CAOHC - Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation Hearing Protection Device Fitting Questions and Answers

Question 1

An employee consistently fails their annual hearing test, showing a persistent Standard Threshold Shift (STS).
They state they are using their issued foam earplugs correctly.
During a fitting assessment, you observe them pushing the earplug straight into the ear canal without any other steps.
What is the MOST critical initial step to correct their fitting technique?

Accepted Answer

Advising them to pull the outer ear (pinna) up and back before insertion.

Answer

Instructing them to roll the earplug into a tight, crease-free cylinder.

Answer

Telling them to insert the earplug deeper into the ear canal.

Answer

Recommending they try a different type of hearing protection device immediately.

Question 2

According to OSHA regulations, which of the following is a mandatory requirement for employers regarding hearing protection devices (HPDs) when a hearing conservation program is required?

Accepted Answer

Ensure proper initial fitting and supervise the correct use of all HPDs.

Answer

Perform quantitative fit-testing for every employee annually.

Answer

Provide at least two different brands of earmuffs and three brands of earplugs.

Answer

Replace all HPDs for employees every six months, regardless of condition.

Question 3

During an otoscopic screening prior to an HPD fitting, you observe that an employee's right ear canal is completely blocked by cerumen (earwax). What is the appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Fit the employee with earmuffs as a temporary measure and refer them to a medical professional.

Answer

Attempt to remove the cerumen using a cotton-tipped swab.

Answer

Proceed with fitting a pre-molded earplug, as it does not require deep insertion.

Answer

Advise the employee to clean their ears at home and return for the fitting the next day.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key advantage of conducting individual hearing protector fit-testing, such as calculating a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR), over simply relying on the manufacturer's Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)?

Accepted Answer

A PAR provides a real-world measure of the attenuation a specific worker achieves.

Answer

The NRR is an outdated metric that is no longer legally permissible for HPD selection.

Answer

Fit-testing is a faster and less expensive process than using the NRR.

Answer

OSHA mandates that the PAR value must replace the NRR on all HPD packaging.

Question 5

A worker you are fitting for roll-down foam earplugs successfully demonstrates the 'roll' and 'pull' steps but complains the plug feels like it's 'hitting a wall' and won't go in further. Upon removal, the earplug is bent in a U-shape. This most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

The worker is not pulling their pinna in the correct direction to straighten the ear canal.

Answer

The earplug is too large for the worker's ear canal.

Answer

The foam material is defective and too rigid for proper insertion.

Answer

The worker has an anatomical obstruction that prevents the use of any insert-style HPD.

Question 6

Which of the following is a subjective method to check for a proper earplug fit after insertion?

Accepted Answer

Asking the employee if their own voice sounds deeper or louder.

Answer

Performing a quantitative fit test to calculate the Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR).

Answer

Visually inspecting that the end of the earplug is flush with the ear canal opening.

Answer

Using an otoscope to confirm the earplug has passed the second bend of the ear canal.