Departments are responsible for;

• Providing hearing protective equipment to:
• Employees who are exposed to noise at or above 85 dB(A) averaged out over an 8-hour workday. This is the same limit required for enrollment in UCSD's Hearing Conservation Program.
• Anyone who enters an area designated as "hearing protection required."
• Paying for the hearing protectors
• Replacing hearing protectors if they are broken, defective, or unsanitary
• Giving employees a choice between at least 2 brands of hearing protectors

Several types of hearing protectors are available, offering protection for varying degrees of noise exposure.

• Aural protectors, sometimes called inserts, are plug-type protectors placed directly into the ear canal. There are several types, and most are available from Marketplace Preview:
  • Pre-molded (sized or universal)
  • Moldable (usually made of foam)
  • Custom molded (available from an audiologist)
• Circumaural protectors (muffs) are plastic domes that cover the ears and are connected with a spring band that fits on top of the head.
• Superaural protectors (canal caps) seal the external opening to the ear canal. Audiologists fit and order canal caps.

Contact the Hearing Conservation Program Coordinator, (858) 534-1075, for guidance on selection and use of hearing protection.

If you are a UCSD employee and have questions, contact the Hearing Conservation Program Coordinator, (858) 534-1075.