Mitigation Techniques

• When possible, stay far away from the noise source. 
  • The louder the noise is, the faster it can cause permanent hearing loss. Limit the amount of time you are exposed to the noise over 85 decibels (dB) to give your ears a break. If you must raise your voice to be understood by people nearby, then noise is likely more than 85 dB.
• Always wear hearing protection making certain that: 
  • Your hearing protection has a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of at least 28 dB for sawyers/swampers and masticator/chipper workers, 20 dB for everyone else. 
  • Your earplugs are clean. Change your earplugs often and store somewhere clean (preferably not your Nomex buttonhole).

Properly insert your earplugs:

• Roll the earplug up into a small, thin "snake" with clean fingers. 
• Pull the top of your ear up and back with your opposite hand to straighten out your ear canal, then insert the earplug. 
• Hold the earplug in with your finger. Count to 20 or 30 while waiting for the plug to expand and fill the ear canal. 
• Tug the earplug gently to make sure it is seated correctly. 
• One size does NOT fit all. You may need a different earplug size or style if it does not stay seated over time. 
• Cup your ears with your hands in a noisy environment; if you notice a big difference in noise, recheck the fit of your earplugs. Also, your voice will sound muffled when the plug has made a good seal.

Action: 

1. Look at your earplugs. If they are dirty, get a new pair and a spare.
2. Get audiograms every year. If you don’t, find out how you can. Your Safety Officer is a good starting place. 
3. Turn down your music just a little bit, especially when you listen with earbuds.
4. Most importantly, insert your earplugs correctly. Improperly seated earplugs offer little protection.

Discussion Questions:

• How can exposure to excessive noise reduce the firefighter’s ability to maintain good situational awareness?
• What ear protection does your crew use? How do you store it? What is the NRR? 
• Do you wear hearing protection when you work in all noisy environments? If not, why? 
• Given your responses above, how can you improve your protective hearing equipment and use of it?
• How do you protect your hearing at home when working with loud equipment, such as chainsaws, mowers, and weed whackers?

Resources:

• Noise Exposure Among Federal Wildland Firefighters
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Occupational Noise Exposure
• Use the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app if you are unsure exactly how loud it is. (only available for iPhone)