NHCA/CAOHC Webinar Series
The National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has coordinated with the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) to host a NHCA/CAOHC webinar series for 2024/2025. 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.
Cancellation Policy: Webinar purchases are non-refundable. In the event a virtual webinar session is cancelled or rescheduled, CAOHC/NHCA will refund any fees that were collected directly by the respective organization prior to the date change.
2025 Webinars:
Topic: Silent Solutions: Effective Strategies for Noise Abatement
No CEU credits of any kind will be offered for viewing the recorded version of this webinar.
When: March 12, 2025 at 2:00pm ET
CEUs: 1-hour CEU (AAA and 0.1 ASHA CEU)
Pricing:
$38 - CAOHC/NHCA members
$50 - Non-members
About the Webinar: In this webinar, two board certified noise control engineers will discuss effective strategies for evaluating noise sources and reducing noise in the workplace through effective engineering controls. Presenters will discuss:
- Hierarchy of noise abatement
- Effective noise abatement at the source, pathway, and receiver
- Potential costs and cost savings associated with implementing noise abatement strategies in the design phase
- Noise abatement materials, what works and what doesn’t
- Common errors made when controlling noise and effective remedies.
Moderator: LTC (Ret) J. Andrew Merkley, AuD CCC-A CPS/A
Presenters: Terry Tyson, P.E., INCE Bd. Cert. and David M. Jones, P.E., INCE Bd. Cert.
 Terry Tyson is a Principal acoustician with over 30 years of consulting experience in architectural acoustics, mechanical systems noise and vibration control, and environmental noise control. He collaborates with mechanical and electrical engineers on the control of noise from HVAC and other systems in sound critical facilities ranging from concert halls, performing arts centers, and recording studios, to commercial offices and manufacturing facilities. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois, and Board Certified by the Institute of Noise Control Engineers (INCE).
 David Jones is an acoustical engineer who has more than 25 years experience in assisting a wide variety of clients in solving complex technical problems involving noise, sound, and vibration in the environmental, occupational, and architectural sectors. He is board certified by the Institute for Noise Control Engineering and a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the hierarchy of noise abatement.
- Describe effective noise abatement strategies.
- Discriminate between effective and non-effective noise abatement strategies.
- List effective noise abatement remedies for common noise abatement errors.
Cancellation Policy: Webinar purchases are non-refundable.
2024 Webinars:
Topic: Understanding OSHA’s Approach to Noise and Hearing Conservation Enforcement
This webinar will be recorded.
No CEU credits of any kind will be offered for viewing this webinar.
When: Nov 21, 2024 at 2:00pm ET
CEUs: None
Pricing: Free
About the Webinar: In this webinar the viewer will leave with an understanding of how the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducts worksite inspections with an emphasis on occupational noise. OSHA National Office employees will provide information on how Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) are taught and trained on knowledge and skills for their job. They will discuss the sections of OSHA’s Field Operations Manual (FOM) and OSHA’s Technical Manual (OTM) as resources for evaluating and controlling noise hazards.
Presenters: Brian T. Liddell, MSPH, CIH, Juan Nevarez, MSPH
Brian T. Liddell, MSPH, CIH is a member of the OSHA Health Response Team, located at the OSHA Technical Center in Sandy, UT. The Health Response Team provides specialized industrial hygiene and engineering support for agency investigations, initiatives, projects, outreach efforts, and training. Brian has been a member of the Health Response Team since 2001, and areas of emphasis include industrial hygiene, noise, heat stress, emergency response, and chemical process safety management. Prior to OSHA, he has worked in consulting and the medical device manufacturing industry. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science Degree in Public Health (industrial hygiene program), both from the University of Utah, and is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
Juan Nevarez, MSPH is an instructor at the OSHA Training Institute. He has enjoyed training and guiding OSHA compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs) for the past 12 years. During his time at OTI, Juan has trained CSHOs on the agencies approach to industrial hygiene. The topics he teaches on include OSHA health inspection fundamentals, hearing conservation, heat stress and expanded health standards. He currently leads the Industrial Noise course, where CSHOs are trained on the agency’s enforcement of the OSHA noise standards.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how OSHA initiates inspections.
- Explain how a CSHO is trained to perform noise inspections.
- Discuss the OSHA Technical Manual and how it is used as a resource for CSHOs in performing noise inspections.
 
Topic: Does it fit? – Hearing Protector Fit Testing and Ambient Noise
This webinar will be recorded.
No CEU credits of any kind will be offered for viewing the recorded version of this webinar.
When: July 24, 2024 at 2:00pm ET
CEUs: 1-hour CEU (AAA and 0.1 ASHA CEU)
Pricing:
$38 - CAOHC/NHCA members
$50 - Non-members
About the Webinar: Conducting hearing protector fit testing (HPFT) in the workplace is a recognized best practice and strongly encouraged by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Hearing Conservation Association, and the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation. There are a variety of tools and methods available to conduct hearing protector fit testing. Which one will work best for you and your workplace situation depends on a variety of factors including space available, speed of testing, accessibility to the space available for both workers and testing staff, and noise levels in the testing environment. This webinar will briefly discuss the process of conducting HPFT and different methods and user case scenarios for HPFT. Instructors will then discuss the challenges of conducting HPFT in the workplace, including challenges with excessive noise in the testing environment, by sharing experiences using different methods of testing in a variety of non-clinical environments. The recommended and reasons for maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLS) when conducting HPFT will then be discussed for the different testing methodologies. The instructor panel will then respond to questions from the audience regarding HPFT.
Presenters: James (Jesse) A. Norris, PhD, Jeremy Federman, PhD, CCC-A, Stephanie Karch, Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A, J. Andrew Merkley, AuD, CCC-A, CPS/A
 James (Jesse) A. Norris, PhD: Dr. Norris earned his PhD in Biomedical Engineering through a collaborative program between Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University. After completing his PhD, he joined Creare, an engineering firm in Hanover, NH, specializing in research and development. At Creare, Dr. Norris applied expertise in signal processing, mechanical design, and software development on various projects. Notably, he led the development of a handheld laser scanning system for inspecting F35 aircraft. This involved travel to multiple manufacturing and maintenance facilities. At Creare, he’d also been involved in hearing assessment and protection, and was surprised by the widespread incorrect use of earplugs. Stemming from an NIH project led by Dr. Odile Clavier, they developed the Wireless Audiometric Hearing Test System (WAHTS). The WAHTS was designed to conduct hearing and earplug fit testing outside of traditional sound booths. Since 2016, Dr. Norris has been an advocate for the development and validation of technologies like the WAHTS and the advancement of best practices for “boothless” audiometry. In 2021, he left Creare to lead the transition of WAHTS from research into a product, aiming to significantly enhance hearing assessment and protection throughout our lives. View Financial Disclosure.
 Jeremy Federman, PhD, CCC-A: Dr. Jeremy Federman leads the multi-disciplinary Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory’s Regional Hearing Conservation Division mission to expand, diversify, and execute Navy medical research regarding (a) effects of continuous and impulse noise exposure, (b) human auditory perception and production, and (c) speech communications/intelligibility. This includes comprehensive road mapping and oversight of the division’s RDT&E portfolio with an annual budget of $1.3 million. Current projects include Viability and Deployability of Hearing Protector Fit-Testing within the U.S. Department of Navy (DON), viability of boothless audiometry in the DON, small arms impulse noise abatement, and the effects of head-worn devices on auditory sound localization. Federman received his Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics February, 2024 from University of Southern Maine, and his Masters in Audiology and PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in neuroscience from Vanderbilt University. Jeremy Federman has no relevant financial or non-financial information to disclose. View Financial Disclosure.
 Stephanie Karch, Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A: Stephanie Karch is a research audiologist for the Regional Hearing Conservation Program of Record at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL). Her research and scientific publications cover a wide range of topics including (but not limited to) hearing protector fit training, hearing protector fit testing, auditory injury and deployment-related mild traumatic brain injury, and tinnitus treatment options. At NSMRL, her work focuses on the prevention and mitigation of acute auditory injury and noise induced hearing loss in both Navy and Marine Corps personnel. Her current research interests include investigating the application and viability of novel technology and clinical tools to assess auditory and hearing protector function in dynamic and austere military occupational environments. Dr. Karch received her clinical doctorate and PhD from Gallaudet University, completed an ORISE Postdoctoral fellowship at the US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, and holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Stephanie Karch has no relevant financial or non-financial information to disclose. View Financial Disclosure.
J. Andrew Merkley, AuD, CCC-A, CPS/A is an occupational audiologist with over 25 years of experience in both clinical and occupational audiology. He currently works as a contract research administrator with the Defense Health Agency Hearing Center of Excellence. He holds a Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from Utah State University and a Doctor of Audiology from Central Michigan University. Dr. Merkley's professional associations include the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (AHSA), the Military Audiology Association (MAA) and the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA). In addition, Dr. Merkley represents the Military Audiology Association on the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) and currently serves as the Council Chair. He holds the certificate of clinical competence in Audiology (CCC-A), is a certified CAOHC Course Director (CD) and a CAOHC certified Professional Supervisor (CPS/A). View Financial Disclosure.
Learning Objectives:
- List the different methodologies for conducting hearing protector fit testing.
- Identify advantages and disadvantages of a variety of hearing protector fit testing systems.
- Describe the challenges of conducting hearing protector fit testing in the workplace.
- Explain the maximum permissible ambient noise levels for conducting hearing protector fit testing using each method.
Cancellation Policy: Webinar purchases are non-refundable.
Hosted by:
Topic: Award-Winning Ideas for Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
This webinar will be recorded. No CEU credits of any kind will be offered for viewing this webinar.
When: May 1, 2024 at 4:00pm ET
CEUs: No CEUs will be offered for this webinar.
About the Webinar: Efforts to prevent the effects of noise can seem overwhelming. However, since 2009 more than 27 specific initiatives have been recognized with the Safe-In-Sound Award for Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention. These award winners are pioneers who invested in innovative approaches (some surprisingly simple and easy to implement) to tame the beast. Their success stories demonstrate that noise control is desirable and within reach, and that noise control benefits extend beyond the prevention of hearing loss.
In this session, you will hear about rationales and real-world examples which were implemented by single facilities or adopted across large corporations. While some key elements and strategies are not new, they are unique in how extensively they are implemented and valued, and how integrated they are at different organizational levels. The practical range of strategies covered, will provide guidance on how to achieve excellence in hearing loss prevention in your own work. Attendees will learn about practical ideas for reducing noise-induced hearing loss and innovative approaches to managing Hearing Loss Prevention Programs that have helped these companies achieve greater success.
The Safe-In sound award is presented annually by the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) and the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC). Participants are encouraged to apply for the award online https://www.safeinsound.us
Presenters: Thais Morata (PhD), Ted Madison (M.A., CCC-A, CPS/A)
Thais Morata, PhD. is Co-Manager of the Hearing Loss Prevention Program of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is a Founding Editorial Board Member for the International Journal of Audiology and the Cochrane Work systematic review group. She is a mentor and collaborator with researchers across the globe and received several awards. Her pioneering research in occupational health has contributed to international occupational safety and health policies. She is currently devoting time to improving the communication of science to the public through new media and promoting the adoption of evidence-based health practices.
Ted Madison, M.A., CCC-A, CPS/A is an audiologist in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He teaches hearing conservation courses for the Midwest Center for Occupational Safety and Health at the University of Minnesota. He is certified by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) as a Course Director and a Professional Supervisor of the Audiometric Monitoring Program. Ted served as President of National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) in 2004-2005 and as a CAOHC council member from 2006-2016. He currently is a member of the review panel for the Safe-In-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award™.
Topic: Shifts in Hearing Thresholds: Work Related or Not?
This webinar will be recorded. No CEU credits of any kind will be offered for viewing the recorded version of this webinar.
When: April 17, 2024 at 5:00pm ET
CEUs: 1-hour CEU (AAA and 0.1 ASHA CEU)
Pricing:
$38 - CAOHC/NHCA members
$50 - Non-members
About the Webinar: In this webinar, two experienced occupational audiologists will describe a standard threshold shift of hearing
Presenters: Marjorie Grantham & Carol Snyderwine
 Marjorie Grantham, PhD, F-AAA, CPS/A: Dr. Grantham is an occupational audiologist with a Ph.D. in hearing science and over 30 years of experience in clinical and preventive audiology, research, and leadership. She currently works at Examinetics, the nation's largest provider of mobile occupational health and data management services.
Dr. Grantham promotes hearing wellness and safety in the workplace and beyond, by providing audiometric monitoring professional supervision and hearing health education for Occupational Hearing Conservationists, employers, and employees. She also contributes to the development and implementation of hearing conservation programs, policies, and best practices. You may reach Marjorie at [email protected].
 Carol Snyderwine, MHA, MA, CCC-A, CPS/A: Carol Snyderwine is an audiologist and has worked over 35 years for the Cleveland Clinic Health System where she manages a mobile, occupational hearing conservation program. This mobile unit provides on-site hearing tests in the greater Cleveland/Akron area. Carol reviews audiograms and provides follow-up audiometry for those workers having problem audiograms and consults for industries having their own inhouse hearing conservation programs.
Carol represents the American Speech Language Association (ASHA) on the CAOHC Council where she serves as the Council Vice Chair of Education and the Chair of the Professional Supervisor Committee. You can contact Carol at [email protected].
Financial Disclosure: Carol Snyderwine, MHA, MA, CCC-A, CPS/A has no relevant financial information to disclose. Mrs. Snyderwine discloses her relevant non-financial relationship as a representative of ASHA on the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) Council. Marjorie Grantham, PhD, F-AAA, CPS/A has no relevant financial information to disclose. Dr. Grantham discloses her relevant non-financial relationship as the editor for the NHCA Spectrum and president of the NHCA Scholarship Foundation.
Learning Objectives:
- Define a standard threshold shift (STS) as defined by OSHA.
- Describe work-relatedness per OSHA’s record-keeping rules (29 CFR 1904.5).
- Describe OSHA’s basis for determining recordability on the OSHA Form 300.
- Identify factors which should and should not be considered in determining work-relatedness.
- Apply this knowledge in assessing potentially recordable losses.
Cancellation Policy: Webinar purchases are non-refundable.
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