Hearing loss due to noise exposure is one of the most pervasive and preventable occupational health problems, and hearing induced loss can be reduced and/or prevented through implementation of a hearing conservation program.

Employees*

1. Contact the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (DEHS) Industrial Hygiene Manager for a noise exposure evaluation if concerned about the level of noise exposure in the work environment.
2. Should exposure exceed 85 decibels for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA), enroll in UofL Hearing Conservation Program.
3. Complete Noise & Hearing Conservation training on line in BioRaft.
4. Wear hearing protectors and keep them in a sanitary condition.

*Hearing Conservation Programs have been established for Steam & Chill Plant workers and groundskeepers in Physical Plant and for cage wash and animal care technicians in the Research Resource Facilities.

Departments (with occupational noise exposure exceeding 85 decibels for an 8-hour time-weighted average)

1. Provide employees with personal exposure results that are provided by DEHS.
2. Implement Hearing Conservation Program to include: developing a written plan, requesting noise monitoring, providing annual audiometric testing, providing a selection of appropriate hearing protection devices, employee training and maintaining documents.
3. Observe employees periodically to assure hearing protectors are used properly.

Department of Environmental Health & Safety

1. Conduct noise exposure monitoring for employees who may be exposed to noise equal or greater than 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA.
2. Provide written notification of exposure results to employees.
3. Forward noise monitoring exposure reports to Departments. 
4. Provide hearing conservation training.
5. Assist with unit-specific written plan, noise monitoring, selection of hearing protection and locating a hearing test provider.
6. Conduct further investigation to determine if administrative or engineering controls are feasible should any employee’s noise exposure exceed an 8-hour TWA of 90 dBA or greater.
7. Maintain exposure monitoring records.

DEHS webpage: http://louisville.edu/dehs/occup-health-safety