HEARING CONSERVATION IN NOISE

The US Department of Labor estimates that over 9 million workers in the United States are exposed to potentially hazardous occupational noise on a daily basis. It has been predicted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health that one in four US workers who are exposed to high levels of noise will develop a significant loss of hearing. Consequently, the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has developed standards for protecting noise-exposed workers in industry.

The Hearing Conservation in Noise Course is designed to train individuals to be Occupational Hearing Conservationists (OHCs). The OHC is qualified, upon successful completion of the course, to perform pure-tone air-conduction baseline and annual hearing tests.

OHCs are also trained for other duties associated with implementing an occupational hearing conservation program, such as equipment maintenance and record keeping. Attendees will gain hands-on practical experience with audiometric equipment.

Hearing Conservation in Noise

The 20-hour Course is designed to prepare individuals for national certification as Occupational Hearing Conservationists. Certification is awarded by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) following successful completion of the course (which includes a practical and written exam).

The 8-hour Re-Certification Course is designed for currently certified individuals who need re-certification. Re-certification by CAOHC is required every 5 years. Requirements are met by completing an approved 8-hour Refresher Course and passing a written exam.

• Effects of noise on people: social and legal ramifications
• Basic anatomy, physiology and diseases of the human ear
• Basic acoustics, noise measurements and monitoring of noise in the work environment
• Federal and State regulations relating to noise and hearing loss
• Pure tone audiometric procedures, recording of test data and record-keeping
• Calibration requirements of test equipment and troubleshooting equipment problems
• Educating employees about hearing conservation
• Selection and fitting of hearing protection devices

20 Hour Certification Course

1. Prepares individuals for certification as Occupational Hearing Conservationists
2. Provides supervised, hands-on experience with audiometric equipment and procedures
3. Provides a basic understanding of the relationship between the ear, noise and the risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure
4. Provides an understanding of the key elements of an effective Hearing Conservation Program

1. Meets CAOHC requirements for re-certification
2. Reviews the Hearing Conservation Program, provides an update on state and national regulations as well as medical/legal aspects of hearing conservation
3. Provides an opportunity, through group interaction, to discuss issues and to problem-solve with experienced faculty members

• Lectures by experienced faculty members
• Hands-on, directed, practical experience with commercially-available audiometric equipment
• Individuals who successfully complete the 20-hour certification course receive a certificate suitable for display

The course is directed by Thomas G. Dolan, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Audiology at Portland State University. Other individuals who participate in the course include:

Judy Struloeff, R.N., Occupational Health Nurse
Mark Bajorek, M.D., Public Health Physician
Lynda Fitzpatrick, M.S., CCC-A, Audiologist
Anne Heassler, M.S., CCC-A, Audiologist

The Hearing Conservation in Noise Course is held at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. A map will be provided with registration confirmation indicating the course location, meeting rooms, parking and nearby lodging.

20-Hour (21/2 Days) Certification Course
June 18, 19 & 20, 2007
September 12, 13 & 14, 2007

8-Hour Re-Certification Course
June 19, 2007
September 13, 2007

The registration fee includes all lectures, practicum sessions and course materials. Audiometric equipment is provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own.

CONTACT:
Portland State University
Audiology Clinic
503-725-3070