Hearing Protection: Fit to Protect - Elevating Hearing Conservation with Accurate Fit Testing
Date: Thursday July 10, 2025 at 2:00pm ET - 1:00pm CT - 11:00am PT
Hearing protector fit testing (HPFT) provides an opportunity for employers to improve their hearing conservation program (HCP) services. Workers are at significant risk for noise-induced hearing loss. HPFT ensures noise-exposed workers are trained to correctly insert hearing protectors, so they have effective protection. The ability to hear and communicate is vital to worker safety and overall occupational health. When auditory function is impaired, critical safety and performance is degraded. Recently the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) revised their position on HPFT in publication 98-126 and now recommends HPFT for all noise-exposed workers versus determining individual protection needs using a derating scheme of the published hearing protector noise reduction rating. The United States Department of Defense published an update to their hearing conservation program in November 2023 requiring HPFT for the most at-risk employees and service members
This presentation will address: a) HPFT basics, including measurement techniques, selecting target attenuation, and b) a demonstration of conducting HPFT in the workplace. Additionally, this presentation will highlight training materials being developed by the Council for Accreditation In Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) in response to a request from the 2023 International Hearing Protector Fit Testing Symposium sponsored by the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) and NIOSH.
By the end of this webinar, learners will be able to:
- Discuss new recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on hearing protector fit testing (HPFT)
- Describe recommended HPFT training curriculum from the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC)
- Discuss current regulations requiring HPFT worldwide
- Discuss and review three primary methods for conducting HPFT in the workplace
Register for this free webinar!
DATE: Thursday July 10, 2025
TIME: 2:00PM ET - 1:00PM Ct - 11:00AM PT
Speaker:
J. Andrew Merkley, AuD, CCC-A, CPS/A
Senior Program Manager
DAWSON - zCore Business Solutions Inc.
Defense Hearing Center of Excellence
Dr. J Andrew (Andy) Merkley is an experienced occupational and clinical audiologist with a background in hearing health and educational services globally. He holds a Doctor of Audiology from Central Michigan University and certifications from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC). He is a Certified Course Director (CD) and Professional Supervisor (CPS/A) with 25 years of experience training hearing health technicians and professionals worldwide.
Sponsors:
Howard Leight hearing protection offers high-quality earplugs and earmuffs designed for industrial noise reduction. Known for comfort, durability, and superior noise-blocking technology, these products help workers prevent hearing loss and take a more proactive approach to their hearing conservation. https://automation.honeywell.com/us
WAHTS Hearing Occupational hearing testing and hearing protection fit testing are easy and efficient with WAHTS Hearing! The only boothless solution for OSHA- and ANSI- compliant hearing testing and hearing protection fit testing on the market. The portable and durable system is flexible enough to be used in many environments, including conference rooms, waiting areas, classrooms, exam rooms, mobile vans/trailers and more! wahtshearing.com
Date: Jul 10, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM ET
Duration: 1 Hour