Hearing Conservation
VCU Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene partner to manage the hearing conservation program at VCU. The program focuses on preventing permanent hearing loss caused by over-exposure to high levels of noise.
OHS personnel identify high-risk jobs and work areas, provide noise monitoring, and offer training. Employees in some roles at VCU may require baseline and annual audiometric (hearing) testing.
| Workplace noise exposure assessment | Training | Audiometric testing |
|---|---|---|
| The evaluation begins with conducting a thorough assessment to determine whether the noise level in a space exceeds or is likely to exceed the hazardous noise exposure limit. | Hearing conservation training is provided through SciShield. Employees who work in an area that exceeds the recommended noise limits will be assigned this training every year. | Audiometric testing is used to identify hearing loss and is provided to employees whose area exceeds the regulatory limits on noise exposure. For those employees, a baseline and annual re-testing will be completed free of charge at Employee Health at 800 West Broad Street. |
To schedule a workplace noise exposure assessment or find out if your position requires entrance into the Hearing Conservation Program, please complete the Noise Monitoring Assessment Request Form.
How do I know if I should request a noise assessment?
If an individual has to raise their voice to be heard from three feet away, the workplace is likely over the limit for noise exposure.
How can I access my workplace noise exposure assessment?
Search for noise assessment in your department’s SciShield documents section. If unavailable, contact OHS for assistance.
What do I do if my workplace is over the hazardous noise exposure limit?
If a hazard assessment determines that you are overexposed, you will be enrolled in the Hearing Conservation Program, which includes:
- Completing the annual required training.
- Using and maintaining of hearing protection devices
- Completing baseline and annual audiometric (hearing) testing
What does OHS consider to determine hearing protection devices appropriate for the workplace?
OHS recommends devices based on the Noise Reduction Rating and workplace conditions. Factors considered include:
- Level of noise exposure
- Employee comfort
- Type of work performed
- Environmental conditions
What types of hearing protection are available?
The industrial hygienist will recommend appropriate options, which may include:
- Disposable ear plugs
- Ear muffs
How do I receive to the hearing conservation training?
Log into SciShield with your VCU eID and password. Click "training and then select "course directory." Choose "hearing conservation training"
Where is audiometric testing conducted?
Testing is conducted at Employee Health Services on the Monroe Park Campus at 800 West Broad Street.
Who conducts the annual audiometric testing?
A CAOHC certified nurse conducts the audiometric testing.
What happens if my audiometric test shows signs of hearing loss?
A second test will be conducted to confirm results. If the second test confirms hearing loss, results will be reviewed by a professional supervisor and a VCU Employee Health physician.
Where can I find the hearing conservation regulatory requirements?
Refer to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure standard.
More information
For more information about the hearing conservation program, refer to the PDF linked below.