Hearing conservation

Hearing ConservationSaving your hearing for the good things in life.

The Basics Excessive sound can damage your

hearing, leading to tinnitus and hearing loss

Hearing loss is often permanent

Hearing loss is one of the most common occupational injuries in Manitoba.

Inside the Ear

Tinnitus Is a ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in

the ear

Can be temporary or permanent

Usually accompanies hearing loss

Types of Hearing Loss There are three main types of hearing

loss:

Presbycusis

Temporary Hearing Loss

Permanent Hearing Loss

Presbycusis Presbycusis is a type of hearing loss that

occurs naturally as people age

As people age, hair cells in the cochlea slowly die off, resulting in permanent hearing loss

Temporary Hearing Loss Occurs when a person loses some or all

of their ability to hear for a short time

Usually occurs when a person is exposed to loud noise for a short period of time, such as a rock concert

Is usually accompanied by tinnitus

Permanent Hearing Loss Occurs when a person is exposed to

loud noise over a longer period of time

Hearing never returns

Usually accompanied by tinnitus

Other things that cause hearing loss

Head injuries

Infections

Drugs, including some prescription drugs

How Much Noise is Too Much? The American Environmental Protection

Agency recommends that people not be exposed to more than 75dBa of noise for more than 8 hours per day

Manitoba WSH Act says you should not be exposed to more than 90dBa for more than 8 hours per day

Rule of Thumb A general rule of thumb is that if you

can’t carry on a normal conversation with someone who’s about 3’ or 1m from you, you need to be wearing hearing protection

Other Effects of Too Much Noise

High Blood Pressure

Stress Headaches

Sleep Disorders

Anger – Flight or Fight Response

Noise in Construction Most power tools produce over 90dBa of

noise when being used

Powder-actuated tools can produce over 140dBa

How Long Can I Be Exposed? Manitoba considers it safe for workers to be

exposed to 90dBa for 8 hours

Every 3dBa increase in noise means twice the amount of sound and half the safe exposure time

So, at 93dBa, the maximum “safe” exposure time is 4 hours, and at 96dBa, it’s 2 hours

Types of Hearing Protection

Two basic types of hearing protection are available for workers at BUILD:

Ear plugs

Ear muffs

Ear Plugs Are the most common form of hearing

protector in the construction industry

Provide the best noise reduction rating

Are sometimes uncomfortable

Are sometimes annoying if you have to put them in and take them out a lot

How to Fit Ear Plugs

Ear Muffs Provide very good hearing protection,

but not quite as good as ear plugs

Can be worn by themselves or attached to your hard hat

Are more convenient if you only use them occasionally

Ear Muffs

Noise Reduction Rating All hearing protectors are labelled with a

Noise Reduction Rating, or NRR

The NRR is the amount of sound the hearing protector blocks

For example, 112dBa (noise) – 32dBa (NRR) = 80dBa (what you hear)

NRR Label

Audiometric Testing All construction workers in Manitoba

have to have their hearing tested

Within 70 days of being hired, and

Once a year afterwards

Workers Compensation Yes, you can receive Workers’

Compensation benefits for hearing loss

Benefits are usually capped at the cost of 1 or 2 hearing aids

So? You get to choose whether you wear

hearing protectors now, or hearing aids later in life.

Choose wisely