Products and Services

In 1982 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established mandatory regulations requiring industry to develop an effective hearing conservation program (HCP) when employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8 hour time weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA. To provide total compliance with these regulations, Acoustical Systems conducts and manages total hearing conservation programs for industry.

Employee noise exposure monitoring Acoustical Systems will conduct an employee noise exposure survey to establish an 8 hour time weighted average noise exposure assessment for each employee or classification of employees. Those employees with a noise exposure of 85 dBA (TWA) or greater are included in the program.

Ear protection assessment We will assess the current ear protection worn by the employee in order to determine if it is adequate for the employee's noise exposure and the employees' hearing thresholds. If the ear protection is determined to be inadequate, Acoustical Systems will present other options for ear protection.

Employee training program The OSHA required training session consists of a training film shown prior to the audiometric test. The film discusses the effects of noise on hearing, the purpose of hearing protection, and the proper use of hearing protectors.

Audiometric testing with a mobile unit The pure tone audiometric test is conducted utilizing microprocessor audiometers, testing 1 to 10 employees at a time. The test lasts approximately 8-10 minutes. The testis then compared to the employees' baseline test and if an unconfirmed standard threshold shift has occurred, the employee is scheduled for a retest by an audiologist. For those employees missed during the first and second rounds of testing, plant personnel may conduct the tests and submit the information to Acoustical Systems for processing.

Hearing conservation is an on-going program. With Acoustical Systems managing the program, those employees that need to be in the program will not "fall through the cracks", and plant personnel will be able to spend their time more effectively.

Acoustical Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 146, Vandalia, OH 45377-0146. Tel: 937-898-3198; Fax: 937-898-5043.