OHST Practice Exam

In a hearing conservation program, what is required within six months?

1. Annual training sessions

2. Audiogram for baseline hearing

3. Provision of hearing protection

4. Employee feedback survey

The correct answer is: Audiogram for baseline hearing

The requirement for a baseline audiogram within six months in a hearing conservation program is essential for establishing a reference point for each employee's hearing ability. This baseline audiogram is the initial hearing test that allows organizations to identify any hearing loss that may occur over time due to occupational noise exposure. By comparing future audiograms to the baseline, employers can evaluate if a significant threshold shift has occurred, which indicates potential hearing impairment related to workplace exposures. This requirement also ensures compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, which stipulate that employers must conduct audiometric testing to monitor employees' hearing health. Having this baseline is crucial not just for individual health assessments but also for the effectiveness of the hearing conservation program as a whole, enabling timely interventions when necessary. While other options, such as annual training sessions, hearing protection provision, and employee surveys, are all important components of a comprehensive hearing conservation program, the establishment of a baseline audiogram is a specific and critical requirement that must be fulfilled within the first six months of a program's implementation.