Hearing Standards

The noise exposure limit of 90dBA per 8 hour working day (“daily noise dose” or DND) is the level recommended in the National Health and Medical Research Council “Model Regulations for Hearing Conservation”.

Should the noise level exceed 90dBA, the permissible exposure duration decreases by 2 hours per 3dBA increase in noise level.

Example

At 93dBA, permissible exposure is 4 hours per day.

For 96dBA, permissible exposure is 2 hours per day.

Maximum exposure for steady noise without ear protection is 115dBA, no matter how short the exposure duration.

Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/military-compensation-reference-library/historical-information/comcare-operations-manual/volume-thirteen-permanent-impairment/part-six-hearing-loss/hearing-standards