HEARING PROTECTION Noise Definition Noise sounds above 85
HEARING PROTECTION
Noise: Definition Noise = sounds above 85 d. B (decibels) Prolonged noise above 85 d. B can damage your hearing. How do you know when a sound is too loud?
Noise Levels (d. B) Familiar Sounds Machines* 115 d. B Power press Chainsaw 110 d. B 109 d. B Grinder 100 d. B CNC punch press 95 d. B Metal cutting saw Lawnmower 90 d. B 85 d. B = LOUD Conversation 60 d. B 85 d. B = LOUD * Highest level measured
Noise Sources ØMachines ØDischarging metal objects ØCleaning surfaces with compressed air
Hearing Loss Hearing loss happens when the hair cells in the inner ear become damaged and die.
Hearing Loss Noise-induced hearing loss: Develops gradually Can also be caused by a sudden, extremely loud noise
Hearing Loss Severity of loss depends on: q How loud the noise is q How long you are exposed
Hearing Loss Other causes of hearing loss: ØAging ØWax build-up in the ears ØMedications
Hearing Loss ØTemporary ØPermanent – cannot be corrected with hearing aids
Tinnitus Ø Hearinging, hissing or other sounds Ø Continuous or intermittent Example #1 Example #2 Ø Temporary or permanent Ø Permanent – no cure
Hearing Loss: Symptoms Ø Hard to follow conversation in a restaurant, or at a family gathering Ø Difficulty understanding words that sound similar: dart - cart; prey - tray, claim - blame Ø Cannot hear people clearly on the phone Ø Cannot hear the phone ring in a quiet room Ø Turning the volume up on the radio or TV What did you say?
Hearing Loss Ø Tell your doctor if you experience ongoing symptoms Ø A hearing test can detect noise-induced hearing loss Ø Hearing loss can be stopped if you protect your ears at work and at home
Hearing Protection: Types Ear muffs Ear plugs
Hearing Protection: Ear Muffs Advantages: q Easy to use q Convenient for intermittent use
Hearing Protection: Ear Muffs Disadvantages: q Heavier than plugs q May be uncomfortable in hot environments q Glasses interfere with the seal q More expensive than plugs Breaking the seal reduces the effectiveness of ear muffs.
Hearing Protection: Ear Plugs Pre-formed: q Designed for repeated use q Easy to use q Banded are ideal for intermittent use Foam: q Disposable q Require more handling q More difficult to use
Inserting Ear Plugs q Roll foam plug q Pull ear back and up q Insert the plug (foam or pre-formed) q Hold foam plugs in place for 10 seconds q Make sure your ear plugs are inserted correctly Incorrect Correct
Ear Plugs Ø Wash your hands before inserting ear plugs Ø Do not reuse ear plugs if you can’t clean them Ø Store ear plugs in a clean and dry place
Ear Muffs Ø Check ear cups and cushions for signs of wear Ø Replace damaged parts Ø Store in a clean and dry place
Hearing Protection: Selection ØNRR of at least 20 d. B ØComfortable and proper fit
Summary üNoise-induced hearing loss is preventable üPermanent hearing loss – can’t fix with hearing aids üWear hearing protection when you use compressedair tools üNRR must be at least 20 d. B üHearing protection must fit and be used correctly
QUESTIONS?
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