HEARING

CONSERVATION
PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION

Noise is generated during processes, operations and work activities. It is one of the most
common occupational health hazards. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause
noise induced hearing loss, or commonly known as noise-induced deafness (NID). NID
refers to a permanent loss in hearing sensitivity, which leads to communication difficulties,
impairment of personal relationships, social isolation and degradation in the quality of life.

Other detrimental effects of excessive noise exposure include:

Tinnitus (a distressing condition characterized by ringing in the ear which can lead
to disturbed sleep)
Acoustic trauma (temporary or permanent hearing loss due to sudden exposure to
very loud noise)
Interference with speech communication and perception of warning signs
Disruption of job performance
Annoyance
Extra-auditory effects.

To protect exposed employees from the adverse effects of noise, every workplace with a
noise hazard should implement a comprehensive Hearing Conservation Programme, as
part of the companys workplace safety and health (WSH) programme.

OBJECTIVE

To inform workers who are exposed or may be exposed to high noise on:

1. Criteria of noise, its sources and effects to health

2. How to protect workers from noise and its effects
3. Requirements of noise related regulations and its applicable standards

CONTENT OF TRAINING
The training should be carried out annually for employees exposed to excessive noise and
within three months of job commencement for new employees. The training program
should include:

Noise Exposure Regulations 1989

Concept of sound and noise
Adverse effects of noise on hearing
Purpose of hearing protectors
Advantages, disadvantages and attenuation of the various hearing protectors
Instructions on the proper selection, fitting, use, care and maintenance of hearing
protectors
 During the training sessions, employees should be encouraged to provide suggestions
and comments on:

Suitability of available hearing protectors in relation to their job

Possible ways to further reduce the noise levels
Ways to motivate the wearing of hearing protectors

COURSE ACTIVITIES & METHODOLOGIES

Lecture & discussion sessions
Survey/questionnaire analyses
Proactive group projects on-site
Group presentation
Actual case study on-site
Video footages analysis

HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

DAY ONE

TIME TOPICS
0850 - 0900 Registration, Briefing & Ice Breaking
0900 - 1030 Introduction of Hearing (Noise Exposure Regulations 1989)
Anatomy & Physiology of Ear
Sign and symptoms of Hearing Loss
Types of Hearing Loss
1030 - 1045 Morning Break
Differences between Sound and Noise
1045 - 1245 What is Sound
What is Noise
1300 - 1400 Lunch
Noise Measurement Method
Noise Levels and Time to Permanent Hearing loss
1400 - 1530 Permissible Exposure Level
Noise Action Level
Hierarchy of Noise Controls
1530 - 1600 Afternoon Tea Break
1600 - 1700 Group Discussion