Business Health Services
Hearing Conservation Program
Hearing loss reduces the quality of life for your employee. Prevention of occupational hearing loss is the legal responsibility of the employer. The Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) offered by Palo Alto County Health System's (PACHS) Business Health Service (BHS) aids in maintaining your employees' well-being. In addition, the HCP helps employers meet the federal standards set to protect workers.
The employer benefits directly by implementing an effective program that maintains employees' hearing health - productive workers are not impaired by inadequate communication. Effective programs help to reduce stress, fatigue, and accident rates. Employers who maintain a safe and healthy workplace have less turnover and better employee relations. Employers also benefit by having baseline audiograms performed to determine if a hearing loss exists prior to the start of employment, this provides information in the event a claim is made.
We have a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) who is experienced in audiometric testing, OSHA regulations, and employee education. All OSHA documentation is included in the employee file upon completion of the hearing test. The program includes:
- Hearing history, medical record and audiogram
- Audiometer make, model and serial number. Biological, acoustic and calibration records on the audiometer.
- Record of the technicians certification and credentials
- Credentials of the audiologist or physician reviewer
- Record of recommendations or teaching done
An otoscopic screening is done to determine the presence of obstructions in the ear canal. If the nurse notes any signs of infection or other problems, the employee will be referred to their physician. An audiogram will not be performed until the problem is corrected. The nurse discusses proper use of hearing protection and the effects of noise on hearing, as well as reviewing the audiogram with the employee.
To arrange a Hearing Conservation Program for your company, phone PACHS's Business Health Services at 712.852.5469.