How do you educate and motivate your employees to use hearing protection devices?

1 Assess the noise level

The first step is to assess the noise level in your workplace and identify the sources and areas of excessive noise. You can use a sound level meter, a noise dosimeter, or a smartphone app to measure the noise level in decibels (dB). According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise is 90 dB for an eight-hour workday. However, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a more protective limit of 85 dB for the same duration. If the noise level exceeds these limits, you need to implement a hearing conservation program (HCP) that includes noise control, hearing testing, training, and HPD provision.

2 Provide adequate HPDs

The second step is to provide adequate HPDs for your employees and ensure that they fit well and are comfortable. You can choose from different types and styles of HPDs, such as foam, silicone, or custom-molded earplugs, or over-the-ear or behind-the-neck earmuffs. You should also consider the noise reduction rating (NRR) of the HPDs, which indicates how much they can reduce the noise level. The higher the NRR, the more protection they offer. However, the actual attenuation may vary depending on the fit, wear, and maintenance of the HPDs. You should also provide different sizes and options of HPDs to suit the preferences and needs of your employees.

3 Train and educate your employees

The third step is to train and educate your employees on the causes, effects, and prevention of NIHL, and on the proper use, care, and maintenance of HPDs. You can use various methods and materials to deliver the training, such as videos, posters, brochures, quizzes, demonstrations, or interactive sessions. You should also explain the benefits of using HPDs, such as reducing fatigue, improving performance, and preventing permanent hearing damage. You should also address any myths, misconceptions, or barriers that may prevent your employees from using HPDs, such as fear of missing important sounds, feeling isolated, or experiencing discomfort or irritation.

4 Monitor and enforce compliance

The fourth step is to monitor and enforce compliance with the use of HPDs and the HCP. You can use various tools and techniques to track and measure the compliance, such as observation, feedback, surveys, audits, or incentives. You should also provide regular reminders, feedback, and reinforcement to your employees on the importance of using HPDs and protecting their hearing health. You should also establish and communicate clear policies, rules, and consequences for non-compliance, and ensure that they are applied consistently and fairly.

5 Evaluate and improve the HCP

The fifth step is to evaluate and improve the HCP and the use of HPDs. You should conduct periodic evaluations and reviews of the HCP and the HPDs, and solicit feedback and suggestions from your employees on how to improve them. You should also monitor the results and outcomes of the HCP and the HPDs, such as changes in noise level, hearing status, compliance rate, satisfaction level, or productivity level. You should also identify and address any gaps, challenges, or opportunities for improvement, and implement any necessary changes or adjustments.

6 Involve and empower your employees

The sixth and final step is to involve and empower your employees in the HCP and the use of HPDs. You should encourage and support your employees to participate in the HCP and the HPD selection, training, monitoring, evaluation, and improvement processes. You should also recognize and reward your employees for their achievements and contributions to the HCP and the HPD use. You should also foster a culture of hearing health and safety in your workplace, and promote a positive attitude and behavior towards using HPDs and protecting hearing health.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?