This includes a yearly hearing test for the approximately five million workers exposed to an average of 85 dB or more of noise during an 8-hour work day. As an alternative, individual hearing protectors are required when noise averages more than 90 dB during an 8-hour day. When noise measurements indicate that hearing protectors are needed, the employer must offer at least one type of earplug and one type of earmuff without cost to employees. If the yearly hearing tests reveal hearing loss of 10dB or more in higher pitches in either ear the worker must be informed and must wear hearing protectors when noise averages more than 85 dB for an 8-hour day. Hearing protection devices decrease the intensity of sound that reaches the eardrum.
Earplugs are small inserts that fit into the outer ear canal.
To be effective they must totally block the ear canal with an airtight seal. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit individual ear canals and can be custom made. For people who have trouble keeping them in their ears, they can be fitted to a headband. Earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear to form an air seal so the entire circumference of the ear canal is blocked, and they are held in place by an adjustable band. Earmuffs will not seal around eyeglasses or long hair, and the adjustable headband tension must be sufficient to hold earmuffs firmly around the ear.