Safe Work Practices – Hearing Protection
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss – any reduction in the normal ability to hear is referred to as a
loss of hearing. A hearing loss can be either temporary or permanent.
With a temporary hearing loss, normal hearing will usually return after a rest
period away from all sources of intense or loud noise. The recovery period
may be minutes, hours, a day or perhaps even longer. Temporary hearing
loss occurs when hair cells in the inner ear have been bent by vibrations and
need time to bounce back.
Permanent hearing loss is the result of hair cell or nerve destruction within the
inner ear. Once these important parts of the hearing process are destroyed,
they can never be restored or regenerated. The resulting permanent hearing
loss, also referred to as permanent threshold shift (PTS), can range from
slight impairment to nearly total deafness.
Hearing Loss Factors
Type of noise Continuous, intermittent, impact, high or low
frequency.
Intensity of noise Level of loudness.
Duration of exposure Length of time worker subjected to noise – for
example, during day, on specific shifts.
Employment duration Years worker subjected to noise.
Type of noise environment Character of surroundings – for example, enclosed,
open, reflective surfaces.
Source distance(s) Distance of worker from noise source.
Worker’s position Position of worker relative to noise source.
Worker’s age For instance, a 20-year-old apprentice versus a 50-
year-old journeyperson.
Individual susceptibility Sensitivity difference, physical impairments.
Worker’s present health Whether a worker has any detectable losses or ear
diseases.
Home and leisure activities Exposures to noise other than occupational, such as
hunting, skeet shooting, earphone music,
snowmobiling, etc.
Training
All workers who wear Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs) must be trained to fit, use,
and maintain the protectors properly. Workers must be instructed in the proper fitting of
HPDs as recommended by the manufacturer. Training should include a demonstration.
Workers should then practice using the HPDs under close supervision. Checks are
needed to ensure the best possible protection.
Workers should understand the following:
that there is risk of hearing loss increases if HPDs are not worn in noisy
environments (eight-hour exposure of 85 dBA).
that wearing HPDs is required in all situations where noise exposure may
damage hearing.
that to be effective an HPD must not be removed even for short periods.
that various HPDs are available to accommodate differences in ear canal
size, jaw size, head size and shape, comfort level, compatibility with other
forms of PPE, etc.
that proper fit is essential to achieve maximum protection.
Choosing the Correct Hearing Protection
CSA Standard Z94.2, Hearing Protectors, identifies classes of hearing protectors as A,
B, and C. Class A protectors offer the highest ability to attenuate, followed by B and C.
Use Table 1 to identify proper hearing protectors based on noise.
Recommended Class of Hearing Protector
Table 1
MAXIMUM NOISE RECOMMENDED CLASS OF
LEVEL (dBA) HEARING PROTECTOR
Less than 85 dbA No protection required
Up to 89 dBA Class C
Up to 95 dBA Class B
Up to 105 dBA Class A
Class A plug + Class A or
Up to 110 dBA
Class B muff
Class A plug + Class A or
More than 110 dBA
Class B muff and limited exposure
Use Table 2 to compare typical construction noise levels with the work you are
performing. Note: If more than one activity is being performed near the same location
the noise levels will increase. Chose your protection based on the highest noise levels.
Typical Noise Level Measurements for Construction
Table 2
NOISE LEVEL (DBA) AT
* EQUIPMENT
OPERATOR’S POSITION
Cranes 78 – 103
Backhoes 85 – 104
Loaders 77 – 106
Dozers 86 – 106
Scrapers 97 – 112
Trenchers 95 – 99
+ Pile drivers 119 – 125
Compactors 90 – 112
+ Explosive-actuated tools 120 – 140
Grinders 106 – 110
Chainsaws 100 – 115
Concrete saw 97 – 103
Sand blasting nozzle 111 – 117
Jackhammers 100 – 115
Compressors 85 – 104
* Generally, newer equipment is quieter than older equipment. (For noise levels of specific equipment,
contact the Construction Safety Association of Ontario.)
+ Pile drivers and explosive-actuated tools generate intermittent or “impulse” sound.
