High intensity hazardous noise can cause permanent hearing loss. For many Soldiers
who are routinely exposed to hazardous noise, this can cause progressive hearing loss, and threaten their combat readiness.
Hearing is a 360 degree warning sense; it is essential for communication and for detection of sound at a distance. Poor
hearing will degrade a Soldiers performance. Successful completion of a mission demands the best from everyone. When
Soldier's preserve the ability to hear low-intensity sounds and speech we optimize readiness and Soldier survivability.
The most potent and precious munition in the Army is the individual Soldier.
Army Regulation 40-5 requires an Army Hearing Program.
Department of the Army Pamphlet 40-501 provides guidance for
implementing it. There are seven basic components of good hearing conservation. The commanders major responsibilities are
summarized under each:
1) Noise Hazard Identification:
Contact your area Industrial Hygienist for technical assistance in determining hazard potential of noise sources. You can
estimate hazard with the following rules of thumb:
- If the noise is produced by weapons fire consider it hazardous.
- If the noise is so loud you must raise your voice to be understood at a distance of 2 to 3 feet it is probably hazardous.
2) Engineering Controls:
Request noise reduction engineering from facilities engineers. When ordering new or replacement equipment, where feasible,
specify that noise emissions be below 85 dBA.
3) Hearing Protectors:
This is the most important part of the Army Hearing Program and is controlled by the Commander. Ensure all sizes
of triple flange preformed earplugs are available for issue and are properly fitted by trained personnel. Also keep disposable
earplugs or noise muffs available. If the mission requires, ensure sound attenuating helmets are available and serviceable.
Establish a unit policy that the earplug case containing earplugs will be worn as part of the Army Combat Uniform (ACU)
when appropriate. Information regarding ordering and fitting of earplugs can be found in the Technical Guide 41
located
here.
4) Hearing Tests:
Annual hearing tests must be performed for noise exposed personnel in your unit. This ensures identification of hearing
loss before it becomes too significant. Contact your local medical facility to schedule testing.
5) Health Education:
Noise exposed personnel are required to have annual training in hearing conservation. This can be conducted by the Army Hearing Program
coordinator at your unit or at the testing facility by medically trained personnel.
6) Enforcement: Use of hearing protection is mandatory;
see
AR 40-5 and
DA PAM 40-501. When personnel take part in noise hazardous
operations commanders must ensure hearing protection is available and used properly. Anyone failing to use hearing protection
must be disciplined accordingly.
7) Program Evaluation:
An analysis of hearing test results is available to commanders from the Regional Army Hearing Program Officer. This information
is invaluable in assessing the effectiveness of hearing conservation efforts and in focusing on problem areas that
need attention.
Army regulation 40-5 requires
commanders to appoint a Unit Army Hearing Program Manager. Training for the Unit Army Hearing Program Manager is provided by
PHCR-Europe. It is a one-half day workshop designed to orient the participant to requirements and resources available. For details
call the PHCR-Europe Army Hearing Program Consultant.