1910.95(i): Hearing Protectors
Employers must make hearing protectors available at no cost to all employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater, and replace them as necessary. Hearing protectors must be worn by employees required to wear PPE under the noise rule and by exposed employees without a baseline audiogram or with a standard threshold shift; employers must offer a choice of protectors, train on use and care, and ensure proper fit.
Key takeaways
- 1910.95(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart G).
- OSHA cited it 130 times in the last 3 years, in 116 inspections, with $209,135 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (32), TX (12), PA (9).
- Related part: 1910.95(i)(2) (58 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.95(i) ("Hearing protectors") is one requirement inside 1910.95 Occupational noise exposure, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart G). It includes 9 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
(i) Hearing protectors. 130 citations
(1) Employers shall make hearing protectors available to all employees exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater at no cost to the employees. Hearing protectors shall be replaced as necessary. Open (i)(1) 5 citations
(2) Employers shall ensure that hearing protectors are worn: Open (i)(2) 58 citations
(i) By an employee who is required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section to wear personal protective equipment; and Open (i)(2)(i) 19 citations
(ii) By any employee who is exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater, and who: Open (i)(2)(ii) 31 citations
(A) Has not yet had a baseline audiogram established pursuant to paragraph (g)(5)(ii); or Open (i)(2)(ii)(a) 18 citations
(B) Has experienced a standard threshold shift.
(3) Employees shall be given the opportunity to select their hearing protectors from a variety of suitable hearing protectors provided by the employer. Open (i)(3) 46 citations
(4) The employer shall provide training in the use and care of all hearing protectors provided to employees. Open (i)(4) 11 citations
(5) The employer shall ensure proper initial fitting and supervise the correct use of all hearing protectors. Open (i)(5) 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.95.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 53 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2026 | 32 |
Top states: TN (32), TX (12), PA (9), WI (9), IL (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SCHWEID & SONS | CARLSTADT, NJ | $33,100 |
| CIRCA RESORT & CASINO | LAS VEGAS, NV | $23,438 |
| JONES TILE | KENNER, LA | $14,518 |
| JINDAL TUBULAR USA LLC | BAY SAINT LOUIS, MS | $12,676 |
| FARMERS RICE MILLING COMPANY | LAKE CHARLES, LA | $11,585 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.95(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Ear plug personal fit-testing systems that measure real-time noise reduction (2017-10-20)
- Application of the Occupational Noise standard to employees who are deaf or have a diminished capacity to hear. (2004-08-03)
- Hearing protection and the responsibility for paying for the hearing protectors including replacement devices/parts. (2000-10-02)
- OSHA's rationale for the noise exposure PEL. (1999-07-28)
- Use of Walkman Radio, Tape, or CD Players and Their Effect When Hearing Protection Is In Use (1987-04-14)
- One type of muff and plug available for employee hearing protector selection. (1983-10-17)
- Ear muffs and ear plugs are not both required if one offers protection. (1983-09-30)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.95(i)(2) 58 citations
- 1910.95(i)(3) 46 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(ii) 31 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(i) 19 citations
- 1910.95(i)(2)(ii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.95(i)(4) 11 citations
- 1910.95(i)(5) 10 citations
- 1910.95(i)(1) 5 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
At what noise level must hearing protectors be made available?
When employees are exposed to an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels or greater.
Do workers pay for hearing protectors?
No. They must be made available at no cost to the employees.
Do workers get to choose their hearing protectors?
Yes. Employees must be able to select from a variety of suitable hearing protectors provided by the employer.
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; data as of 2026-10-21
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.