What is the primary goal of a hearing conservation program?

The primary goal of a hearing conservation program is to protect individuals from noise-induced hearing loss in occupational settings. Such programs are designed to mitigate the risks associated with exposure to harmful levels of noise, which can lead to irreversible hearing damage over time. They include a variety of elements such as monitoring noise levels, educating employees about hearing conservation practices, implementing engineering controls to reduce noise exposure, and providing personal protective equipment like earplugs or earmuffs.

By focusing on prevention and protection, hearing conservation programs aim to maintain the auditory health of employees, ensure compliance with regulations, and ultimately enhance overall workplace safety. The emphasis is on proactive measures to prevent hearing loss rather than addressing it after it occurs, which aligns perfectly with the goals of these programs.