2013 South Dakota Codified Laws
Title 62 - WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Chapter 09 - Compensation For Permanent Loss Of Hearing
§ 62-9-2 Definition of terms.

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

Source: SL 1986, ch 427, § 2.