Understanding OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 requirements and how AudiVault automates compliance
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hearing Conservation Standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when workers are exposed to noise levels at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) — known as the Action Level.
A compliant hearing conservation program includes noise monitoring, audiometric testing, hearing protector provision, employee training, and recordkeeping. AudiVault automates the audiometric testing, STS calculations, notification, and recordkeeping portions of the program.
The essential elements of OSHA's hearing conservation standard
Employers must monitor noise levels when exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour TWA of 85 dB (Action Level).
Baseline and annual audiograms must be obtained for all employees in the Hearing Conservation Program.
An STS is an average shift of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear relative to the baseline.
Employees must be notified in writing within 21 days of an STS determination.
Employers must provide hearing protectors to all employees exposed at or above the Action Level, at no cost.
Annual training on hearing conservation must be provided to all employees in the program.
Audiometric test records must be retained for the duration of employment. Noise exposure records for 2 years.
An STS is recordable on the OSHA 300 log if the average hearing level at 2K/3K/4K exceeds 25 dB in the affected ear.
Standard Threshold Shift determination follows a specific process
Obtain the current year's audiogram results at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz for each ear
Compare against the baseline audiogram at the same frequencies
Apply age correction factors from OSHA Table F-1 (optional but recommended)
Calculate the average difference at 2K, 3K, and 4K Hz
If the average shift is 10 dB or greater, an STS has occurred
Determine recordability: if STS exists AND the current average at 2K/3K/4K exceeds 25 dB, the shift is OSHA recordable
AudiVault performs STS calculations automatically when audiograms are submitted. The platform applies age correction factors, compares against baseline audiograms, and flags any Standard Threshold Shifts — including whether they meet OSHA recordability criteria. All calculations are documented in the audit trail for compliance review.
OSHA allows the use of age correction factors to account for normal age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
When determining STS, employers may adjust audiometric results using age correction values from OSHA's Table F-1 (Appendix F of 29 CFR 1910.95). These tables provide separate correction values for males and females at each test frequency, based on age.
The age correction is applied to both the baseline and current audiogram before calculating the shift. This method can reduce false-positive STS determinations caused by normal aging rather than occupational noise exposure.
AudiVault includes the complete OSHA Table F-1 age correction values for both males and females. When audiograms are submitted, the platform automatically applies age corrections based on the employee's demographic data and calculates both corrected and uncorrected STS values.
Organization administrators can configure whether age correction is applied by default in the Settings page.
What OSHA requires you to maintain — and how AudiVault handles it
Duration of employment
2 years minimum
5 years
Let AudiVault handle the calculations, notifications, and recordkeeping so you can focus on your hearing conservation program.