Occupational Noise Exposure
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Overview |
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Objectives |
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| Noise, or unwanted sound, is one of the most
pervasive occupational health problems. It is a by-product of many
industrial processes. Sound consists of pressure changes in a medium
(usually air), caused by vibration or turbulence. These pressure changes
produce waves emanating away from the turbulent or vibrating source.
Exposure to high levels of noise causes hearing loss and may cause other
harmful health effects as well. The extent of damage depends primarily on
the intensity of the noise and the duration of the exposure. Noise-induced
hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Temporary hearing loss results
from short term exposures to noise, with normal hearing returning after a
period of rest. Generally, prolonged exposure to high noise levels over a
period of time gradually causes permanent damage.
OSHA's hearing conservation program is designed to protect workers with significant occupational noise exposures from suffering material hearing impairment even if they are subject to such noise exposures over their entire working lifetimes. |
Occupational
Noise Exposure Audiometric
Testing Audiogram Evaluation Hearing Protectors Training Record keeping
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