Hearing Conservation & Hearing Protection PPE Training
This Hearing Conservation & Hearing Protection PPE Training course provides a practical, compliance-focused overview of how workplace noise affects hearing and how employers and employees can prevent permanent hearing loss through an effective hearing conservation program. The course explains OSHA-recognized noise exposure risks, including action levels and permissible exposure limits, and outlines when hearing protection is required in the workplace.
Learners are trained on the correct selection, use, and care of hearing protection PPE, including earplugs and earmuffs, with clear instruction on Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), proper fit, and real-world effectiveness. Participants will gain an understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, the importance of early prevention, and the role of audiometric testing in monitoring employee hearing over time.
The training also covers employer and employee responsibilities, noise monitoring practices, and the use of engineering and administrative controls to reduce exposure before relying on PPE. Designed for industrial, manufacturing, construction, and other high-noise environments, this course supports OSHA hearing conservation program requirements while giving workers clear, actionable guidance on protecting their hearing—both on and off the job.
What You’ll Learn
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss - Understand how workplace noise causes temporary and permanent hearing loss
- Hearing Conservation Program Requirements - Learn when hearing protection PPE is required under a hearing conservation program
- Hearing Protection PPE Use - Properly use earplugs and earmuffs for effective ear protection
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) - Understand what NRR means and how it applies in real workplaces
- Audiometric Testing - Learn the purpose of audiometric testing and how hearing changes are identified
- Noise Exposure Levels - Recognize action levels, permissible exposure limits, and when protection is required
- Engineering and Administrative Controls - Understand noise control methods beyond PPE
- Shared Responsibilities - Know employer and employee responsibilities for hearing conservation
Course Details
Duration: 30 minutes
Format: Self Paced Online Training
Assessment: Knowledge quiz with immediate feedback
Certification: Certificate of completion upon passing
Access: Available 24/7 through Training Director LMS
Who Should Take This Course
- Employees working in high-noise environments
- Supervisors responsible for enforcing hearing protection requirements
- Safety managers implementing a hearing conservation program
- Manufacturing, construction, industrial, and warehouse personnel
- Employers seeking training that supports OSHA hearing conservation requirements
- Anyone exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dBA
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the training take?
The course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Employees can pause and resume at their convenience.
Is this training OSHA compliant?
This training is designed to help organizations meet OSHA requirements for workplace safety. It supports OSHA hearing conservation program requirements under 29 CFR 1910.95 and covers noise exposure training, hearing protection PPE, and audiometric testing aligned with OSHA expectations. The training addresses hearing conservation program fundamentals but should be supplemented with site-specific noise monitoring data and audiometric testing procedures.
Do employees receive a certificate?
Yes. Upon successful completion, employees can generate a certificate of completion. All progress is stored and can be accessed in the main dashboard under Learner Report.
How often should employees take this training?
OSHA requires annual hearing conservation training for employees enrolled in a hearing conservation program (those exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dBA). Additional training is required when noise exposure changes or when audiometric testing reveals standard threshold shifts.
Can we track completion?
Yes. Training Director provides real-time tracking of assignments, completion status, and quiz scores, making it easy to verify that all employees have completed their hearing conservation training.
What is the difference between earplugs and earmuffs?
The training covers both types of hearing protection PPE. Earplugs are inserted into the ear canal and provide good protection when properly fitted. Earmuffs cover the entire outer ear and are easier to fit correctly but can be uncomfortable in hot environments. The course explains Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for both types and when dual protection (earplugs and earmuffs together) is recommended for very high noise levels.
Does this training cover audiometric testing?
Yes. The training explains the purpose of audiometric testing, what an audiogram measures, how baseline and annual audiograms are compared, and what a standard threshold shift means. However, this training does not replace the hands-on audiometric testing procedure that must be conducted by qualified personnel as part of a hearing conservation program.
When is a hearing conservation program required?
The training covers OSHA hearing conservation program requirements. A hearing conservation program is required when employees are exposed to noise levels at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA. The program must include noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protection PPE, training, and recordkeeping. This course is intended to help employers provide the required annual training component for employees enrolled in a hearing conservation program.
Get Started
Hearing Conservation & Hearing Protection PPE Training is included with the Intelligent Plan.
- Sign up - You can begin on the free plan and upgrade when you’re ready to assign courses.
- Complete the company risk assessment (required) - It takes less than 15 minutes. Answer all questions as accurately as possible so we can set up your account correctly.
- Access your dashboard - After submitting the assessment, you’ll be redirected to your dashboard.
- Click Training Director - Start assigning courses to your team.
Related Resources
Related Training Courses
- PPE - Personal Protective Equipment Safety - Comprehensive PPE training covering all types of personal protective equipment including hearing protection
- Safety Orientation Course - New hire safety orientation including PPE and hearing protection requirements
- Hand and Power Tool Safety Training - Tool safety training including noise hazards and hearing protection requirements
Related Blog Posts
- Hearing Conservation Policy: Protecting Workers from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss - Complete guide to creating OSHA-compliant hearing conservation programs
- 7 Steps to Build a Footwear Safety Policy That Prevents Workplace Injuries - Comprehensive PPE policy guide including hearing protection requirements
Related Toolbox Talks
- Hearing Conservation and Noise Hazards: Protecting Your Hearing for Life - Essential information about noise-induced hearing loss prevention and proper hearing protection use
- Safe Communication in High-Noise Environments - Communication strategies while wearing hearing protection PPE
- Personal Protective Equipment: Your Last Line of Defense - Complete PPE guide including ear protection requirements