1910.95(g)(10): Standard threshold shift
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(g)(10) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- Related part: 1910.95(g) Audiometric testing program (437 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(10) ("Standard threshold shift") is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(10) Standard threshold shift.
(i) As used in this section, a standard threshold shift is a change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear. Open (g)(10)(i)
(ii) In determining whether a standard threshold shift has occurred, allowance may be made for the contribution of aging (presbycusis) to the change in hearing level by correcting the annual audiogram according to the procedure described in appendix F: Calculation and Application of Age Correction to Audiograms.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.95.
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Revising baseline audiogram when there is a standard threshold shift in only one ear. (2005-09-09)
- Baseline audiogram revision due to persistent STS or improved thresholds; revision must be made for each ear separately. (2003-05-08)
- Identification of a standard threshold shift (STS) for individuals with a very poor sense of hearing. (1989-11-17)
- Interpretation of "effective hearing conservation program". (1985-06-06)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(g) Audiometric testing program 437 citations
- 1910.95(g)(1) 227 citations
- 1910.95(g)(6) Annual audiogram 99 citations
- 1910.95(g)(5) Baseline audiogram 80 citations
- 1910.95(g)(5)(i) 72 citations
- 1910.95(g)(8) Follow-up procedures 25 citations
- 1910.95(g)(8)(ii) 15 citations
- 1910.95(g)(8)(i) 10 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7) Evaluation of audiogram 5 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7)(ii) 2 citations
- 1910.95(g)(3) 1 citations
- 1910.95(g)(7)(iii) 1 citations
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.95 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.