THE NOISE MANUAL

Disclaimer
Editors
Authors
Foreword
Preface
Table of Contents
Symbols and Abbreviations
Chapter 1: Hearing is Priceless
	Chapter 1 Contents
	Introduction
	Placing Hearing Front and Center
	A Brief History of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
	Exploring the Sense of Hearing
	Final Thoughts
	References
Chapter 2: Physics of Soundand Vibration
	Chapter 2 Contents
	Sound Propagation
	Properties of Sound
	Sound Pressure, Power, and Intensity
	Levels and Decibels
	Directivity of Sound Propagation
	Frequency Characteristics of Sound
	Weighted Sound Levels
	The Human Audible Range of Hearing and Loudness
	Relationship between Sound Pressure Level and Sound Power Level
	Time-Varying Noise Sources
	Characteristics of Mechanical Vibration
	Conclusion
	References
Chapter 3: Sound Measurement: Instrumentation and Noise Metrics
	Chapter 3 Contents
	Introduction
	Microphone Selection and Calibration
	Sound Measurement Metrics
	Noise Measurement Instruments for Industrial Hygiene
	Instrument Calibration
	Potential Sources of Measurement Error
	Conclusions
	Appendix: Specialty Instrumentation for Impulsive Noise
	References
Chapter 4: Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear: Normal Function and the Damage Underlying Hearing Loss
	Chapter 4 Contents
	Introduction
	The Auditory System
	Noise-Induced Injury to the Auditory System
	Interactions of Noise with Other Forms of Hearing Loss
	Individual Susceptibility to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
	Summary
	References
Chapter 5: Auditory and Non-Auditory Health Effects of Noise
	Chapter 5 Contents
	Introduction
	Auditory Effects of Noise
	Non-Auditory Effects of Noise
	Summary
	References
Chapter 6: Brief High-Level Sounds
	Chapter 6 Contents
	Introduction
	Acoustics of Brief High-Level Sounds
	Bioacoustics and Psychoacoustics
	Auditory Risk
	Mitigation of Auditory Risk
	Summary
	References
Chapter 7: Ototoxicity and Otoprotection: Complex Interactions Between Noise and Chemicals
	Chapter 7 Contents
	Introduction to Ototoxicity and Otoprotection
	Ototoxicity and Noise Interactions
	Oxidative Stress: A Common Mechanism for Damage by Noise or Ototoxicants
	Complex Interactions Between Noise, Ototoxicants, and Other Factors
	International Legislation and Standards
	Summary
	References
	Other Resources
Chapter 8: Hearing Loss Prevention Program (HLPP) Overview and Administration
	Contents
	Overview of HLPP
	Administering the HLPP: From Paper to Practice
	Summary
	References
Chapter 9: Noise Measurement and Exposure Assessment
	Chapter 9 Contents
	Introduction
	Instrument Selection and Configuration
	Sampling Strategy
	Data Management and Analysis
	Reporting and Presenting Data
	Conclusion
	Appendix 1: Allowable Exposure Times for OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) (90d BA Criterion Level and 5-dB Exchange Rate)
	Appendix 2: Allowable Exposure Times for NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)(85 dBA Criterion Level and 3-dB Exchange Rate)
	Appendix 3: Cumulative Distribution Function for the Normal Distribution Adaptedfrom the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
	References
Chapter 10: Noise Control Engineering
	Chapter 10 Contents
	Introduction
	Noise Control Priorities
	The Noise Control Survey
	Engineering Controls
	Administrative Noise Controls
	Conclusions
	References
	Other Resources
Chapter 11: Hearing Protection Devices
	Chapter 11 Contents
	Introduction
	Types and Features of HPDs
	Mechanisms and Limits of HPD Attenuation
	Fitting and Issuing HPDs
	Measuring HPD Attenuation
	Attenuation Characteristics of HPDs
	Using Attenuation Data to Estimate Protection
	Effects of HPDs on Auditory Perception and Speech Production
	Specialized HPDs and Other Devices that Block Sound at the Ear
	HPD Standards, Regulations, and Related Documents
	Recommendations
	References
Chapter 12: Field Fit-Testing and Attenuation-Estimation Procedures
	Chapter 12 Contents
	Introduction
	What Is Fit Testing?
	Utilization of HPD Fit Testing in Industry
	Limitations of Current Fit-Testing Systems
	Efforts at Developing an American National Standard Pertinent to FAESs
	The Future of Fit Testing with Respect to Best Practices in Hearing Loss Prevention
	References
Chapter 13: Audiometric Monitoring: Implementation and Quality Assurance
	Chapter 13 Contents
	Introduction
	Hearing Screening versus Audiometric Monitoring
	Considerations When Selecting Hearing Test Providers
	Types of Audiograms
	Audiogram Review
	Documentation
	Advancing Technology
	Summary
	References
	Appendix 13-1: Audiometric Personnel and Technician Training
	Appendix 13-2: Audiometer Specifications
	Appendix 13-3: Audiometer Calibrations
	Appendix 13-4: Test Environment Sound Levels
	Appendix 13-5: Audiometric Testing and Review
	Appendix 13-6: Audiometric Records
Chapter 14: Education and Motivation: Practical Applications of Training Theory for Hearing Conservation Programs
	Chapter 14 Contents
	Introduction
	Purpose of Hearing Conservation Training
	The Changing Workplace: Implications for Hearing Conservation Training
	Learning and Communication Theories Relevant to 21st-Century Hearing Conservation Programs (HCPs)
	A Systematic Approach to Hearing Conservation Training
	Summary
	References
Chapter 15: Hearing Conservation Program Effectiveness
	Chapter 15 Contents
	Introduction
	Qualitative Methods to Assess Program Effectiveness
	Quantitative Methods to Assess Program Effectiveness
	Costs and Cost-Effectiveness Approaches to HCPs
	Putting It All Together: Is This an Effective Program?
	References
Chapter 16: Beyond the Workplace
	Chapter 16 Contents
	Introduction
	Theoretical Approaches
	An Ecological Framew
	Total Worker Health
	References
Chapter 17: Auditory Situation Awareness and Speech Communication in Noise
	Chapter 17 Contents
	Introduction
	Functional Hearing Abilities
	Auditory Fitness for Duty
	Development of Evidence-Based Methods for Assessment of Functional Hearing Ability
	Audibility of Nonverbal Auditory Signals in Noise
	Audibility of Speech Communications in Noise
	Improving the Audibility of Signals and Communications in Noise
	Special Considerations for Workers with Hearing Impairment
	References
Chapter 18: Community Noise
	Chapter 18 Contents
	Concepts in Community Noise
	Factors and Conditions Affecting Sound Propagation Outdoors
	Measuring Community Noise
	Summary
	References
Chapter 19: Standards and Regulations for Occupational Settings
	Chapter 19 Contents
	The Need for Standards and Regulations
	The Need to Be Informed
	Terminology
	Consensus Standards
	Damage-Risk Criteria
	Federal Government Regulations (U.S.)
	International Standards and Regulations for Occupational Exposure to Noise
	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Employment Criteria
	Summary
	References
Chapter 20: Workers’ Compensation
	Chapter 20 Contents
	Introduction
	Workers’ Compensation History
	Workers’ Compensation for Hearing Loss
	Considerations for Handling Claims
	Implications for HCPs
	Summary
	References
Chapter 21: Prediction and Analysis of the Hearing Characteristics of Noise-Exposed Populations or Individuals
	Chapter 21 Contents
	Background
	Introduction
	The ANSI S3.44 Model
	Determination of Noise Exposure
	Applications of the Model
	Summary
	Availability of ANSI S3.44
	References
Appendix I: Department of Labor Occupational Noise Exposure Standard
	Occupational Noise Exposure † 1910.95
	Hearing Conservation Amendment
	APPENDIX A: NOISE EXPOSURE COMPUTATION
	APPENDIX B: METHODS FOR ESTIMATING THE ADEQUACY OF HEARING PROTECTOR ATTENUATION
	APPENDIX C: AUDIOMETRIC MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
	APPENDIX D: AUDIOMETRIC TEST ROOMS
	APPENDIX E: ACOUSTIC CALIBRATION OF AUDIOMETERS
	APPENDIX F: CALCULATIONS AND APPLICATION OF AGE CORRECTIONS TO AUDIOGRAMS
	APPENDIX G: MONITORING NOISE LEVELS NON-MANDATORY INFORMATIONAL APPENDIX
	APPENDIX H: AVAILABILITY OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
	APPENDIX I: DEFINITIONS
Appendix II: References for Good Practice
	Appendix II Contents
	Introductory Remarks
	Occupational Hearing Loss Prevention Guidelines, Regulations, and Best Practices
	Additional Resources
Appendix III: Engineering Conversion Factorsand Properties of Materials
	Reference for Acoustic Measurements and Other Pertinent Equivalents
	Angular Equivalents
	Properties of Solids, Liquids, and Gasses
	Conversion and Equivalence of Units
	References
Appendix IV: NHCA Guidelines for Audiometric Baseline Revision
	Revision for Persistent Improvement
	Revision for Persistent OSHA Standard Threshold Shift
	Other considerations for baseline revision
	Task Force
Appendix V: NHCA Guidelines for Recording Hearing Loss on the OSHA 300 Log
	Background
	Guidelines for Determining Work Relatedness
	Dealing with Employers Who Pressure Service Providers
	Form 300 Task Force
Names Index
Subject Index