
The prevention of noise-induced hearing loss has been shown to reduce the risk of workers compensation liabilities and may also help contain costs associated with workers compensation claims.To examine associations between non-otologic medical conditions and auditory dysfunction.Ĭross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Noise Outcomes in Service members Epidemiology (NOISE) study. Management may experience better labor-management relations. Studies have shown that effective HCPs can help reduce accident rates, as well as illnesses and lost time on the job. Less noise and better hearing can also lead to greater job satisfaction, productivity and safety. Employees in an effective HCP may feel less fatigue and stress.
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This allows for early intervention and prevention of further damage.īoth employees and management benefit from an effective HCP. Any shifts in hearing should be caught immediately and remediation taken place so that the hearing loss does not become permanent. The hearing testing provides detection of hearing losses from on-the-job noise exposure and from other causes that might otherwise go undetected. If hazardous noises cannot be eliminated, annual hearing testing must be offered to the employees working in an environment at or above 85 dBA TWA.

Identifying, reducing, and eliminating hazardous noise sources in the workplace is the first step of a HCP. What are the Benefits of an Effective Hearing Conservation Program?Īn effective hearing conservation program (HCP) will prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and its associated side effects.

OHC training is offered in multiple locations throughout North America and other countries. "Audiometric tests shall be performed by a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other physician or by a technician who is certified by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation or who has satisfactorily demonstrated competence in administering audiometric examinations, obtaining valid audiograms and properly using, maintaining and checking calibration and proper functioning of the audiometers being used."
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COHCs may also work in government agencies and military installations.Īccording to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulation 1910.95(g)(3):

Some COHCs work in fixed facilities such as on-site industry clinics or occupational health clinics while others travel and provide services through mobile hearing testing vans or trucks. COHCs may be responsible for performing pure tone air conduction audiometric testing, fitting hearing protection devices, providing education, and enforcing hearing conservation program (HCP) compliance. Even though the audiometric testing program must be supervised by an audiologist or physician, the COHC may be closely involved with noise-exposed workers and their activities.ĬOHCs may be audiologists, physicians, occupational health nurses, industrial hygienists, human resources directors, workplace safety officers or any person interested in occupational hearing conservation. About the Training Who is an Occupational Hearing Conservationist?Ī Certified Occupational Hearing conservationist (COHC) plays an integral role on the hearing conservation team.
