Fundamental principles of a hearing conservation programme in noisy workshops

In his article, the author addresses Czechoslovak anti-noise legislation. He pays special attention to the methodology of pre-employment admission and regular follow-up audiometric examination as the most effective tool preventing not only the development of severe, but also moderate occupational hearing impairment due to excessive noise. He discusses important medical and assessment aspects and, drawing on his own experience and concepts presented in the world literature, he explains the fundamental principles making up the present draft methodology. In addition, there are economic and social reasons speaking in favour of an early issuance, adoption of, and adherence to, a uniform preventive methodology that will bear fruit in the long run.