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Title / Demonstrate knowledge of hearing conservation
Level / 4 / Credits / 4
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to: explain the effects of noise on hearing; explain methods of hearing protection; and explain the components of a workplace hearing conservation programme.
Classification / Community Support > Hearing Therapy
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
1The performance of all elements of this unit standard must comply with any relevant cultural or legislative requirements including the rights and responsibilities of people receiving services or supports as outlined in the Health and Disability Commissioner (Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights) Regulations 1996.
2Noise exposure safety levels are defined through the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992, Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995, and approved codes of practice published by OSH and available from the Department of Labour’s website,
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Explain the effects of noise on hearing.
Evidence requirements
1.1Noise exposure safety levels are explained in accordance with occupational safety and health (OSH) policies and procedures.
Rangedecibels, frequencies, duration of exposure.
1.2Excessive exposure to noise is explained in terms of its effects on hearing.
Rangetemporary threshold shift, permanent threshold shift.
1.3Excessive noise exposure is explained in terms of the effects on the communication process that results from the reduction in hearing.
Rangedifficulties in – face-to-face communication, group communication, communication in background noise, non-visual communication.
Outcome 2
Explain methods of hearing protection.
Rangephysical protection, noise avoidance, limitation of exposure, management of noise in the environment.
Evidence requirements
2.1Hearing protection methods are explained in accordance with OSH policies and procedures.
Outcome 3
Explain the components of a workplace hearing conservation programme.
Evidence requirements
3.1Noise measurement is explained in accordance with OSH policies and procedures.
3.2Noise control is explained in accordance with OSH policies and procedures.
Rangereview of work processes, isolation of machinery, maintenance of machinery, reduction of reverberation, maintenance of hearing protectors;
evidence of three noise control methods is required.
3.3Requirements for hearing protection are explained in accordance with OSH policies and procedures.
Rangeearplugs, earmuffs, signage.
3.4Requirements for hearing screening are explained in accordance with OSH policies and procedures.
Rangebaseline audiogram, auditory rest, temporary threshold shift, ambient noise level, frequency of testing, standard of equipment.
3.5The criteria for notification of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss as an occupational disease is explained in accordance with OSH policies and procedures.
3.6Requirements for employer and employee education are explained in accordance with OSH policies and procedures.
Rangerisk awareness, legal obligations, hearing protection, noise control measures.
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 19 April 2002 / 31 December 2019
Review / 2 / 20 May 2008 / 31 December 2019
Review / 3 / 20 April 2017 / 31 December 2019
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0024
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Community Support Services Industry Training Organisation LimitedSSB Code 101814 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut