Overview

We live in a world of sounds and noise. And on the job, these sounds and noises can sometimes be loud, annoying, and even dangerous.

Because the human ear can't block out unwanted or excessive noise, we must take an active role to protect our hearing and prevent permanent hearing loss. A hearing conservation program includes an understanding of how our ears work, what noise levels are considered hazardous, how to test noise levels, and how you can protect employees from hearing damage.

Whenever there’s a chance that employees could be exposed to excessive noise levels, hearing protection and hearing conservation training are important ways to help them protect their hearing on the job.

By training your workers to understand noise exposure hazards and hearing protection, you can reduce the risk of employee hearing loss and improve health in your workplace.

Two versions of this course are provided on the CD. One version uses humor to help illustrate key concepts and keep your workers entertained and tuned in. The second version omits the humor scenes. Install the version you want. Regardless of the version, twenty learner interactions keep your workers attentive and involved. The course continuously assesses whether your workers understand the key learning objectives and provide individualized remedial instruction when needed.

Noise Exposure

• How the Ear Works
  
• Excessive Noise
  
• Factors Affecting Hearing
  

Assessment And Evaluation

• Warning Signs
  
• Hearing Tests
  

Hearing Protection

• When to Use Hearing Protection
  
• Ear plugs
  
• Ear bands
  
• Earmuffs

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
This course will measure mastery on each of the following performance objectives. Upon completion, workers will be able to...

Determine when noise is excessive

1. Choose the minimum decibel level of excessive noise.
2. Agree that excessive noise also occurs outside the workplace.
3. List factors affecting hearing loss.

Recognize warning signs of hearing damage

1. Select symptoms that indicate a possible hearing loss.
2. List ways employers can prevent hearing loss.
3. Differentiate between baseline and annual audiograms.
4. State that ear bands can be worn three different ways.

Explain how hearing loss occurs

1. Identify parts of the ear.
2. Explain that excessive noise damages hearing by damaging nerve endings in the inner ear.
3. Agree that damage to the inner ear creates permanent hearing loss.

Properly care for hearing protectors

1. Agree that not all ear plugs are disposable.
2. Describe the cleaning method for reusable ear plugs.