The guide for evaluation of hearing handicap has required periodic revision as new information becomes available. In 1953, a committee of consultants on occupational loss of hearing issued a report to the chairman, setting forth their recommendations as to how occupational loss of hearing should be evaluated. In 1960, a similar committee was appointed to review the rules adopted by the board pursuant to the 1953 recommendations. This committee suggested certain changes in measuring of hearing loss and the criteria, which were subsequently adopted. In 1979, the chairman appointed a committee to review the rules and statute. It made recommendations taking into consideration the two previous reports. On the basis of all the reports, new rules were adopted effective October 1, 1980. Thereafter, by chapter 415 of the Laws of 1983, section 49-hh of the Workers' Compensation Law was added to require that the standards adopted by the board shall conform with the standards recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology accepted by the American Medical Association. In order to conform to such standards, amendments are hereby adopted, effective January 1, 1984, to be applicable to disablements occurring on or after such date.