At CorSafety, we have a hearing conservation program in effect. In this section we will discuss the care and use of hearing protection.
Hearing damage is not often a result of an accident, unless you have had a head injury. A more common problem is hearing loss which can occur when you're exposed to noise levels above the exposure limits, as outlined in the noise regulation.
The longer you are exposed to high levels, the greater the hearing loss. Hearing loss associated with exposure to noise tends to be gradual. It may take several years before you realize that for some reason the radio needs to be turned up higher, or you have difficulty hearing normal conversation. Your hearing is a valuable asset which you should take steps to preserve, so you can have a full productive life.
Noise damage is different from most other occupational injuries. It causes no pain or visible trauma (the ears do not bleed when hearing is being damaged), it leaves no visible scars, it is unnoticeable in its earliest stages (workers with noise-induced hearing loss often do not even notice themselves that they are losing hearing until it is too late), it accumulates with each over-exposure, and it generally takes years to diagnose.
Here is a good rule of thumb to use in determining whether background noise is 85 dB or higher: If you must shout to be understood by somebody about one meter away, that area noise is loader than 85Db and you need hearing protection.
Fitting Tips for roll down ear plugs
- For earplugs, effective protection is dependent upon a deep insertions. With foam earplugs, this is accomplished by following these three steps:
1. Roll down the foam earplug to a small crease-free cylinder
2. Straighten out the bend in the ear canal by reaching over the head with the free hand, and pulling the ear up and out.
3. Insert the earplug well into the ear canal and hold it in place a few seconds while the foam fully expands.
Fitting tips for Earmuff's
- Place earcups over each ear.
- Adjust the headband by sliding the headband up or down.
Ensure that you have achieved a firm seal
NOTE: Avoid obstructions - Do not allow hair to obstruct the ear or the earmuff's secure fit in anyway. Cover ear completely - The earcups should never fit crooked or askew over the ear.
Care and use of Earmuff's
Clean ear cushions and headband regularly with mild soap and water.
Replace ear cushions and foam inserts every 6 months with normal wear, more often with heavy use or under humid/extreme conditions.
Clean ear cushions and headband regularly with mild soap and water.
Replace ear cushions and foam inserts every 6 months with normal wear, more often with heavy use or under humid/extreme conditions.
