Hearing Conservation Program Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 mandates a hearing conservation program when workers are exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) noise level of 85 dBA or higher. Employers must conduct noise monitoring, provide audiometric testing, supply hearing protection, and deliver training annually. Failure to comply can result in significant fines and long-term occupational hearing loss claims among the workforce.

  • Industry: Workplace Safety
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Role: Industrial Hygienist
  • Total Items: 32
  • Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1020 Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records, NIOSH REL for Occupational Noise: 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA, ACGIH TLV for Noise: 85 dBA TWA with 3 dB exchange rate, ANSI S3.44 Determination of Occupational Noise Exposure

Noise Monitoring & Exposure Assessment

Verify that noise monitoring has been conducted appropriately and results are documented per OSHA requirements.

  • Has a noise monitoring survey been conducted within the past 12 months for all potentially exposed work areas?
  • Are dosimetry or sound level meter instruments calibrated before and after each use?
  • Are noise monitoring records retained for the duration of each affected employee's employment?
  • Have employees been notified of their individual noise exposure monitoring results?
  • Is a map or inventory of all high-noise areas (≥85 dBA) documented and posted?

Audiometric Testing Program

Assess whether baseline and annual audiometric testing requirements are being met for all enrolled employees.

  • Have all newly enrolled employees received a baseline audiogram within 6 months of first noise exposure at or above the action level?
  • Are annual audiograms conducted for all employees exposed at or above 85 dBA TWA?
  • Is audiometric testing conducted by a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or technician supervised by such a professional?
  • Are standard threshold shifts (STS) identified and employees notified in writing within 21 days?
  • Are audiometric test records maintained and accessible per OSHA record retention requirements?
  • Is the audiometric testing room ambient noise level within ANSI S3.1 permissible levels?

Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs)

Evaluate the selection, availability, use, and effectiveness of hearing protection devices provided to employees.

  • Are hearing protectors made available to all employees exposed at or above the action level (85 dBA TWA) at no cost?
  • Is a variety of hearing protector types (plugs, muffs, semi-inserts) offered for employee selection?
  • Are hearing protectors evaluated to ensure adequate attenuation based on actual noise exposures (NRR-based calculations)?
  • Are employees trained on the proper insertion and fitting of their specific hearing protectors?
  • Are replacement hearing protectors available on demand without barriers or delay?

Engineering & Administrative Controls

Review whether feasible engineering and administrative controls are implemented before relying on personal protective equipment.

  • Have all feasible engineering controls been evaluated and implemented to reduce noise at the source?
  • Are administrative controls such as job rotation or limiting time in high-noise areas used where engineering controls are not fully effective?
  • Is noise-generating equipment regularly maintained to minimize unnecessary noise emissions?
  • Are warning signs posted at the entrances to all areas where noise levels exceed 85 dBA?
  • Is there a documented noise control action plan for areas where engineering controls have not yet been implemented?

Training & Employee Education

Confirm that annual training requirements are met and training content covers all mandated topics.

  • Is annual training provided to all employees enrolled in the hearing conservation program?
  • Does training content cover the effects of noise on hearing, the purpose of audiometric testing, and HPD use?
  • Are training records (dates, attendees, content) retained and available for inspection?
  • Is training updated to reflect changes in PPE types, work areas, or noise monitoring results?
  • Are new employees trained before assignment to noise-hazardous work areas?

Recordkeeping & Program Management

Verify that all required records are maintained, accessible, and that program administration responsibilities are clearly assigned.

  • Are all noise exposure measurement records retained per OSHA 1910.1020 requirements (30 years after employment)?
  • Is there a designated program administrator responsible for the hearing conservation program?
  • Are employees provided access to their own noise exposure and audiometric records upon request?
  • Has the hearing conservation program been reviewed and updated in the past 12 months?
  • Are program deficiencies from previous audits tracked to closure with corrective action documentation?
  • Additional audit notes or corrective actions required?

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Why Use This Hearing Conservation Program Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This hearing conservation program audit checklist [free pdf] helps workplace safety teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for industrial hygienist professionals, this checklist covers 32 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1020 Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records, NIOSH REL for Occupational Noise: 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA, ACGIH TLV for Noise: 85 dBA TWA with 3 dB exchange rate, ANSI S3.44 Determination of Occupational Noise Exposure. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hearing Conservation Program Audit Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 32 inspection items across 6 sections: Noise Monitoring & Exposure Assessment, Audiometric Testing Program, Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs), Engineering & Administrative Controls, Training & Employee Education, Recordkeeping & Program Management. It is designed for workplace safety operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Hearing Conservation Program Audit Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Industrial Hygienist professionals in the workplace safety industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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