Noise, or unwanted sound, can be present in a variety of work locations around the university in academic departments, the hospital, intramural sports, parking & transportation garages and other areas. It is generated as a by-product of research activities, construction projects, maintenance work and the operation of support activities such as industrial dishwashing. It is most often generated by a piece of equipment or tools. Exposure to high levels of noise can cause hearing loss. The extent of damage depends primarily on the intensity of the noise and the duration of the exposure.

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) has designed a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) to protect the hearing of UVA staff and faculty with significant occupational noise exposures. Elements of this program include exposure monitoring, audiometric testing, engineering and administrative controls, hearing protection devices (earmuffs, ear plugs), training, recordkeeping, and program evaluation.

For online training associated with the Hearing Conservation Program go to the Occupational Health & Safety - Hearing Conservation Training page.