Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States, yet it is entirely preventable with an effective hearing conservation program. OSHA’s Occupational Noise Exposure standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels. The program encompasses noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protector provision and use, employee training, and recordkeeping. Noise exposure violations consistently rank among the most frequently cited OSHA standards. This guide covers all program inspection requirements with a free downloadable checklist.
Free Hearing Conservation Inspection Checklist
Download our Word document checklist covering noise monitoring equipment, hearing protector condition, audiometric program compliance, and training documentation per OSHA 1910.95.
Download Checklist (.docx)Regulatory Framework
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 — Occupational Noise Exposure
- 1910.95(c): Hearing conservation program required when employee noise exposures equal or exceed 85 dB TWA (action level). The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90 dB TWA.
- 1910.95(d): Noise monitoring program required to identify employees for inclusion in the program and enable proper hearing protector selection. All continuous, intermittent, and impulsive sound levels from 80 to 130 dB must be integrated.
- 1910.95(g): Audiometric testing program for all employees with exposures at or above 85 dB TWA. Baseline audiogram within 6 months of first exposure. Annual audiograms thereafter. Testing at 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz.
- 1910.95(i)/(j): Hearing protectors provided at no cost. Mandatory use at or above 90 dB TWA, or at 85 dB TWA if baseline audiogram not yet obtained or standard threshold shift (STS) has occurred.
- 1910.95(k): Annual training for all employees in the program covering effects of noise, purpose and use of hearing protectors, and purpose of audiometric testing.
- 1910.95(m): Noise exposure records retained 2 years. Audiometric records retained for duration of employment.
Standard threshold shift: An STS is a change in hearing threshold of 10 dB or more averaged at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear relative to the baseline. When an STS occurs, the employee must be notified in writing within 21 days. Employees not using hearing protectors must be fitted, trained, and required to use them. An STS of 25 dB or more that is work-related must be recorded on the OSHA 300 log.
Part 1: Noise Monitoring Equipment & Records
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Sound level meters | Sound level meters meet ANSI S1.4 Type 2 (or better) specifications per 1910.95(d)(2)(i). Calibrated per manufacturer requirements. Calibration records current and on file. Batteries charged and functional. Windscreen present and in good condition. |
| Noise dosimeters | Personal noise dosimeters meet ANSI S1.25 specifications. Calibrated before and after each use. Microphone positioned properly during monitoring (mid-shoulder, collar area). Sufficient quantity available for representative monitoring. |
| Monitoring documentation | Noise monitoring results documented and available for all employees in the hearing conservation program. Monitoring representative of actual exposure conditions. Re-monitoring performed when changes in production, process, or controls may increase exposures. Exposure records retained for at least 2 years per 1910.95(m)(3). |
| Area noise surveys | Noise area surveys current and posted or available. High-noise areas identified and marked. Noise levels posted at entry points where hearing protection is required. Surveys updated when machinery, processes, or layouts change. |
| Employee notification | Employees notified of monitoring results per 1910.95(d)(3). Employees exposed at or above the action level informed of their inclusion in the hearing conservation program. Standard posted in workplace per 1910.95(l)(1). |
Part 2: Hearing Protector Condition & Availability
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Earplugs | Disposable earplugs available in adequate supply near all high-noise areas. Multiple sizes available to fit different ear canals. Foam earplugs not hardened, discolored, or contaminated. Reusable earplugs cleaned and stored per manufacturer instructions. Flanges intact with no tears or deformation. |
| Earmuffs | Cushions soft and pliable with no cracks, hardening, or leaks. Headband provides adequate tension and is not bent, stretched, or broken. Cups free from cracks, dents, or damage that would break the seal. Foam inserts inside cups present and not deteriorated. Hygiene kits replaced per manufacturer schedule. |
| Selection and attenuation | Hearing protectors provide sufficient noise reduction for the exposure level (NRR adequate to reduce exposure below 85 dB TWA). Variety of suitable protector types available for employee selection per 1910.95(i)(3). Attenuation adequacy documented using manufacturer NRR data and OSHA de-rating methods. |
| Availability and use | Hearing protectors provided at no cost per 1910.95(i)(1). Available to all employees exposed at or above 85 dB TWA. Mandatory use enforced for employees at or above 90 dB TWA, or at 85 dB TWA with no baseline audiogram or after STS. Replacement protectors readily accessible. |
| Fit verification | Employees trained in proper insertion/fitting techniques per 1910.95(i)(4). Supervisors verify proper use during workplace observations. Employees refitted with alternative protectors if unable to achieve proper seal. Protectors replaced when fit degrades due to wear. |
Part 3: Audiometric Program & Training Compliance
| Inspection Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Baseline audiograms | Baseline audiogram established within 6 months of first exposure at or above 85 dB TWA (1 year if using mobile testing with hearing protection worn during interim) per 1910.95(g)(5). Employee noise-free for at least 14 hours before baseline per 1910.95(g)(5)(iii). Baseline on file for every employee in the program. |
| Annual audiograms | Annual audiograms obtained for each employee in the program per 1910.95(g)(6). Tests conducted by qualified personnel (licensed audiologist, physician, or certified/competent technician per 1910.95(g)(3)). Results compared to baseline for STS determination. Audiometric records current and complete. |
| Audiometer calibration | Audiometer functional check performed before each day of use per 1910.95(h)(5)(i). Acoustic calibration check performed annually per 1910.95(h)(5)(ii). Exhaustive calibration per ANSI S3.6 performed every 2 years per 1910.95(h)(5)(iii). Calibration records maintained and available. |
| Test environment | Audiometric test room meets background noise requirements per Appendix D of 1910.95. Room noise levels measured and documented. Sound booth or audiometric room maintained in good condition with functional door seals. No excessive ambient noise during testing periods. |
| STS follow-up | Standard threshold shifts identified and employees notified in writing within 21 days per 1910.95(g)(8). Employees fitted/refitted with hearing protectors as required. Problem audiograms reviewed by audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician. OSHA 300 log updated for recordable STS events (25 dB or more, work-related). |
| Training documentation | Annual training provided to all employees in the program per 1910.95(k). Training covers effects of noise on hearing, purpose and types of hearing protectors, and purpose of audiometric testing. Training records current with dates, attendees, and topics. Standard posted in workplace per 1910.95(l)(1). |
Key noise exposure thresholds: 85 dB TWA (action level) — triggers hearing conservation program, monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protector availability, and training. 90 dB TWA (PEL) — requires feasible engineering or administrative controls plus mandatory hearing protector use. 140 dB peak (impulse noise) — maximum allowable impulse/impact noise. Noise monitoring instruments must integrate all continuous, intermittent, and impulsive noise from 80 to 130 dB.
Download the Free Checklist
Get our hearing conservation inspection checklist in Word format. Covers monitoring, protectors, audiometric testing, and program compliance.
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Inspections
Hearing protector condition checks and noise monitoring equipment verification checklists.
Industrial Hygiene
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Compliance Calendar
Schedule annual audiometric testing, audiometer calibrations, and employee training deadlines.
Task Management
Assign STS follow-up actions, hearing protector refitting, and engineering control implementation.
Training
Track annual hearing conservation training, document attendance, and manage training content updates.
Incident Management
Document noise-related incidents and hearing loss events with OSHA 300 log integration.
