PDC 404: Advocate for Hearing Rethinking Hearing Loss Prevention

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

CM Credit Hours: 7 

*Please note: PDCs are at an additional cost, and preregistration is required*
To register, please visit: https://aihaconnect.org/register

Noise is a complex hazard, and overexposure poses serious health and safety risks. Hazardous noise can damage the auditory system, contribute to long-term health effects and interfere with a worker's ability to communicate and respond to surrounding sounds. Delivering effective hearing conservation programs can be challenging, which is why rethinking hearing loss prevention opens the door to new approaches and practices.

This professional development course is designed to advance hearing loss prevention efforts by focusing on three key concepts: audibility, attenuation and advocacy for hearing. Topics include hearing protector selection and fitting techniques, verifying attenuation through fit testing, assessing and addressing audibility needs, adopting a total hearing health approach and updating age corrections for audiometric tests.

Instructors will review best practices for prevention, including fitting techniques, research findings that support evidence-based recommendations and practical solutions to common hearing conservation challenges. Attendees will participate in interactive activities such as audio demonstrations, hands-on hearing protector fitting to practice coaching techniques and fit-testing exercises. Listening exercises will be interspersed throughout the day to reinforce key messages about hearing while protected

*Registration includes boxed luncheon. **Power strips will not be provided at each attendee's seat; however, laptop charging stations will be provided in each course room.

• Noise Issues
o Overcoming barriers that lead to ineffective hearing conservation programs
• Hearing Conservation Programs
o Selecting and applying best practices
• Hearing Protection
o Types of hearing protectors, proper care and attenuation principles
• Hands-On Fitting
o Tips and practicum for effective hearing protector fitting
• Hearing Protector Fit Testing
o Evidence-based benefits and implementation strategies
• Audibility
o Importance of audibility, technologies to improve signal-to-noise ratio, needs assessment and inclusion as a selection criterion for hearing protection devices
• Updates in Audiometry
o Discussion of age correction values and their impact on hearing assessments
• Total Hearing Health
o A comprehensive approach to hearing health, including motivation and the value of hearing
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Describe a best practice in hearing loss prevention programs.
• List three benefits of a hearing protector fit testing.
• Compare the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) to the Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR).
• Define audibility and how improving signal-to-noise ratio applies to communicating in noise.
• Describe hearing protector technology designed to improve audibility in noise and support communicating at a distance.
• Identify an interactive technique intended to enhance training & motivate workers.
 

Attendees should review the regulatory requirements for employer hearing conservation applicable in their jurisdiction before the course. 

Attendees will receive a PDF copy of AIHA's "The Noise Manual, 6th Edition." 

Implementing hearing protector fit testing can improve the use of hearing protection and help reduce cases of occupational hearing loss. Audibility is an important factor when selecting hearing protectors, as it supports worker safety and productivity. 

None

Introductory

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Personal Protective Equipment

Education and training

Hearing conservation and noise reduction

Personal protective equipment

Regulatory compliance

In-person

Professional

Case Studies

Group activities

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Practical Application

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises

Small Group Discussion