does any one know what osha safety levels are to prevent hearing damage ? im 38 and want to keep my ears for a while. thanks chris
Here is the OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) regulation on occupational noise exposure:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=9735
As you'll see, the answer is somewhat complex and depends on volume level, frequency, and exposure time. The specified limits are based on A-weighting, which as shown in the first figure gives greatest weight to frequencies in the 2 to 4 kHz area, de-emphasizes low frequencies greatly (which is obviously a very relevant factor when it comes to listening to music), and de-emphasizes very high frequencies somewhat.
Exposure time also very dramatically affects the maximum permissible levels.
The bottom line, based on A-weighting, would seem to be captured in this sentence:
When information indicates that any employee's exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and implement a monitoring program.
The monitoring program is required to include annual audiometric testing of employee hearing.
Also, Table G-16 specifies maximum permissible exposures which must be adhered to, whether by means of administrative controls, hearing protectors, etc. Among other numbers, these limits include exposure to levels of 90db for 8 hours per day, and 110 db for 30 minutes per day. All based on A-weighting.
Regards,
-- Al