The importance of hearing conservation

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kristy Earls
  • 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job.

Are you one of them? If so, you are enrolled in the U.S. Air Force Hearing Conservation Program. The program protects you, from permanent and irreversible hearing loss.

Too much noise exposure can cause a temporary change in hearing or a temporary ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short-term problems usually go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noise. However, repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent, incurable hearing loss or tinnitus.

The prevention of hearing loss begins with an aggressive training program explaining shop-specific noise hazards in a unit. All unit members should be trained within 30 days of initial assignment and annually. Required topics as well as requirements for documentation included in the training are outlined in AFOSH 48-20, Occupational Noise and Hearing Conservation Program.

Trainers should refer members to Public Health within 30 days of initial exposure to hazardous noise to complete an audiogram. An audiogram is a hearing test that measures shifts or losses in a person's hearing over time.

After initial completion, audiograms are due annually and upon removal from hazardous noise exposure. Failure to complete an audiogram in a timely manner may disqualify someone from duty.

When reporting for your audiogram, members should take hearing protective devices with them so that the technician can evaluate the fit and make adjustments as necessary.

The prevention of hearing loss is also an individual responsibility. Members must avoid exposure to hazardous noise whenever possible, or wear hearing protective devices for both on and off duty noise exposures.

If uncontrolled hazardous noise or unsafe practices in your duty section, immediately notify a supervisor and ensure that corrective action is taken.

If you have any questions regarding this information or the USAF Hearing Conservation Program, contact Public Health at 759-5167.