When are employers required to provide hearing exams?

The OSHA Hearing Conservation Program requires employers to monitor hearing for all employees whose noise exposure levels over 8 working hours average out to be at or above 85 decibels. 

OSHA rule on hearing loss:

• The occupational safety and health administration issued a final rule on July 1, 2002 that revised the criteria for recording work-related hearing loss.
• Beginning Jan. 1, 2003, employers will be required to record work-related hearing loss cases when an employee's hearing test shows a marked decrease in overall hearing. For more information please see the links at the bottom of this article.

Why it may be beneficial to provide hearing exams for employees?

• The employee would be able to communicate effectively with managers, supervisors, and co-workers without any hearing difficulties.
• Awareness that hearing impaired workers may have special needs to protect their hearing
• To prevent hearing loss.
• Referral for further evaluation as appropriate.
• The earlier you know about hearing loss, the sooner you can get medical help.
• Exposure to dangerous noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss and other health problems.
• Improve productivities.
• For the purpose of employee safety and effectiveness.
• Decrease the accident rate in work place.

The results of not testing hearing loss:

• Decreased Wellness
• Poor monitoring function
• Increase hearing loss
• Workers compensation


For more information click one of this links and you should be able to get all the information you needed.
https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/qa_deafness.cfm#_edn19).
https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib122705.html
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3074/osha3074.html
http://www.hearingtestlabs.com/osha.htm

By: Liz Tadsse, Loss Control Representative