Annual training is one of the five mandatory components of an OSHA-compliant hearing conservation program, required for all employees whose noise exposures equal or exceed the action level (29 CFR 1910.95(k)(1)). Training must cover three content areas. First: the effects of noise on hearing — what noise-induced hearing loss is, how it develops, and why it is permanent and irreversible.
Annual training is one of the five mandatory components of an OSHA-compliant hearing conservation program, required for all employees whose noise exposures equal or exceed the action level (29 CFR 1910.95(k)(1)). Training must cover three content areas. First: the effects of noise on hearing — what noise-induced hearing loss is, how it develops, and why it is permanent and irreversible. Second: the purpose of HPDs, their advantages and disadvantages, the types available, and instruction in selection, fitting, use, and care (29 CFR 1910.95(k)(3)(ii)). Third: the purpose of audiometric testing and an explanation of test procedures (29 CFR 1910.95(k)(3)(iii)). Training must be updated when changes occur in protective equipment or work processes. Employers must ensure employee participation — training completion should be documented.
