Hearing Conservation
Research indicates that workplaces with proper hearing conservation programs have higher levels of worker productivity and lower incidence of absenteeism. The following are links which provide additional information about hearing conservation.
- Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Safety and Health Topic. Includes links to information on hearing loss prevention and workplace solutions.
- Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss – A Practical Guide. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-110 (1996, June). Provides guidance in non-technical terms regarding the eight key components of an effective hearing loss prevention program.
Health Effects
Although noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational illnesses, it is often ignored because there are no visible effects, it usually develops over a long period of time, and, except in very rare cases, there is no pain. What does occur is a progressive loss of communication, socialization, and responsiveness to the environment. The following references aid in recognizing the health effects of excessive noise.
- Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Safety and Health Topic. Includes links to information on hearing loss prevention and workplace solutions.
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) (2000). Describes what occupational noise-induced hearing loss is, its characteristics, and more.
- Safeworker: Sound Advice - Protect Your Ears in Noisy Work Environments. National Safety Council (NSC) (2000, February). Offers general guidance to workers about protecting the hazards of noise and methods to control exposure.
- Today's Supervisor: Listen Up! Learn How to Protect your Hearing. National Safety Council (NSC) (2000, February). Assists employers and supervisors in understanding the hazards of noise and making decisions that will help prevent noise-induced hearing loss among their employees.
