CAOHC Audiogram Review and STS 3

Question 1

Which professional is qualified to perform the problem audiogram review under OSHA regulations?

Accepted Answer

An audiologist or physician

Answer

OSHA requires that problem audiograms be reviewed by an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other qualified physician who can make clinical determinations about hearing status.

Question 2

What does a flat audiometric configuration across all frequencies most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Conductive hearing loss or a middle ear disorder

Answer

A flat audiometric pattern with roughly equal loss across frequencies is more characteristic of conductive hearing loss or middle ear pathology rather than noise-induced hearing loss.

Question 3

When comparing annual audiograms to baseline, which frequencies are included in the OSHA STS calculation?

Accepted Answer

2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz

Answer

The OSHA standard threshold shift calculation uses the average of threshold changes at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz.

Question 4

What is the recommended quiet period before obtaining a baseline audiogram?

Accepted Answer

At least 14 hours away from workplace noise exposure

Answer

OSHA requires at least 14 hours of quiet before baseline audiometric testing to avoid temporary threshold shifts from affecting results.

Question 5

An audiogram shows a 25 dB hearing level at 500 Hz and normal thresholds at all higher frequencies. What should the reviewer suspect?

Accepted Answer

A possible middle ear condition requiring medical referral

Answer

Isolated low-frequency hearing loss is not consistent with noise-induced hearing loss and suggests a possible middle ear condition that warrants medical evaluation.

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC Audiogram Review and STS 3