Hearing Conservation Training Study Guide

MCAF SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM HEARING
CONSERVATION

TRAINING
(HCP)

A VPP STAR WORKSITE

Since 2017

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The contents and information of this Hearing Conservation
handbook is required to be retained and will be testable

once you have reviewed all of the contents. After reviewing
the material you will be required to pass the open book

exam with a score of 80% or higher. You will not need to
complete the test all at once. You will be able to go back to

the exam, provide your information, and continue where
you left off.

As a VPP Star Site, we take pride in our Safety Training
Program so it is important that you use this time, and this
method, to learn the material so it can be applied to your
daily tasks. Although the temptation will be to simply “get
a check in the box” by completing the exam, we ask that
you resist that temptation and work to learn this material
as it will help you reduce the chance of injury, increase the
effectiveness of our Hearing Conservation Program, and

make the program even stronger.

MCAF Quantico Safety Office
Building 2100 Room 114
(703) 432-1365

[email protected]

3 Index 4
6
Instructions 6
Program Elements 10
Why is the HCP Such a Big Deal 11
Responsibilities 13
Two Types of Hearing Loss 13
What is Noise 13
Common Noise We May Be Exposed To 15
Common Recreation Noise Hazards 15
Signs of Hearing Loss 16
What is Tinnitus 17
Damaged Cochlea Hairs & Hearing Loss.
Hearing Protection 18
18
Understanding the Noise Reduction Rating 20
What is the actual noise at my ear? Do the MATH! 20
Single or Double Hearing Protection 21
What is the purpose of the audiogram? 22
Airfield Noise Level Testing 23
Noise Controls and PPE 25
Earplugs: Foamies – the right way! 25
How do I know if my PPE is enough? 27
Labeling of Hazardous Noise Areas and Equipment 28
Hazard Signs 29
Interesting facts about hearing and hearing loss 29
The NIOSH Sound Level Meter mobile application
Hearing Conservation Training Exam Instructions 30
31
MCAF Hazardous Noise Inventory
Why the change in Knowledge Comprehension Strategy?

4 HEARING CONSERVATION TRAINING

INSTRUCTIONS:
After reviewing the contents of this document you will
be required to complete a 25 question open book
exam by scanning the QR code on the back page with
your smartphone. DO NOT rush through the training
or the exam as the feature to submit multiple
attempts has been disabled.

Policy: There are two major policies that establish
the details of our Hearing Conservation Program here
at MCAF.
1. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 General Industry Stand-

ards – Subpart G, Occupational Noise Exposure.
2. Marine Corps Order 6260.3 (Marine Corps

Hearing Conservation (HCP) Program
MCO 6260.3 “Requires commands at all levels to
establish and maintain a comprehensive Hearing
Conservation Program.”
To hold MCAF accountable to Higher Headquarters
Standards, the Hearing Conservation Program is a
major inspection item during the Commanding
General Inspection process. To ensure this program
is found “Mission Capable” with no discrepancies,
great emphasis is placed on 100% compliance of
program elements. This means your involvement is
key to the success of the program.

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Additionally, MCO 6260.3 requires “All active duty
Marines, Sailors, and only civilian personnel exposed
to hazardous noise supporting Marine Corps
operations shall be enrolled in the HCP.”
Each individual enrolled in the HCP is required to
complete two key items annually:
1. All Marines, assigned Sailors and hazardous noise
-exposed civilian personnel shall have an annual
hazardous noise awareness refresher training
documented in their official training records or logs
by S-3/G-3, or program manager.
2. There will be audiometric testing (an audiogram)
during your PHA or other MOS related physical. Your
audiogram will be entered in the Medical Readiness
Reporting System (MRRS) and tracked in the Safety
Office by the “Safety Information Management
System (SIMS).
So in summary, there are four things required of you:
1. You WILL be enrolled in the HCP
2. You WILL not become delinquent with your

annual HCP training
3. You WILL have an audiogram during your PHA or

other MOS related physical when required.
4. You WILL wear hearing PPE as required based on

the noise level you are exposed to.

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Program Elements:
The Marine Corps Hearing Conservation Program
consists of 9 required elements:

1. Identification and evaluation of noise sources
2. Noise abatement
3. Engineering controls
4. Reference (baseline) audiograms
5. Hearing loss prevention training
6. Monitoring audiograms
7. Termination audiograms
8. Hearing readiness status
9. Diagnostic audiology evaluations

HCP elements are described below.
(a) Noise Measurement: Noise measurement and

exposure analysis shall be conducted to identify noise
hazardous areas or sources, and the personnel
exposed.

(b) Noise Inventory: The IH noise survey or DD
Form 2214 identifies hazardous noise sources or
processes that require at risk Marines, Sailors, and
hazardous noise-exposed civilian personnel to
complete appropriate HCP training and medical
surveillance, and the issue and fitting of correct
hearing protective devices (HPD). Be sure to check
out the MCAF Noise Inventory on the last page of this
booklet.

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(c) Engineering Control: Engineering control of
noise levels is required to reduce the potential hazard
to the maximum extent feasible.

(d) Training: HC training will include the
identification of noise-hazardous areas and sources,
use and care of HPDs, and the effects of noise on
hearing.

(e) Hearing Testing: Baseline and periodic hearing
testing of all personnel at risk is required to monitor
the effectiveness of the program, and enable timely
audiologic and medical evaluation of those personnel
who demonstrate significant hearing loss or thresh-
old shift.

(f) Hearing Protective Devices (HPDs):
Recommendations for use of HPDs as an interim
measure pending effective engineering controls.
Why is this program such a big deal?

Noise injury and hearing loss is a continuing concern
for the Department of Defense and all branches of
service and a program the Marine Corps and you,
should take seriously. It is all too easy to disregard
the hazards of noise because while damage may be
occurring, we won’t “feel” the actually injury. In fact,
it may be years before you realize you have been
injured, and unfortunately by then, there is a good
chance the damage has been done.

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Know this, employees who are exposed to hazardous
levels of noise in the workplace are at risk for
developing noise-induced hearing loss. This means,
since you work at an airport, and provide services for
various aviation elements, YOU are at risk! The good
news is, noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent
preventable if you take steps to reduce your exposure,
wear appropriate PPE correctly, and realize this is a
hazard that will present itself on a daily basis while
you are stationed here at MCAF.
It goes without saying that we want to keep our
hearing, but you may not realize just how dependent
you are on it. Did you know that 50-60% of
Situational Awareness comes our ability to hear? As
you lose your hearing, you run a very real risk on also
being able to have an accurate understanding of your
surroundings.
As you lose your hearing (suffer from noise induced
hearing loss), you may:

 Suffer a lack of awareness during social events
 Lack the information needed to safely operate a

motor vehicle
 Have difficulty communicating
 Be unable to secure various types of employ-

ment like as a Firefighters, Homeland Security,
Pilot, Navigator, Air Traffic Controller, Police
Officer or obtain a CDL.

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 Experience a reduced quality of life w/ family
and friends.

 Lower income. A 2007 study conducted by the
Better Hearing Institute found 20,000 dollars
per year less is made by individuals with
hearing loss in comparison to their hearing
colleagues.

Additionally, according to an article by Carson
Hearing, there are 4 side effects of hearing loss that
may surprise you:

 Cognitive decline
 Gastrointestinal issues brought on by increase

stress and anxiety
 Increased depression or other mental health

problems
 Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. A

2007 survey found 35 percent of the
respondents with hearing loss had trouble
maintaining relationships

Hearing loss can also have a devastating impact on
your ability to perform your duties within your MOS.
Studies have shown that hearing loss lowers reaction
time and increases errors in communication ultimate-
ly leading to fewer enemy killed. The bottom line is
this. We require your 100% involvement in the Hear-
ing Conservation Program, use of PPE, and limiting
your exposure to hazardous noise levels. The success

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of this program is CRITICAL to the mission of the
Marine Corps, and the Mission of MCAF, and in
years to come, you and your family will be grateful
for the Hearing Conservation Program as your hear-
ing is less likely to damaged and you will have less
chance of experiencing the negative effects men-
tioned earlier. Another bottom line is this:
Failure to comply with HCP standards is simply
unacceptable.
Responsibilities

Employer Shall:
 Provide occupational noise training
 Provide hearing protection devices
 Demonstrate commitment by wearing
hearing
protection devices and PPE when required
 Enforce the use of PPE
 Keep up to date with PPE selection and use
 Encourage questions and resolve problems

Employee Shall:
 Understand the need for personal protective
equipment and audiometric testing
 Wear PPE and seek replacements when
needed
 Encourage co-workers to wear PPE
 Communicate problems to supervisors

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This is important to know. Per MCO 6260.3,
paragraph 7.d.4 – Disciplinary actions are authorized
if one is observed not using HPD is hazardous noise
environments.

2 Types of Hearing Loss.

Temporary Hearing Loss. Temporary hearing
loss results from short term exposure to noise. This
type of hearing loss returns when the exposure is
reduced (stay away from the noise) and you allow
your ears to recover. There may be times when you
conduct your annual audiogram where results
show a negative shift in your hearing. You may be
required to spend a day or two in a noise reduced
environment and return to retake your audiogram
so the doctor or audiologist can compare results.
Permanent Hearing Loss. Permanent hearing
loss results from exposure to a moderate or high
level of noise over a long period of time. Permanent
loss is caused by irreversible damage to the struc-
tures of the ear that allow us to hear.
Permanent hearing loss can occur when:
 The ear is exposed to 85 decibels (dB) averaged

over an 8 hour work shift.
 Any exposure to the ear at 140 dB can cause

hearing loss
 Noise that causes pain in the ear is an

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indication that the noise level is too high
 If workers standing only a few feet apart have to

shout or raise their voices to be heard, it is an
indication that noise levels are above 85 dB

What is Noise? The Center for Disease Control
(CDC) estimates that twenty two million workers are
exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each
year. Weather you work in ARFF dealing with loud
vehicles or sirens, work on the flight line with turning
aircraft, or listen to loud music in your vehicle,
ignoring damaging noise will lead to hearing loss and
neglecting this reality is to willingly accept an injury
that is 100% preventable. Some noise facts you need
to be aware of:

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 Noise intensity is measured in decibels (dB)
 The noise frequency or pitch is measured in

hertz (Hz)
 Noise that is both high decibel level and high

frequency is most damaging to your hearing
 In general, the greater the duration of

exposure to loud noise is, the greater the risk
for developing hearing loss
Common noise we may be exposed to.
Take a look at the graphic on the following page that
shows several noise producing items commonly found
here at MCAF.
Common Recreational Noise. It is im por tant
for you to understand that it is not just the work
environment that can cause hearing damage. The
level of car stereos, earbuds, headphones etc all play a
part in the decline of our hearing, and YOU are the
only one that can prevent damage from happening by
being aware of WHEN damage occurs.

 Heavy Traffic / Noisy Restaurant (85dB)
 Auto racing (130-150dB)
 Jet skiing, Motorcycles (95dB)
 Hunting / Shooting (130-170dB)
 Rock concerts (110-130dB)
 Loud music: cars, MP3, IPOD (125dB)
 Stadium Football Game (115dB)

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Signs of Hearing Loss:
 Inability to hear certain high-pitched or soft
sounds.
 Difficulty hearing people speak.
 Noise or ringing in ears.
 Getting complaints that the radio or tv is too
loud.

What is Tinnitus
 Exposure to high noise levels can also cause per-
manent ringing in the ear or “tinnitus”.
 Tinnitus sufferers usually complain of
constant whistling, squealing, roaring or
buzzing in one or both ears.
 Severe tinnitus may disrupt sleep, reduce
concentration and cause irritability and
depression.

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Damaged Cochlea Hairs & Hearing Loss.
Exposure to loud noise will inevitably cause hearing
loss over time. Once the nerves of the inner ear are
destroyed or damaged from exposure to excessive
noise the damage is permanent. Tiny hair cells inside
the cochlea transmit electrical pulses to the auditory
nerve and brain. Loud noise can permanently damage
these hair cells causing the signal to the brain to
weaken and sounds to become distorted.

 The following factors can affect hearing loss:
 Noise Intensity or Sound Pressure
 Frequency or Pitch of sound
 Length of Daily Exposure
 Duration of Exposure in Years
 Individual Susceptibility
 Other Factors (disease, genetics, lifestyle, age,

etc.)
Important to know.

 Did you know that our ears can recover from
short exposures to loud noise, but over time, if
continued exposure is experienced, nerve
damage will occur.

 The longer and louder the noise, the greater
chance there is of suffering from permanent
damage.

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 It is a total myth that your ears will “toughen up”
over time. There is no such thing as “tough ears”
or “getting used to it”.

Hearing Protection.
WEARING THE PROPER HEARING PROTECTION
IS NOT ARBITRARY. JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE
WEARING IT, DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE
PROTECTED.
PROPER HEARING PROTECTION IS
DETERMINED BY THE LEVEL OF NOISE THAT
EXISTS NOT SIMPLY BY WHAT IS CONVENIENT.
Hearing protection devices are selected according to:

 Employee comfort
 Level of noise exposure
 Noise Reduction Level (NRR) of device
 Type of work being performed
 Environmental conditions
A Noise Reduction Rating or NRR is a system used to
measure the amount a hearing protection device is
capable of reducing sound exposure in decibels. The
higher the NRR of a hearing protector, the more
effective it will be at reducing noise. Without knowing
the dB level of noise you are exposed to, and the NRR
of the protective device you have chosen, you will
never know if you are actually protected from injury.

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Understanding Noise Reduction Ratings
(NRR)
The performance of earplugs and earmuffs varies
between brands and styles. One way to choose a hear-
ing protector is to compare Noise Reduction Ratings.
The Noise Reduction Rating, or NRR, measures the
muff's or plug's ability to block out noise or
"attenuate" sound. This measurement is stated in
decibels; a plug with an NRR of 26 blocks out a
maximum of 26 decibels of noise. The NRR listed is
the maximum protection that could be achieved if the
plug fit the wearer perfectly and was inserted
correctly. In most work situations attenuation is half
of the listed NRR. For example, if the NRR is 30 the
hearing protector most likely blocks out 15 decibels of
noise.
What is the actual noise at my ear? Do the
MATH!
So it is loud enough to wear hearing protection, and
out of habit, you grab some foamies on your way out
the door thinking it will be enough to protect your
hearing…. But is it?
For this exercise, find the Weed Eater dB from page 14
and use the NRR from the Moldex “Sparkplug” ear-
plugs on the opposite page. The formula TWA(dB)-
[(NRR-7)*50%] tells us exactly what the noise level is
at our ear to help us determine if we are being injured.

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Running a weed eater (98dB) and using Moldex
earplugs (33 NRR), means at the ear, you are exposed
to 85dB of noise. You can work 8 hours at this level
without experiencing noise induced hearing loss.
BUT, what if you were running the leaf blower at full
throttle (107dB), and wearing the rubber inserts
(21NRR)? Doing the math you would find yourself
exposed to 100dB. Yes you were wearing PPE, but not
enough to protect you. Know the numbers and do the
math. It may not be important now, but it will be in
the future.

Exposure = TWA(dB)-[(NRR-7)*50%]
Exposure = 98(dB)-[(33-7)*50%]
Exposure = 98-[26*50%]
Exposure = 98-13 = 85dB

Remember:
85-95dB, you WILL wear single hearing protection.
96dB or greater, you WILL wear double hearing
protection.

NRR=33 NRR=31 NRR=21

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Single or Double Hearing protection.
 SINGLE Hearing Protection: Areas or
equipment where the dB levels are measured at
85 dB or greater, but less than 96 dBA, shall be
labeled and shall require the use of
single hearing protection, meaning a pair of ear
plugs or a set of ear muffs are worn to reduce
worker noise exposure level to below the
damaging threshold of 85 dB.
 DOUBLE Hearing Protection: Areas or
equipment where the dB levels are measured at
96 dB or above shall be labeled and shall re-
quire the use of double hearing protection
meaning a combination of ear plugs AND ear
muffs are worn together to reduce worker noise
exposure below the damaging threshold of 85
dB.

What is the purpose of the audiogram?
An audiogram is a graphic representation of audio-
metric data. It is a picture of your hearing ability. The
audiogram is used because it provides a convenient
way to visualize hearing ability on a scale related to
the “normal” range of hearing.

 Your first audiogram is called a “baseline” exam
and will be used for future comparison.

 It helps identify occupational hearing loss

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 It provides data to aid the audiologist in identi-
fying a Standard Threshold Shifts (STS) or Per-
manent Threshold Shift (PTS)

It is important to note that Audiometric Testing IS
NOT a form of prevention, but a means for early de-
tection of hearing loss.
USMC requirements state that all personnel in the
HCP receive a baseline audiogram, then one annually
thereafter.
The initial test is used as a baseline, and the annual
test is used to determine if hearing loss has occurred.
Uniformed personnel MUST complete this audiogram
during their annual PHA.
Applicable Civilian employees will have their audio-
gram conducted at Occupational Health at the Naval
Health Clinic Quantico.
Airfield Noise Level Testing
The Safety Department or Occupational Health can
conduct noise monitoring to determine the level of
noise exposure.
The Safety Office is able to provide a handheld sound
level meter capable of determining the dB level of ve-
hicles, tools, and equipment. The Industrial Hygiene
Office of the Occupational Health Clinic can attach a

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Sound Level dosimeter that will determine sound ex-
posure over an 8 hour time weighted average. If you
desire either one of these testing methods to be con-
ducted in your work-space, contact the MCAF Safety
Office for assistance.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) Sound Level Meter App is one tool
available to the public to download on mobile iOS
devices that measures sound levels in the workplace
and provides noise exposure parameters to help re-
duce occupational noise-induced hearing loss
Noise Controls and PPE
Workplace controls to protect workers from
hazardous noise include:

 Engineering Controls. Th is is the ar e
the preferred means of controlling noise
exposures. Engineering controls can greatly
reduce or eliminate the hazard. Noise engi-
neering controls can include equipment substi-
tution and the use of sound insulating and
sound absorption materials.

 Administrative Controls ar e a for m of
work practice controls that can influence the
way a task is performed. Worker rotation is an
example of an administrative control which
involves rotating employees into and out of the

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high noise area/task in the course of a shift,
thereby reducing the full-shift exposure of any
given employee.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is
used when engineering and administrative
controls are not feasible or do not provide suf-
ficient protection. PPE for noise can include
earplugs and earmuffs.
Earplugs: Foamies – the right way!
(1) Roll or squish the earplug
(2) Pull back on ear w/opposite hand to straighten ear
canal for deeper insertion.
(3) Insert the earplug

Generally speaking, there's no left or right-sided ear
plug. A plug is a plug is a plug.
If the ear plug still isn't blocking out noise, you might
need a bigger ear plug.

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If the ear plug is uncomfortable and painful, you
might need a smaller ear plug.
When using a wax or moldable silicone ear plugs,
you'll want to smooth over
When done correctly, you should not be able to see
your buddy’s Foamie if looking directly at him or
yourself if looking directly in a mirror.

 Foamies Offer the highest Noise Reduction Rating
(NRR)

 Come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials
 Come in disposable and reusable models. (Reusable

plugs should be cleaned with lukewarm water and
hand soap after each use)
 The user should wash their hands before inserting
earplugs

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 Must be inserted according the manufacturer’s
directions

 Improper insertion will reduce the protection
provided by the earplug

Earmuffs:
 Cover the whole ear with cushions forming an

air-tight seal
 Have a NRR of up to 30 dB
 May not provide adequate protection if wearing

prescription glasses or safety glasses
 Must be inspected prior to use. (Check for ripped

ear cushions or deteriorated foam)
 Must be stored properly to prevent material

degradation

How do I know if my PPE is enough?
The only way to know that is to pay attention to the
numbers called Decibel Levels (dB). Earlier you
learned that the loss/damage of cochlea hairs is
irreversible and leads to permanent hearing loss.
If you do not wear the appropriate PPE, damage
still may occur.

Labeling of Hazardous Noise Areas and
Equipment (MCO 6260.3)
In 2019, as required by the Marine Corps Hearing
Conservation Order, MCAF conducted a full

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inventory of every item that produces over 85dB and
adhered a sticker like the one below listing the dB lev-
el and showing if single or double hearing protection
is required.

The annual safety goal read “To come into full
compliance with the Marine Corps Hearing
Conservation Program (MCO 6260.3), establish a
process of labeling each tool or piece of equipment
producing noise levels greater than 85 decibels.
Ensure the process meets the minimum requirements
established by the reference.
If you find yourself working with vehicles, tools, or
equipment that have been labeled, you must comply
with the listed protection required. You can still suffer
permanent hearing loss if the noise producing item is
loud enough and you are not wearing enough PPE.
If you happen to find items that have not been la-
beled, contact the Safety Office immediately so a
sticker can be provided.

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Hazard Signs:
All potentially hazardous
noise areas must be clearly
identified by signs located at
their entrances or bounda-
ries. In your work space, pay
attention to signage in
maintenance spaces or exte-
rior doors leading to a high
noise hazard areas. These

areas should have signs on the door warning you of
the potential of hazardous noise. If you plan to go
outdoors, especially onto the ramp area with aircraft,
be sure to have PPE with you.
Additionally, is some spaces, “real time” dB signs have
been provided where the noise level may change
quickly. In the ARFF truck back and in the S4
Grounds maintenance
shed, these signs will
adjust as noise levels
increase and decrease.
As the sign indicates, if
the displayed dB is 85
or higher, either leave
the area, or put in the
appropriate PPE.

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Interesting facts about hearing and hearing
loss:

 Tinnitus and hearing loss are the number one and
two health conditions, respectively, among mili-
tary veterans at U.S. Department of Veterans Af-
fairs (VA) medical centers.

 In 2017, there were 1.79 million disability com-
pensation recipients for tinnitus and 1.16 million
compensation recipients for hearing loss

 A study in 2015 found that 72% of Veterans with
tinnitus also had a diagnosis of anxiety, 60% had
depression, and 58% had both conditions

 ~30 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazard-
ous noise levels on the job

 Nearly 1 in 5 American teenagers are expected to
acquire hearing loss largely due to overexposure
of loud sounds

 25% of Americans age 65-74 and nearly 50% of
those 75+ have disabling hearing loss

 Approximately two-thirds of service members and
veterans have noise induced hearing loss,
tinnitus, or both.

 Many veterans also have processing disorders as a
result of blast or high noise exposure.

 The National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) Sound Level Meter App.

 A portable listening device at maximum volume

29 (105 dB) is louder than heavy city traffic, drills,
noisy subway platform and equal to a table saw.
Blasting the volume in earbuds hurts hearing. It is
estimated that 20% of teenagers, an age group that
frequently uses portable listening devices, will suf-
fer from hearing loss from overexposure to noise

The NIOSH Sound Level Meter
mobile application is a tool to meas-
ure sound levels in the workplace and
provide noise exposure parameters to
help reduce occupational noise-induced
hearing loss.

Hearing Conservation Training Exam Instructions
1. The exam will require you to

answer 25 questions from a
50 question test bank.
2. You must receive a passing score
of 80% or better.
3. This is an OPEN book test. ALL
answers are provided in this HCP
Booklet.
4. You do NOT have to take the test all at once.
Remember your log-in information so you can
“Save” and “Resume” the test at a later time.
5. You MUST submit the test by the last day of the
month. The Safety Office will receive your score
so there is no need to provide your certificate.

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Why the change in
Knowledge Comprehension
Strategy? Look at the info
graph from the 2019 Trend
Analysis Report. Data shows
the average passing score
was 89% and several at-
tempts took less than a mi-
nute. Safety
Training should be
taken seriously, so:

1. Review the material
before you take the test.

2. USE this booklet. The test
is OPEN book.

3. Take your time to look for
the answers. DO NOT
simply answer
questions in hopes of a
passing score.

4. Do not create a
“cheat-sheet” for
someone. They will get
different questions, in a
different order, with
different choices.

5. Take your time—Get it
right!

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