HEARING
CONSERVATION
PROGRAM
INTRODUCTION
Noise is generated during processes, operations and work activities. It is one of the most
common occupational health hazards. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause
noise induced hearing loss, or commonly known as noise-induced deafness (NID). NID
refers to a permanent loss in hearing sensitivity, which leads to communication difficulties,
impairment of personal relationships, social isolation and degradation in the quality of life.
Other detrimental effects of excessive noise exposure include:
      Tinnitus (a distressing condition characterized by ringing in the ear which can lead
       to disturbed sleep)
      Acoustic trauma (temporary or permanent hearing loss due to sudden exposure to
       very loud noise)
      Interference with speech communication and perception of warning signs
      Disruption of job performance
      Annoyance
      Extra-auditory effects.
To protect exposed employees from the adverse effects of noise, every workplace with a
noise hazard should implement a comprehensive Hearing Conservation Programme, as
part of the companys workplace safety and health (WSH) programme.
OBJECTIVE
To inform workers who are exposed or may be exposed to high noise on:
   1. Criteria of noise, its sources and effects to health
   2. How to protect workers from noise and its effects
   3. Requirements of noise related regulations and its applicable standards
CONTENT OF TRAINING
The training should be carried out annually for employees exposed to excessive noise and
within three months of job commencement for new employees. The training program
should include:
      Noise Exposure Regulations 1989
      Concept of sound and noise
      Adverse effects of noise on hearing
       Purpose of hearing protectors
      Advantages, disadvantages and attenuation of the various hearing protectors
      Instructions on the proper selection, fitting, use, care and maintenance of hearing
       protectors
  During the training sessions, employees should be encouraged to provide suggestions
  and comments on:
       Suitability of available hearing protectors in relation to their job
       Possible ways to further reduce the noise levels
       Ways to motivate the wearing of hearing protectors
COURSE ACTIVITIES & METHODOLOGIES
              Lecture & discussion sessions
              Survey/questionnaire analyses
              Proactive group projects on-site
              Group presentation
              Actual case study on-site
              Video footages analysis
HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM
  DAY ONE
      TIME             TOPICS
      0850 - 0900      Registration, Briefing & Ice Breaking
      0900 - 1030      Introduction of Hearing (Noise Exposure Regulations 1989)
                            Anatomy & Physiology of Ear
                            Sign and symptoms of Hearing Loss
                            Types of Hearing Loss
      1030 - 1045      Morning Break
                        Differences between Sound and Noise
      1045 - 1245           What is Sound
                            What is Noise
      1300 - 1400      Lunch
                       Noise Measurement Method
                       Noise Levels and Time to Permanent Hearing loss
      1400 - 1530            Permissible Exposure Level
                            Noise Action Level
                       Hierarchy of Noise Controls
      1530 - 1600      Afternoon Tea Break
       1600 - 1700     Group Discussion