How to Implement a Workplace Hearing Conservation Program

Starting a hearing conservation program protects your employees and helps your company meet regulatory requirements. OSHA mandates hearing conservation programs for workplaces with noise exposure at or above 85 dB over an 8-hour workday. Here's how to build an effective program from the ground up.

Step 1: Conduct Noise Monitoring

Begin by measuring noise levels throughout your workplace. This assessment identifies which employees need to be included in your hearing conservation program and helps you understand your noise exposure patterns.

Professional noise monitoring should:

• Measure personal exposure levels for individual employees
• Document area noise levels in different work zones
• Identify peak noise events that might require immediate attention
• Create a baseline for future monitoring efforts

Keep detailed records of all noise measurements, including dates, locations, equipment used, and personnel conducting the assessments.

Step 2: Provide Hearing Protection

Employees exposed to noise at or above the action level must have access to hearing protectors at no cost. Select appropriate protection based on:

• Noise reduction ratings (NRR) suitable for your noise levels
• Comfort and fit for extended wear
• Compatibility with other safety equipment
• Communication needs in your work environment

Offer at least two different types of hearing protectors to accommodate individual preferences and anatomical differences. Common options include foam earplugs, pre-molded earplugs, and earmuffs.

Step 3: Establish Audiometric Testing

Set up a system for baseline and annual hearing tests. Your audiometric testing program must include:

Baseline Audiograms: Schedule these within 6 months of an employee's first exposure to hazardous noise (1 year if using mobile testing services). Employees must avoid noise exposure for 14 hours before baseline testing.

Annual Audiograms: Conduct yearly follow-up tests to monitor for hearing changes. Compare results to baseline measurements to identify standard threshold shifts.

Professional Review: Have a qualified professional review all audiograms and provide recommendations for employees showing hearing changes.

Step 4: Develop Training Programs

Annual training is required for all employees in your hearing conservation program. Your training should cover:

• How the ear works and how noise damages hearing
• The relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss
• Purpose and benefits of audiometric testing
• Proper selection, fitting, use, and care of hearing protectors
• Your company's hearing conservation policies and procedures

Make training relevant to your specific workplace by using examples from your facility and addressing common concerns your employees might have.

Step 5: Maintain Accurate Records

Organize a system to track and store required documentation:

• Noise exposure measurements (keep for 2 years)
• Employee audiometric records (keep for duration of employment plus 30 years)
• Training attendance and completion records
• Hearing protector distribution logs
• Program evaluation and improvement documentation

Digital record keeping can simplify organization and retrieval while providing backup security for important documents.

Step 6: Monitor and Evaluate Program Effectiveness

Regular program evaluation helps identify areas for improvement and ensures continued compliance. Review:

• Audiometric testing results for trends or patterns
• Employee feedback about hearing protection comfort and use
• Noise level changes due to equipment modifications or new processes
• Training effectiveness and employee comprehension
• Overall program costs and resource allocation

Step 7: Plan for Continuous Improvement

Use evaluation results to refine your program. Common improvements include:

• Upgrading to more comfortable or effective hearing protection
• Modifying training methods based on employee feedback
• Implementing engineering controls to reduce noise at the source
• Expanding the program to include employees just below the action level

The OCC Hearing Advantage

Building an effective hearing conservation program requires the right partner. Unlike testing services that rely on technicians, we exclusively send licensed audiologists or trained hearing instrument specialists to your workplace. This professional approach ensures accurate evaluations, clear communication, and expert oversight throughout your entire program.

We provide concierge-level service that includes flexible scheduling, on-site screenings, and comprehensive post-screening support — all customized to fit your company's workflow. Our services are fully compliant with both OSHA (29 CFR 1910.95) and MSHA (30 CFR Part 62) regulations, covering general industry, construction, and mining operations.

Beyond basic compliance testing, every partnership includes ongoing hearing wellness resources and exclusive employee benefits that demonstrate your commitment to worker health and safety.

Getting Professional Support

Managing all aspects of a hearing conservation program can be time-consuming and complex. Many companies partner with specialized providers to handle audiometric testing, training, and program administration.

We can support your hearing conservation program implementation by providing professional audiometric testing, employee training, and program management services. This partnership allows your team to focus on daily operations while ensuring your hearing conservation program meets all requirements and effectively protects your workforce.

Ready to start protecting your employees' hearing? Reach out to our team to learn more about our industrial testing services and develop a customized approach for your workplace hearing conservation program.