CAOHC Medical Referral Criteria and Follow-up

Question 1

Under OSHA's Hearing Conservation Amendment (29 CFR 1910.95), which finding most clearly requires referral to a physician or audiologist?

Accepted Answer

A confirmed Standard Threshold Shift (STS) of 10 dB average at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz

Answer

OSHA defines STS as a 10 dB or greater average shift at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz, and a confirmed STS triggers the mandatory referral requirement.

Question 2

Within what timeframe must an employer notify a worker of a confirmed Standard Threshold Shift under OSHA's hearing conservation standard?

Accepted Answer

Within 21 calendar days of the determination

Answer

OSHA requires workers to be notified of a confirmed STS within 21 calendar days of the determination.

Question 3

After a worker is found to have a confirmed STS, the employer must take which of the following steps if the worker is not already under physician care for hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Refer the worker to a physician or audiologist at no cost to the worker

Answer

OSHA mandates that workers with a confirmed STS who are not under a physician's care be referred to a physician or audiologist at employer expense.

Question 4

An OHC observes that a worker's audiogram shows an unusual audiometric configuration — a sudden deep notch at 250 Hz only. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Refer the worker to a physician or audiologist for further evaluation

Answer

Unusual or atypical audiometric configurations that do not fit expected noise-induced patterns require physician or audiologist referral.

Question 5

Which of the following is a valid reason for an OHC to make an immediate physician referral, independent of audiometric threshold findings?

Accepted Answer

Worker presents with visible ear drainage, ear pain, or signs of infection

Answer

Physical symptoms such as ear drainage, pain, or signs of infection indicate a medical condition requiring physician evaluation regardless of audiometric results.

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC Medical Referral Criteria and Follow-up