PDC 807: Enhancing Hearing Conservation Programs for a Changing Workforce – NEW!

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

As more workers delay retirement, employers are seeing an increase in standard threshold shifts among older employees. This course begins with a review of the basic requirements of a hearing conservation program, starting with OSHA's regulatory framework to establish a solid foundation.

From there, the session introduces best practices, tools and new approaches based on NIOSH recommendations and industry standards. Topics include hearing protection device fit testing, case studies, hands-on demonstrations, NIOSH's guidance for identifying hearing loss and an overview of NHANES age correction.

By the end of the course, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of hearing conservation program management, along with practical tools and ideas to improve outcomes in their workplace.

*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.

• Instructor introductions and background
• Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) elements
o Minimum requirements: Regulations
 OSHA 1926.52
 OSHA 1910.95
 OSHA Technical Manual – Section III, Chapter 5
o Best practices: Recommendations and guidance
 NIOSH – HPD de-rating
 HPD fit testing
 NIOSH STS identification
 NHANES age correction
• Review of audiogram practices
o What is an audiogram?
o What are the requirements?
o What does it tell the HCP manager?
• Understanding the math
o How are OSHA STSs calculated?
o How is age correction calculated?
o How is reportability calculated?
• What is HPD fit testing?
o Qualitative vs. quantitative
o What is a personal attenuation rate (PAR)?
• Introduction to NIOSH recommendations
o Differences between NIOSH and OSHA HCP elements
o What are the benefits?
• Hands-on exercises
o Calculation practices
 OSHA STS audiometric zero
 OSHA STS reportability
 OSHA STS non–age corrected
 OSHA STS age correction
 NIOSH method calculations
• Interpreting audiogram information
o Identify initial baseline and subsequent updated baselines
o Identify results
• Fit testing demonstration
• Wrap-up and conclusions
 

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Recognize applicable regulations concerning HCPs.
• Identify the seven (7) required HCP elements.
• Detect key information within an audiogram including baselines and results.
• Distinguish key benefits of adopting the NIOSH Method for identifying STSs.
• Process audiogram results using both age correction and non-age correction.
• Evaluate often overlooks mechanisms of hearing loss, included ill-fitting HPDs and age-correction factors.
• Incorporate HPD Fit Testing PARs within their HCP.
• Improve the management of their HCP by understanding the regulatory framework and gaining insights into industry best practices.
 

Attendees will receive standard threshold shift calculation worksheets and hands-on experience with hearing protection device fit-testing equipment. 

As more employees delay retirement, challenges have emerged related to standard threshold shifts in older workers who are no longer covered by OSHA's age correction tables. Attendees will gain new ideas and skills to help address these challenges. 

Laptop or Tablet/iPad

Scientific Calculator

Intermediate

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Personal Protective Equipment

Risk Management

Education and training

Hearing conservation and noise reduction

Personal protective equipment

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment and management

In-person

Practitioner

Case Studies

Group activities

Hands-on demonstrations and practicum

Practical Application

Problem Solving /Practice Exercises

Small Group Discussion 

Test/Quiz