The hazard
Noise damage usually builds up slowly and does not hurt, so it is easy to miss until the damage is done. Hearing lost to noise does not come back, and hearing aids cannot make it like new. Noise can also leave you with ringing in your ears that never goes away. The good news is that this kind of hearing loss can be prevented.
The action
In general industry, employers must make hearing tests available at no cost to workers exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(1) and (g)(2)). After a baseline test, a new test is required at least once a year (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(6)). Those workers must also be trained every year on the effects of noise, hearing protectors and why the tests are done (29 CFR 1910.95(k)(1), (k)(2) and (k)(3)). (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(1))
ASK THE CREW
Which hearing protection do you like best, and what makes people take it off?
From the talk: Noise and hearing protection. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.