reference Regulation: Occupational Noise Exposure (MIOSHA General Industry Part 380)
