Noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace is a preventable occupational injury. Dartmouth College has established a Hearing Conservation Program that promotes the use of hearing protection whenever moderate to significant noise exposure may be present.

All elements of the Dartmouth Hearing Conservation Program apply where the sound levels equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels measured on the A-scale (dBA). Exposure to impulsive or impact noise should not exceed 140 decibels peak sound pressure level.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Noise Exposure standard 29 CFR 1910.95 established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for occupational noise exposure, defines requirements for audiometric testing, PPE, and user training. This standard has established an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) action level (AL) of 85 decibels measured on the A-scale (dBA), as a dose of 50%. When noise levels are at or above this dose then a hearing conservation program is required.

The basic components of this hearing conservation program include:

• Noise Monitoring, 29 CFR 1910.95(d)(e)(f)
• Engineering and Administrative Controls, 29 CRF 1910.95(a)(b)
• Audiometric Evaluation, 29 CFR 1910.95(g)(h)
• Hearing protection, 29 CFR 1910.95(i)(j)
• Education and training, 29 CFR 1910(k)(l)
• Recordkeeping, 29 CFR 1910.95(m)
• Hearing Conservation Program Evaluation, 29 CRF 1910.95 Appendices A and B and ANSI S12.13

The goal of the Dartmouth College Hearing Conservation Program is to minimize the potential for occupational noise induced hearing loss in accordance with 29 CFR §1910.95. Dartmouth College (Dartmouth) will obtain this goal through as outlined in this Hearing Conservation Program to its faculty, staff, and students.