Hearing Conservation
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 22 million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. The Hearing Conservation Program is dedicated to protecting the hearing health of our employees by minimizing occupational and environmental exposure to hazardous noise. This Program ensures compliance with applicable regulations, promotes awareness of hearing risks, and provides effective measures such as noise monitoring, hearing protection, training, and audiometric testing. Through education, preventive strategies, and ongoing evaluation, the Program aims to foster a safe and healthy working environment.
Resources & Forms
TCU Hearing Conservation Program
29 CFR 1910.95 - Occupational Noise Exposure
OSHA - Occupational Noise Exposure
OSHA Publication 3074 - Hearing Conservation
Training
Each employee who is exposed to noise at or above an 8 hour TWA of 85 dBA shall be
trained on an annual basis. The training will include, but is not limited to, the
following:
- The effects of noise on hearing.
- The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting (hands-on), use, and care.
- The purpose of audiometric testing, and an explanation of the test procedures.
Training records will be retained for the duration of the employee's employment at the University.
Hearing Conservation - HRC-1.2
In this online course, employees will explore how sound impacts hearing, learn to
recognize controls to prevent hearing loss and damage, identify best practices for
effective hearing protection.
Training assignments of online courses are overseen by the Environmental Health and
Safety (EHS) Coordinator. For further information, contact safety@tcu.edu.