CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Audiogram Review and STS Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.95), a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) is defined as a change in hearing threshold, relative to the baseline audiogram, of an average of:

Accepted Answer

10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear.

Answer

15 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear.

Answer

10 dB or more at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz in either ear.

Answer

15 dB or more at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in both ears.

Question 2

An employee's annual audiogram shows a confirmed STS. The employer must notify the employee in writing within how many days of this determination?

Accepted Answer

21 days

Answer

14 days

Answer

30 days

Answer

45 days

Question 3

A Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) identifies an audiogram with a potential STS and significant differences between ears. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step for the COHC?

Accepted Answer

Refer the problem audiogram to the Professional Supervisor for review.

Answer

Independently diagnose the cause of the hearing loss.

Answer

Immediately revise the employee's baseline audiogram.

Answer

Inform the employee they have permanent work-related hearing loss.

Question 4

An annual audiogram reveals an STS. To determine if the shift is persistent, the employer may perform a retest. This retest should be conducted within:

Accepted Answer

30 days of the annual test.

Answer

10 days of the annual test.

Answer

90 days of the annual test.

Answer

60 days of the annual test.

Question 5

When determining if a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) has occurred, an employer may apply age corrections to the current audiogram. However, age correction is NOT permitted when determining if:

Accepted Answer

the employee's total hearing level is 25 dB or more above audiometric zero.

Answer

a baseline revision is needed.

Answer

the employee needs retraining on hearing protection.

Answer

a retest is required within 30 days.

Question 6

A new employee at a manufacturing plant has a baseline audiogram that shows a pre-existing hearing loss. Six years later, an annual audiogram shows an additional 12 dB average shift at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz. The Professional Supervisor determines the STS is work-related and persistent. What is the appropriate action regarding the employee's baseline audiogram?

Accepted Answer

A new baseline can be established using the results of the latest annual audiogram.

Answer

The original baseline must be used for all future comparisons.

Answer

The baseline should be deleted as it is no longer valid.

Answer

The employee must be removed from the hearing conservation program.