Unit 4: Hearing Conservation Program Flashcards
List three important elements relating to sound?
Intensity, duration, and distance
What frequencies are most important to the HCP?
500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz
What are the two major sensory functions of the ear?
Hearing and equilibrium
After the auricle or pinna collects sound waves, where are they funneled?
The external auditory canal
In what part of the ear are the ossicles located?
Middle ear
What part of the basilar membrane is sensitive to high frequency sounds?
the bottom or base of the cochlea
Who is responsible for the formal education of personnel?
PH flight
Who conducts noise assessments?
BE
Fitting HPDs, performing audiometric testing/monitoring, educating noise-exposed personnel, monitoring program effectiveness, and monitoring patient no-show rates
areas of responsibility of PH
How is initial certification for a USAF Hearing Conservationist accomplished by the 4E?
Attending Hearing Conservation or PH Apprentice Course at USAFSAM
Who determines the best course of action for workers based on the results of audiometry?
Joint decision with health care provider and PH
What is included in monitoring the overall effectiveness of the HCP?
Annual Trend Analysis including test compliance, TTS rates, PTS rates and no-show rates
What is the purpose of AFOSH STD 48–20?
To outline assigned responsibilities and give guidance on how to conduct the HCP
What does DOEHRS-HC analyze?
Test results, and determines whether a significant hearing loss exists or if changes in hearing have occurred
Who conducts annual training?
Shop supervisors’ conduct annual training for their workers; PH conducts annual training for the supervisors
What is the intent of the reference audiogram?
To establish a baseline audiogram, used to compare with subsequent audiograms to determine if hearing loss has occurred
Below what noise level is considered noise free?
72 dB
What additional evaluation must individuals undergo if their test results exceed those of an H–1 profile?
A fitness and risk evaluation
Who recommends when and how often to perform close scrutiny audiograms?
The PCM or OEHWG
Who accomplishes annual electroacoustic calibration checks?
MERC
What is considered medically and legally the most important calibration?
The daily calibration check
By testing an individual’s hearing levels each day and comparing the results with his or her previously accomplished baseline test. An electroacoustic artificial ear, such as the BAS–200 or similar, may be used
accomplishing a daily calibration check
A hearing conservationist listens to the headphones at various intensities for any abnormal output, such as static, clicks, and ear distortion
daily functional (listening) check
How long should the daily biological calibration checks be maintained?
For five years
At a minimum, who must the AF HCP comply with?
With OSHA
IAW AFOSH STD 48–20, who can perform audiometric testing?
By a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, physician, or by a technician certified by the CAOHC or who has completed equivalent training
What are the three referral forms used in the HCP?
AF Form 1672, Hearing Conservation Diagnostic/Center Referral
SF 600 and SF 513, Hearing Conservation Disposition
For the AF Form 1672, how many parts are there and who fills out each part?
Two parts, the unit completes the top portion and the consulting provider completes the bottom portion
What two referral forms are found in DOEHRS-HC?
SF 600 and SF 513, Hearing Conservation Disposition
Who will be evaluated for fitness and risk?
Workers that cannot perform essential job functions, and/or pose a safety risk to themselves or others, because of a medical condition
What is PH’s role in the fitness and risk evaluation?
To track the member and make sure that the follow-up appointments are kept and that the end result is updated and documented within the HCP
Work-related positive threshold shifts, for the worse, relative to the current reference audiogram of an average of 10 dB at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz, if the average level of hearing is at least 25 dB above audiometric zero, in either ear
OSHA-reportable hearing loss
documents the baseline audiogram prior to entry into hazardous noise duties
DD Form 2215
documents periodic (annual), close scrutiny, termination, follow-up #1, follow-up #2, and pre/postdeployment audiograms
DD Form 2216
How can people improve their ability to hear and understand speech in noisy environments?
Have all noise-exposed workers wear hearing protection
What are four things you should check to ensure earplugs have been fitted properly?
Comfort
Properly sized
Properly inserted and oriented in the external ear canal
Behavioral attitudes relative to wearing the protectors are acceptable
What type of ear-protective device is similar to an earplug but does not insert into the ear canal?
Ear muffs
Describe the proper care of ear muffs.
The cushions should be kept clean, dry, and stored in the open air
How should the earplugs be cleaned?
Washed in lukewarm water using hand soap, rinsed in clean water, and thoroughly air dried before the next use
What causes auditory fatigue?
An overexposure to noise
Why is it important that personnel wear earplugs even for off-duty exposures to high-noise levels?
Combining on- and off-duty exposures to high-intensity noise may cause permanent hearing loss
A change in hearing levels, relative to the baseline (reference) audiogram, of an average of +/–10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear
standard threshold shift
Improved shift in hearing threshold
negative shift
What is the disposition of a patient who does not have an STS on the 14-hour follow-up audiogram?
The individual should be reeducated regarding noise and hearing protection and then returned to normal duty
If a STS is found, what must be accomplished?
A second follow-up exam must be accomplished
What should be done if an individual has an STS that is considered a PTS?
Notify the person in writing within 21 days of identifying the shift, and provide a referral to the PCM and HCDC
