hearing

Hearing Conservation Manual 19 PLUGS To insert ear plugs, reach over the head with your opposite hand and pull the ear up and outward to open the ear canal. Holding the plug between thumb and forefinger of the hand, insert the plug into the ear with finger pressure and a slight turning motion until a seal is made. (Expandable “foam” plugs will need to be “rolled” prior to insertion into the ear canal and held in place for about 30 seconds while the foam expands). Check out the EH&S videos Hearing Protection: Disposable Ear Plugs, Hearing Protection: Reusable Ear Plugs, and Hearing Protection: Earmuffs at www.ehs.iastate.edu/video . C. Audiometric testing 1. Purpose of hearing test The test is conducted to determine if your ability to hear has changed since your last examination. In other words, it’s a way to ensure adequate steps are being taken to protect your hearing. Report any hearing related problems to Occupational Medicine. 2. Explanation of testing procedures During the test, the Occupational Medicine nurse uses an “audiometer” to produce different sound frequencies. The sound that you hear in the earphones will vary in loudness and “pitch.” The machine records when an employee indicates that they “hear” the sound. A record (audiogram) is made of the lowest level (threshold) of hearing. A comparison of this record is made with an average person’s hearing. All test records for an employee are kept and compared to see if a change in hearing has occurred from year to year. You will be notified if any significant changes occur in your hearing ability.