Hearing Conservation Program

Staff and researchers may be exposed to high noise levels in a variety of locations across campus. To protect employee hearing, Texas Tech University has implemented a Hearing Conservation Program. The two primary objectives of this program are to (1) identify and monitor areas where high noise levels exist (at or above 85 decibels dBA) and (2) subsequently identify employees whose job duties may expose them to noise levels exceeding the 8-hour time weighted average (TWA).

Texas Tech's policies are aligned with the threshold limit values (TLVs) published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) based on the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommendations, which are more protective than standards currently required by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.95). TLVs are given below.

Threshold Limit Values for Employee Noise Exposure

Duration Per Day	Continuous Sound Level	Approximate Environmental Equivalent
16 Hours	82 dBA	Commercial truck
8 Hours	85 dBA
4 Hours	88 dBA
2 Hours	91 dBA	Lawnmowers, power tools
1 Hour	94 dBA	Boiler room
30 Minutes	97 dBA
15 Minutes	100 dBA
7.5 Minutes	103 dBA
3.75 Minutes	106 dBA
1.88 Minutes	190 dBA	Rock concert
0.94 Minutes	112 dBA
28.12 Seconds	115 dBA	Jet airplane at takeoff

Area Monitoring

Environmental Health & Safety staff are tasked with identifying hazardous noise producing equipment and hazardous noise areas. These locations and activities are identified (typically through signage) so individuals are aware of the hazard and can take appropriate protective measures. Noise dosimetry is used to quantify the hazardous noise exposure dose and identify employees for entry into the hearing conservation program.

EHS periodically re-surveys and performs noise dosimetry to check for changes in noise exposure levels and durations and makes recommendations on engineering controls and administrative practices to reduce or eliminate exposure to hazardous noise. If you believe that your work area or activity may expose you to high noise levels, let EHS know at safety@ttu.edu.

Personal Protection

Employees working in identified high noise areas must enroll in the Occupational Health Program to obtain annual audiometric exams, complete annual Hearing Protection safety training, and use the appropriate hearing protection as directed. 

Even if the noise levels in your work area are not sufficient to require enrollment in the Hearing Conservation program, EHS encourages you to complete the Hearing Conservation training and use appropriate hearing protection.