Free CAOHC Role of the Occupational Hearing Conservationist Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary role of a CAOHC-certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (OHC)?
- To diagnose hearing disorders and prescribe treatment
- To conduct audiometric testing and assist in administering hearing conservation programs (Correct answer)
- To perform medical examinations for hearing loss claims
- To serve as an OSHA compliance officer
Correct answer: To conduct audiometric testing and assist in administering hearing conservation programs
OHCs conduct pure tone audiometric testing and assist with HCP administration under the supervision of a licensed audiologist or physician.
Question 2: Under whose professional supervision must an OHC conduct audiometric testing per OSHA requirements?
- An occupational health nurse
- A licensed audiologist or physician (Correct answer)
- The facility safety manager
- An OSHA compliance officer
Correct answer: A licensed audiologist or physician
OSHA requires that OHC audiometric testing be performed under the direct or indirect supervision of a certified audiologist or licensed physician.
Question 3: How often must a CAOHC-certified OHC renew their certification to remain active?
- Every 2 years
- Every 3 years
- Every 5 years (Correct answer)
- Every 10 years
Correct answer: Every 5 years
CAOHC certification is valid for 5 years and requires renewal through continuing education and a recertification process.
Question 4: Which of the following tasks falls WITHIN the recognized scope of an OHC's responsibilities?
- Diagnosing noise-induced hearing loss
- Fitting and demonstrating hearing protection devices to workers (Correct answer)
- Prescribing audiological treatment plans
- Conducting official OSHA compliance inspections
Correct answer: Fitting and demonstrating hearing protection devices to workers
Fitting HPDs and educating workers on their proper use is a core OHC competency within their defined scope of practice.
Question 5: When an OHC identifies a significant threshold shift on a worker's audiogram, what is the appropriate next step?
- Diagnose the worker with NIHL and document it as a final determination
- Refer the audiogram to the supervising audiologist or physician for evaluation (Correct answer)
- Immediately retest without informing anyone until confirmed
- Require the worker to cease all work in noise-exposed areas
Correct answer: Refer the audiogram to the supervising audiologist or physician for evaluation
Threshold shifts must be referred to the supervising professional, as interpretation and medical determination are beyond OHC scope.
Question 6: How many contact hours of continuing education does CAOHC require for OHC recertification over the 5-year cycle?
- 10 hours
- 20 hours (Correct answer)
- 40 hours
- 50 hours
Correct answer: 20 hours
CAOHC requires OHCs to complete 20 contact hours of approved continuing education during each 5-year recertification period.
Free CAOHC Role of the Occupational Hearing Conservationist Questions and Answers 1
What is the primary role of a CAOHC-certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (OHC)?