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5 Ways to Improve Your Hearing Conservation Program
Training Included
Some tablet-based audiometers come as a complete solution. These solutions go beyond just the testing portion of your Hearing Conservation Program, with training integrated into the experience.
Section K of the OSHA standard on noise exposure requires that you train employees annually on a few things: the effects of noise on hearing, the purpose of hearing protectors, and the purpose of audiometric testing.
By using a solution with a training video included in the on-demand experience, you have one less thing to worry about. Like a Swiss army knife, you have several components of your program taken care of with one technology platform.
Tele-Health Features
Tele-health is a new feature that many medical companies are embracing. It became popular during the Covid pandemic but has stuck around due to the convenience it offers.
Some tablet-based audiometers have incorporated this functionality into the on-demand experience. Tele-technicians can guide your employees through hearing testing in a video chat, even seeing what the employee is seeing on their screen, so that they can provide support and guidance as needed.
These features are designed thinking through the lens of compliance. Some scenarios require CAOHC-certified oversight. For example, this applies in Washington state, Oregon state, and companies governed by MSHA regulations. A tele-technician solution means you can have the convenience of a tablet audiometer even if you are missing the required certification.
Text to Speech
Another technology enhancement that benefits hearing testing is the use of text to speech functionality. This helps in several ways.
For one, audiologists know from experience that many people close their eyes when testing. Psychologically, we think we can hear better this way. With text to speech, you never have to worry when employees are alone in your testing room. With voice prompts, they get the alerts they need to move seamlessly though testing.
Additionally, many tablet-based audiometers offer the testing experience in multiple languages. With many workforces consisting of employees where English is not their native language, this helps create a better experience. You can reduce the problems of language barriers and the need for several translators.
Better Program Management
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.