07 Jan How Loud Is Loud?
How Loud Is Loud?
Hearing loss often occurs so gradually that you may not realize your hearing is being damaged until the loss is permanent. Excessive noise can damage hearing without causing pain or providing an obvious warning, which makes prevention especially important.
Noise exposure occurs both on and off the job. Power tools, heavy equipment, machinery, firearms, motorcycles, lawn equipment, and loud music can all contribute to permanent hearing loss. The risk depends on both how loud the noise is and how long you are exposed to it.
When Is Noise Too Loud?
OSHA requires employers to administer a continuing, effective Hearing Conservation Program when employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA in general industry.
Construction employees must be protected from excessive occupational noise under applicable OSHA construction noise requirements. Required protection depends on the noise level and duration of exposure.
Some warning signs that your work environment may be too loud include:
- You must raise your voice to communicate with someone nearby.
- You have difficulty understanding normal conversation while equipment is operating.
- Your hearing seems muffled after leaving a noisy area.
- You experience ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ears after noise exposure.
Do not wait for these warning signs before using required hearing protection.
Approximate Noise Levels
Noise levels vary significantly depending on the specific equipment, operating conditions, distance from the source, and surrounding environment. The following are general examples:
| Approximate Sound Level (dBA) | Example |
|---|---|
| 20–30 | Whisper, very quiet environment |
| 40–50 | Quiet office |
| 55–65 | Normal conversation |
| 70–85 | Traffic, some powered equipment |
| 85–100+ | Many power tools and heavy equipment |
| 100–110+ | Jackhammers, some saws and construction equipment |
| 120+ | Extremely loud equipment or amplified sound |
| 140+ | Gunshots and some impulse or impact noise |
These values are only examples. Noise measurements or an appropriate exposure assessment should be used to determine actual workplace exposure.
Control Noise Whenever Possible
Hearing protection should not be the only method considered for controlling hazardous noise. Employers should first evaluate feasible engineering and administrative controls, such as:
- Selecting quieter tools and equipment.
- Installing barriers, enclosures, or sound-absorbing materials.
- Maintaining and lubricating equipment to reduce unnecessary noise.
- Increasing distance between employees and noise sources.
- Limiting the amount of time employees spend in high-noise areas.
- Isolating particularly noisy operations from other employees.
When these measures do not adequately control exposure, appropriate hearing protection shall be used.
Hearing Protection
Earplugs and earmuffs can significantly reduce noise exposure when they are properly selected, fitted, and worn.
- Wear hearing protection whenever required by company procedures, posted signs, or the noise hazard assessment.
- Select hearing protection with an appropriate Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for the exposure.
- Follow company procedures for determining the amount of protection provided by the selected hearing protector. Do not assume the labeled NRR represents the exact workplace noise reduction.
- Insert earplugs correctly so they form an effective seal.
- Ensure earmuff cushions fit completely around the ears and seal against the head.
- Inspect hearing protection regularly and replace damaged, dirty, hardened, or deteriorated components.
- Never modify earplugs or earmuffs to make them more comfortable.
- Use both earplugs and earmuffs when required for very high noise exposures.
Protect Your Hearing Away From Work
Occupational noise is not the only source of hearing damage. Firearms, power tools, motorcycles, lawn equipment, concerts, and other recreational activities can contribute to your total lifetime noise exposure.
Hearing does not recover from permanent noise-induced damage. Protect your ears at work and during noisy activities away from work.
Remember
You may not notice hearing damage while it is happening. By the time you realize you are having difficulty hearing, the damage may already be permanent. Control noise when possible and wear your hearing protection correctly every time it is required.