Author: kspaul

Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) Components

Noise Hazard Evaluation.
Identification of noise hazardous areas and operations.
Engineering Controls.
Reduce or eliminate noise at its source.
Hearing Protection.
Provided free of charge to all noise-exposed personnel.
Audiometric Monitoring.
Annual hearing tests are administered to monitor hearing levels.
Hearing Conservation Education.
Annual hearing conservation education is required for all personnel routinely exposed to hazardous noise and enrolled in the HCP.

Only you can prevent a noise-induced hearing loss.
Wear Your Hearing Protection!

Hear the Enemy & Stay Alive!

Questions about Hearing Conservation? Contact your local Audiologist.

Hear the Enemy & Stay Alive!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Visions of
Healthy Hearing

Good Hearing is Essential...

Your hearing is priceless, probably the most important sensory system you have.
Good hearing is what connects us with our world, our interests, and our relationships.
It links us to our family, our friends, our environment, our cell phones, our music, our work, our fun…
It is typically taken for granted — until it is lost
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss from noise exposure is the second leading cause of hearing loss in America.
It is the most prevalent occupational health hazard in the military.
Noise-induced hearing loss is often underrated, as there are no visible signs of injury. Yet, the damage is permanent.

Readiness
Historical accounts of wars, battles and military training reveal that the greatest loss of forces is not caused by combat wounds, rather, are the result of disease and non-battle injuries (DNBI). Acoustic (ear) trauma is a common DNBI.
Impaired hearing can lead to fatal mistakes in training or in operational settings.
Good hearing is critical to the success of the mission in both offensive and defensive operations.
Know the Threat
Hazardous noise includes levels at or above:
>84 dBA steady-state noise, or
140 dBP impulse noise
Noise is hazardous when you must raise your voice to communicate with someone that is 3 ft or less away.
The degree of hazard depends on the intensity of the noise, how close you are to the source, and how long you are exposed.
Recreational activities can also contribute to a noise-induced hearing loss, such as carpentry, NASCAR races, and concerts.

Consequences of Unprotected Noise Exposure
Sudden or progressive hearing loss
Loss of communication ability, difficulty understanding others
Isolation and withdrawal from social settings
Constant tinnitus — a ringing sensation in the ear, or head
Decreased productivity at work
Stress-related diseases, sleep disturbance, lack of concentration, fatigue, tension, and hostility
Noise-induced hearing loss is Painless, Progressive & Permanent.
The Good News is , it’s PREVENTABLE!

No Hearing Loss!