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

OSHA's definition of a Standard Threshold Shift is very specific. It is a change in hearing threshold of an average of 10 decibels (dB) or more at the frequencies of 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear when comparing the current audiogram to the baseline audiogram.

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

OSHA requires employers to notify employees in writing within 21 days of the determination that a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) has occurred.

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

The scope of practice for a COHC includes identifying problem audiograms, but the review and determination of next steps, such as the need for further evaluation or diagnosis, must be done by a Professional Supervisor (an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other physician).

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

OSHA allows for a retest to be performed within 30 days of the annual audiogram to confirm if the STS is persistent. If the retest does not confirm the STS, it does not need to be recorded.

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

OSHA regulations specifically state that while age correction is optional for calculating the 10 dB average shift (the STS itself), it cannot be used when determining if the employee's total hearing level meets the second part of the recordability criteria: an average hearing level of 25 dB or more above audiometric zero at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz.

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Practice Test

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