| acoustic filtering earplugs |
Also known as volume-reducing earplugs and acoustic filtering earplugs. A newer variety of ear protection that reduces the sound volume in an environment without losing sound quality. Volume-reducing earplugs are often used by musicians. |
| acoustic wave |
Acoustic waves are the result of a vibrating source disturbing the air. Acoustic waves cause sound. |
| administrative controls |
Modifications to aspects of a workplace like staffing, schedules, or procedures. Administrative controls reduce employees' exposure to noise. |
| air pressure |
The weight or force that air exerts due to its motion. Air pressure can be changed by acoustic waves. |
| audiologist |
A person who is trained to perform hearing tests and evaluate hearing loss. An audiologist may suggest an employee wear particular hearing PPE depending on the state of the person's hearing. |
| audiometric testing |
A series of hearing tests used to measure hearing over time. Audiometric testing detects any changes that may have occurred. |
| baseline audiogram |
A hearing test used to determine an employee's level of hearing ability before it is affected by a work environment. A baseline audiogram will detect any hearing deficiencies that already exist for a person. |
| chronic noise |
Unwanted sound that occurs continuously or repeatedly with little interruption. Exposure to chronic noise can cause hearing loss. |
| cilia |
Tiny hair-like projections that move according to pressure changes. Cilia transmit vibrations within the inner ear. |
| conductive hearing loss |
A loss of sound perception that is associated with the outer ear and may be medically or surgically corrected. Causes of conductive hearing loss include infection, excess wax, or a blow to the head. |
| custom-fit earplugs |
Earplugs that are molded to fit a specific individual's ears. Professionals fit custom-fit earplugs. |
| decibels |
dB. A unit of measurement of the intensity of a sound wave. Decibels measure how loud sounds are. |
| disposable earplugs |
A type of hearing protection that can be thrown away after use. Disposable earplugs are often made of waxed cotton, foam, or silicone rubber. |
| dosimeter |
An instrument that measures total noise exposure over time. A dosimeter is often worn by the employee on the shoulder to measure individual noise exposure. |
| eardrum |
A vibrating membrane that stretches across the inner end of the ear canal. Vibrations on the eardrum are transformed into nerve impulses. |
| earmuffs |
Personal protective equipment that covers the entire outer ear. Earmuffs consist of two ear coverings connected by a band. |
| engineering controls |
Modifications to machinery and other components to prevent or reduce noise production. An example of an engineering control is enclosing a machine motor to reduce the amount of noise entering the environment. |
| excessive noise exposure |
The point at which a worker has suffered exposure to noise that surpasses safe exposure levels. Excessive noise exposure can cause hearing loss and injury. |
| hair cells |
Sensory cells within the inner ear that support the cilia. Hair cells transform the mechanical energy of sound waves into nerve impulses. |
| hazardous noise |
Unwanted sound that is capable of harming hearing. Hazardous noise is usually loud, but some high-pitched noises can harm the ears without being heard. |
| hearing conservation |
Different measures taken to reduce exposure to noise. Hearing conservation includes wearing hearing protection. |
| hearing conservation program |
HCP. A formal program that consists of several components intended to prevent worker hearing loss. HCPs must include noise evaluations, hearing tests, and hearing protection. |
| hearing loss |
A reduced ability to hear sounds. Noise exposure and heredity are two causes of hearing loss. |
| heredity |
The transmission of characteristics from one generation to the next. Hearing loss can be an inherited characteristic. |
| inner ear |
The interior portion of the ear. The inner ear transforms the mechanical movement of vibration on the eardrum into nerve impulses. |
| middle ear |
The air-filled central portion of the ear. The middle ear converts and amplifies waves in the ear canal into a vibration in the eardrum. |
| molded earplugs |
Also known as pre-formed earplugs. These earplugs are molded to fit a specific individual's ears. Professionals fit all pre-formed ear protection. |
| nerve impulses |
Electrical signals that send and receive information to and from the brain. Nerve impulses are perceived as sounds in the brain. |
| noise |
Any unwanted sound. Noise can occur over a short or long period of time. |
| noise filtering earplugs |
Also called acoustic filtering and volume-reducing earplugs. A newer variety of ear protection that reduces the sound volume in an environment without losing sound quality. Volume-reducing earplugs are often used by musicians. |
| Noise Reduction Rating |
NRR. A guideline that estimates the potential amount of protection a hearing protection device may provide. Noise reduction ratings can help users to select appropriate hearing protection based on the noise levels of the work they are doing. |
| occupational hearing loss |
A reduced ability to hear sounds that is caused by exposure to loud noise in the workplace. Hearing loss can negatively impact a worker's ability to do a job effectively. |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
OSHA. A government agency that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. It ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments. |
| outer ear |
The external portion of the ear that modifies the sound waves in the environment. The outer ear directs sound waves toward the eardrum. |
| personal protective equipment |
PPE. Any clothing or devices worn to minimize exposure to hazards and prevent injury. Earplugs are commonly used when hearing PPE is needed. |
| pre-formed earplugs |
Also known as molded earplugs. These earplugs that are molded to fit a specific individual's ears. Professionals fit all pre-formed ear protection. |
| sensorineural hearing loss |
Irreversible hearing loss that is associated with the inner ear. Causes of sensorineural hearing loss include heredity, chronic noise exposure, and certain medications. |
| silicone rubber |
A soft, pliable material that is selected for its flexibility and resilience. Silicone rubber is often used to make pre-formed earplugs. |
| single-use earplugs |
A type of hearing protection that is disposable. Single-use earplugs are often made of waxed cotton, foam, or silicone rubber. |
| sound |
The physical phenomenon that stimulates the sense of hearing. Sound is an acoustic wave that results when a vibrating source disturbs the air. |
| sound-level meter |
A measuring instrument used to determine loudness. Sound-level meters can be used in place of noise dosimeters when dosimeters are unavailable or inappropriate. |
| time-weighted average |
A measure of noise exposure that is an average of varying levels of noise experienced in a given amount of time. Noise exposure should stay within certain levels to keep employees safe. |
| volume-reducing earplugs |
Also known as volume-reducing earplugs or acoustic filtering earplugs. A newer variety of ear protection that reduces the sound volume in an environment without losing sound quality. Volume-reducing earplugs are often used by musicians. |