SDCL § 62-9-2: Definition of terms.

Terms used in this chapter mean:

(1) "Occupational loss of hearing," a permanent sensorineural loss of hearing caused by prolonged exposure to excessive noise in the working environment;

(2) "Excessive noise," sound in the working environment capable of producing occupational loss of hearing. Sound of an intensity of less than ninety decibels, "A scale, slow response', is considered incapable of producing occupational hearing losses as defined in this chapter. Regular exposure to the noise levels set forth below for periods less than those described for such levels does not constitute an exposure to excessive noise:

Noise Levels | Periods

A Scale, Slow Response

90 DB | 8 hours per day

92 DB | 6 hours per day

95 DB | 4 hours per day

97 DB | 3 hours per day

100 DB | 2 hours per day

105 DB | 1 hour per day

110 DB | 30 minutes per day

115 DB | 15 minutes per day

Greater than 115 DB | No exposure recommended