NHCA/CAOHC Past WebinarsThe National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) coordinated with the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) to host a NHCA/CAOHC webinar series for 2021/2022. The series offers high-level webinar content on hot topics and top-notch speakers! See pricing below. If you are a member of CAOHC or NHCA enjoy special member pricing and discounts. 2022 Webinars:Topic: Boothless Audiometry Technology Overview and Updates This webinar was recorded. No CEU credits of any kind will be offered for viewing the recorded version of this webinar. Register NowWhen: September 15, 2022 2:00PM - 3:00PM EST CEUs not available - No credits of any kind will be offered for viewing this webinar. Pricing:
$38 - CAOHC/NHCA members
$50 - Non-members
About the Webinar:
Over the past decade, several companies have worked to develop novel platforms to enable hearing assessment outside of the sound booth, to improve accessibility as well as efficiency. Effective solutions must include capabilities to meet additional requirements for specialty populations and markets, including foreign and domestic militaries as well as U.S. veterans. Expanded awareness and knowledge of boothless technologies is needed to inform and accelerate adoption and application of boothless audiometry to provide hearing health services. However, it can be challenging to track technological advancements in boothless audiometry products. This webinar will present an overview of boothless audiometry technologies currently available to the hearing conservation professional. Attendees will be provided overview presentations from participating boothless audiometry representatives and how these specific devices can be used for hearing conservation monitoring audiometry. Presenters:
The Automated Method for Testing Auditory Sensitivity, or AMTAS (Grason-Stadler, Inc. [GSI]), is a software program that functions with a GSI audiometer or as a stand-alone system using a tablet (see Figure 2). AMTAS allows a patient to take a self-directed hearing test. The AMTAS diagnostic and screening procedure uses patented test methods and accuracy algorithms researched, developed, implemented, and validated over 10 years.
The Wireless Automated Hearing Test System, or WAHTS, (Edare) was developed to increase access to hearing health care by eliminating the need for soundproof booth and highly trained personnel (Meinke et al., 2017). The Edare WAHTS device is an FDA-approved device for clinical application. The WAHTS system includes multiple test options, including manual audiometry, manual or automated screening, speech-in-noise testing, and additional tests for research initiatives.
The SHOEBOX audiometer (SHOEBOX, Ltd.) is the first portable, iPad-based audiometer listed as a Class II device by both the U.S. FDA and Health Canada. The SHOEBOX audiometer (see Figure 5) is calibrated to ANSI S3.6-2018 and meets ANSI S3.1-1999 (R2018) for testing outside of a sound booth. It includes options for both manual and automated testing and is designed to be used by audiologists or other trained personnel. SHOEBOX has been clinically validated for use as a diagnostic audiometer even when testing is performed outside of a sound booth. Register NowCEUs not available: No credits of any kind will be offered for viewing the recorded version of this webinar. Hosted by:
Topic: Determining Work Relatedness - Exploring The Gray AreasThis webinar was recorded. No CEU credits of any kind will be offered for viewing the recorded version of this webinar. When: July 21, 2022 at 2:00pm ETRegister HereAbout the Webinar: An important part of occupational safety, and of hearing conservation, is record-keeping. One of the most important, yet often dreaded, records is the OSHA 300 log, which records workplace injuries/ illness. OSHA’s 29 CFR 1904.5 on recordability tells us “You must consider an injury or illness to be work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the resulting condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing injury or illness”. But multiple factors impact hearing, and hearing monitoring as required by OSHA is non-diagnostic. Some cases may be fairly clearly related, or clearly not related to workplace exposure. But what about the gray areas? In this webinar, a panel of experienced reviewers will describe OSHA’s standard, and the 2011 NHCA Guidelines for Recording Hearing Loss on the OSHA 300 Log, a set of recommendations on factors to consider in determining work relatedness. The group will then review some sample cases from the “gray area”, where work-relatedness is not so easily decided. We will close with attendees’ opinions on these cases, discussion of their own experiences, and any questions they may have. Presenters:
Learning Objectives:
CEUs available: 1-hour CEU (AAA and 0.1 ASHA CEU) No credits of any kind will be offered for viewing the recorded version of this webinar.   Pricing: NHCA and CAOHC members: $38 Non-members: $50
Topic: Effective Hearing Conservation Messaging and MotivationThis webinar was not recorded. When: May 19, 2022 at 2:00pm ET About the Webinar: Regulations specify that workers in hearing conservation programs must be trained and what content must be covered. However, there is great latitude towards how training is done which offers the opportunity to develop engaging and effective training. Hearing conservationists may strengthen the educational impact on workers by incorporating adult learning principles and considering a public health approach to shape workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. This webinar will address the science and art of enhancing hearing conservation training and education with the goal of motivating noise-exposed workers toward better hearing health care. It will include some theory, practical “ears-on” interactive techniques, and highlight the benefits of hearing protector fit testing to help boost training effectiveness. Presenter: Lauraine (“Laurie”) Wells, Au.D. Presenter disclosure: Lauraine ("Lauire") Wells, Au.D has no relevant financial information to disclose. Ms. Wells discloses her relevant non-financial relationship as former chair on the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) Council. Learning Objectives:
CEUs available: 1-hour CEU (AAA and 0.1 ASHA CEU) No credits of any kind will be offered for viewing the recorded version of this webinar. Pricing: NHCA and CAOHC members: $38 Non-members: $50 Topic: Professional Supervisor Panel DiscussionWhen: January 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm ET About the Webinar: The Professional Supervisor is a key, necessary, and often misunderstood member of the hearing conservation team. This presentation brings experienced Professional Supervisors from across the United States together to discuss the roles, responsibilities, scope of practice, and practice requirements across a variety of hearing conservation programs. The discussion will include practice as a private professional services provider, on-site In-house provider, remote service provider, and a provider covering hearing conservation programs across a variety of regulatory agencies. Presenters: LTC J. Andrew Merkley, AuD CCC-A CPS/A Theresa H. Small, AuD CPS/A Learning Objectives:
CEUs: 1 hour CEU (AAA and ASHA) No CEUs offered for home study.
Pricing:
NHCA and CAOHC members: $38 Non-members: $50
Register Now
2021 Webinars:Topic: Hearing Protection Devices 101 - Fit TestingWhen: December 9, 2021 at 2:15 pm ET About the Webinar: This webinar will introduce the concept of HPD Fit-Testing, its application to current hearing conservation programs, the various commercially available HPD Fit-Test methodologies. Finally, a number of lessons learned regarding HPD fit-testing from the Regional Hearing Conservation Program of Record at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) will be discussed. The intended audience are hearing conservation professionals (e.g., technicians, audiologists, occupational health service providers) who are interested in expanding their field of practice to include HPD fit-testing. Presenter: Program Level: Entry-level Learning Objectives:
CEUs: Register NowTopic: Hearing Protector Fit TestingWhen: April 8, 2021 at 2 pm EST About the Webinar: For over 30 years, hearing conservation professionals have known that the Noise Reduction Rating is not necessarily representative of the protection afforded to the average user of hearing protection. This workshop will present an overview of the technologies available to the hearing conservation professional. During the first part of the session, attendees will learn about different methods to implement fit-testing, benefits of conducting fit testing, and the different methods used by various commercially available fit-testing systems. Information related to the recently approved ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018 performance criteria for standard for hearing protector fit-test systems will be shared. Presenters:
William Murphy, B.S., M.S., M.Eng., Ph.D.(BIO) Wei Gong, CSP, CIH (BIO) Program Level: Introductory Learning Objectives:
CEUs: Register NowTopic: Age Adjustment in Occupational Hearing Conservation ProgramsWhen: May 13, 2021 at 2 pm EST About the Webinar: The NIOSH tables used by OSHA to adjust occupational audiograms for the effects of age were developed using cross-sectional trends observed across a small dataset (380 men and 206 women). The data for those tables were collected over 50 years ago and therefore do not account for: (1) reductions in hearing loss prevalence; (2) worker ages beyond 60; (3) race/ethnicity differences; and (4) errors in the application of cross-sectional trends to longitudinal changes of individual workers. In this presentation, we describe nationally-representative cross-sectional trends from NHANES (ages 12 to 85+; N=9937) that closely match longitudinal changes in a large group of noise-exposed workers. These results suggest that the age adjustments ("corrections") in the OSHA Hearing Conservation Amendment over-adjust for current age effects, which would reduce the sensitivity of age-adjusted thresholds to noise induced hearing loss. Presenters:
Greg Flamme, Ph.D.
Disclosure: No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose. Kristy Deiters, AuD
Disclosure: No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Program Level: Introductory Learning Objectives:
CEUs:
1 hour CEU (AAA and ASHA)
No CEUs offered for home study.
Register NowTopic: Impulsive Noise: Understanding, Measuring, and AssessingWhen: June 17, 2021 About the Webinar: Exposures to high-level impulsive noises such as collisions of objects, firearms, or explosions significantly increase the risk for developing noise induced hearing loss. Although Impulse and impact noise are generated through different processes, they are often grouped into impulsive noise. When measuring impulsive noise, sound level meters may not be the best choice due to technological limitations. The selection and use of microphone, preamplifier, and processing systems are critical to capturing high-quality data. In many cases, recordings are more beneficial than capturing a peak level or a single integrated level to understand the exposure and to mitigate the risk. Understanding technological limitations and learning about specific techniques for capturing and measuring impulse noise can result in accurate and repeatable data. Presenters:
Donald Finan, Ph.D.
Disclosure: No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose. Greg Flamme, Ph.D. Disclosure: No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose. William Murphy, B.S., M.S., M.Eng., Ph.D.(BIO)
Disclosure: No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose. Program Level: Introductory Learning Objectives:
CEUs:
1 hour CEU (AAA and ASHA)
No CEUs offered for home study.
Topic: A Hybrid Approach to Audiometric Technician Training: A Fusion of Traditional and Virtual LearningAbout the Webinar: Alternative delivery models for teaching Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) hearing technician certification courses have become a reality. To date, only a few Course Directors (CDs) have ventured into this uncharted territory. This presentation offers a suggested roadmap for developing and delivering virtual courses and reviews the benefits and challenges of a hybrid model, including lessons learned. While of benefit to anyone considering virtual synchronous learning, the intended audience are current CDs of any experience level and those who may be considering becoming a CD. When: Available on demand for Homestudy Presenters: Kirsten McCall, AuD (BIO) Vickie Tuten, AuD (BIO) Program Level: Introductory Topics covered: • Key differences between the traditional face-to-face model and a hybrid virtual and practicum classroom model;
Learning Objectives:
CEUs: Register NowTopic: Hearing Health Education through STS (Short Training Segments): Microlearning Theory in Hearing ConservationWhen: Available on demand for Homestudy About the Webinar: Learners today expect to get information quickly and in a format that is easy to access, easy to understand, available at a time and place of the learner's choice, and relevant to what the learner needs to know at the moment. This presentation will introduce you to microlearning and how to use it to meet learners' needs and expectations while effectively using it for hearing conservation training in the workplace. Presenter: John A. Merkley, AuD (bio) Disclosure: No financial or non-financial relationships to disclose. Program Level: Introductory Topics covered:
Learning Objectives:
CEUs:
None for home study Register NowTopic: Audiology, Hearing Loss Prevention and Music: Treatment ConsiderationsWhen: Available on demand for Homestudy About the Webinar: As musicians are increasingly in search of hearing loss prevention information and strategies, this presentation will provide a brief overview of the recent American Academy of Audiology consensus guidelines on treatment for music-induced hearing disorders. There will be a focus on earplugs for musicians as well as the safe use of in-ear monitors. Presenter: Michael Santucci, AuD (BIO) Disclosure: Program Level: Introductory Topics Covered: The presentation will briefly compare and contrast traditional onstage monitors with today’s in-ear-monitoring systems. The role of the audiologist in selecting the most appropriate passive filter for earplugs and selecting the appropriate in-ear monitor earpiece while guiding the musician to safe use will be discussed. Learning Objectives: As a result of this Continuing Education Activity, readers will be able to:
CEUs: Register Now |
