CAOHC Actual Exam Questions With 100% Correct & Verified Answers - Updated

CAOHC Actual Exam Questions With 100% Correct & Verified Answers - Updated What does CAOHC stand for? - Correct Answer Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation" "Who is the certification body for? - Correct Answer Occupational Hearing Conservationist (OHCs) Course Directors (CDs) Professional Supervisors (PSs)" "When is an area survey most appropriate? - Correct Answer Simple, continuous (non-time-varying) noise source" "What are the requirements for sound level meter? - Correct Answer 1. Must have A-scale and "slow" response 2. Must be "Type 2" (general purpose) or better" "What is a requirement for an area noise survey process? - Correct Answer Must measure what an employee hears. At "operator position" of machinery and near the employees ear, when using tools" "What is CAOHCs mission? - Correct Answer To promote hearing loss prevention by enhancing the quality of occupational hearing loss prevention practices, with a focus on: Providing OHCs: resources and guidance to facilitate the practice of hearing loss prevention through standardized training and credentialing Providing CDs: training resources, curriculum oversight, and professional support to assist in ensuring the competence of OHC's" "What does CAOHC do? - Correct Answer Promote BEST PRACTICES in occupational hearing conservation" "What is a CAOHC certified student? - Correct Answer Certified occupational hearing conservationist (COHC)" "How long does a COHC certification last? - Correct Answer 5 years" "What are the two effects of noise? - Correct Answer Auditory Non-auditory" "Defined auditory - Correct Answer Direct effects to the ear" "What are some examples of auditory effects? - Correct Answer 1. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) 2. Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) 3. Hyperacusis (high sensitivity to noise; lower tolerance for loud sounds) 4. Communication interference" "Define non-auditory - Correct Answer Other physiological and psychological effects" "What are some examples of non-auditory effects? - Correct Answer 1. Hypertension 2. Cognitive decline 3. Stress 4. Isolation, Social withdrawal, frustration 5. Sleep disturbances 6. Degraded work performance" "What are some early signs of noise induced hearing loss? - Correct Answer 1. Difficulty understanding conversations (particularly in background noise) 2. Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)" "What are some characteristics of noise induced hearing loss? - Correct Answer 1. Usually bilateral, always sensorineural 2. Typically affects high frequencies first; audiometric "notch" at 4000Hz 3. Primary determiners of damage are duration and intensity of sound 4. Temporary hearing threshold shifts (TTS) become permanent threshold shifts (PTS)" "Name two sources of hazardous noise - Correct Answer 1. Occupational noise exposure 2. Non-occupational noise exposure" "What is the most common occupational illness and second most self reported occupational illness for American workers? - Correct Answer Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)" "What occupation has the highest percentage of noise induced hearing loss? - Correct Answer Manufacturing" "Approximately how many people are exposed to hazardous noise in the workplace? - Correct Answer 30 million people" "What occupation has the highest prevalence of exposure to noise? - Correct Answer Mining" "What are the two parts of the outer ear? - Correct Answer 1. Auricle (pinna) 2. External auditory meatus (Ear canal)" "What are the names of the three bones in the middle ear? - Correct Answer 1. Malleus (hammer) 2. Incus (anvil) 3. Stapes (stirrup)" "What are the smallest bones in the human body? - Correct Answer Ossicles" "What are the two primary structures in the inner ear? - Correct Answer 1. Cochlea (hearing) 2. Vestibular System (balance)" "What is the vestibular system attached to? - Correct Answer The ear" "What are the three types of hearing loss? - Correct Answer 1. Conductive 2. Sensorineural 3. Mixed" "Where does conductive hearing loss occur? - Correct Answer The outer or middle ear" "Is conductive hearing loss treatable? - Correct Answer Yes" "Where does sensorineural hearing loss occur? - Correct Answer The inner ear" "Is sensorineural hearing loss treatable? - Correct Answer No" "What is mixed hearing loss? - Correct Answer A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss" "What is an example of an outer ear problem? - Correct Answer 1. Cerumen impaction (excessive earwax) 2. Otitis Externa (outer ear infection) (Conductive hearing loss)" "What is an example of a middle ear problem? - Correct Answer 1. Otitis Media (middle ear infection) 2. Perforated tympanic membrane (Conductive hearing loss)" "What are some examples of inner ear problems? - Correct Answer 1. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) 2. Prebycusis (Age related hearing loss) 3. Ototoxicity (Chemical induced) 4. Disease 5. Sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (wake up and just can't hear) (Permanent hearing loss)" "Electrical signals from hair cells are transmitted to _______________. - Correct Answer Auditory nerves" "Ototoxins cause _________________ hearing loss - Correct Answer Sensorineural" "Ototoxins include: - Correct Answer 1. Organic solvents 2. Heavy metals 3. Asphyxiants (carbon monoxide) 4. Medication (chemotherapeutics)" "What is the working definition of sound? - Correct Answer Any pressure change in air, water, or other medium, which the human ear can detect" "What is necessary for sound? - Correct Answer 1. Source of Energy 2. Vibrating body 3. Medium 4. Receiver" "What are the properties of sound? - Correct Answer 1. Frequency (pitch) 2. Intensity (loudness) 3. Duration (time)" "Define frequency - Correct Answer The number of cycles per second" "What is the unit of measurement for frequency? - Correct Answer Hertz (Hz)" "What is the range of frequency for human hearing? - Correct Answer 20 - 20,000 Hz" "What is the range of frequency for human speech? - Correct Answer 250 - 4,000 Hz" "What is the BEST range of frequency for human hearing? - Correct Answer 500 - 4,000Hz" "Define intensity - Correct Answer Amplitude of sound wave" "If pressure is increased then amplitude is ______________? - Correct Answer Increased" "What is the range of human hearing amplitude (level) - Correct Answer 0 - 140 dB SPL" "What does SPL stand for and what is it measured in? - Correct Answer Sound pressure levels Measured in decibels (db)" "100 dB + 100 dB = ?? - Correct Answer 103 dB" "What are the two types of duration? - Correct Answer 1. Steady state noise 2. Impulse/impact noise" "When is steady state noise considered hazardous? - Correct Answer 85dBA or greater" "Harmful steady state noise must last ________________ - Correct Answer Longer than one second" "In what measurement are steady state noise levels in hearing conservation almost always expressed? - Correct Answer dBA" "When are impulse/impact noise considered hazardous? - Correct Answer 140 dBP" "Harmful impulse/impact noise must last _______________ - Correct Answer Less than one second" "At what frequencies is the human ear most sensitive? - Correct Answer 500 - 4,000 Hz" "________________ is used to filter and measured sound to capture sounds considered to be hazardous to hearing. - Correct Answer A-weighting" "________________ correlates well with risk of noise induced hearing loss - Correct Answer A-weighting" "What weighting scale is used for regulatory compliance in hearing conservation? - Correct Answer dBA" "What weighting scale is used for impact/impulse? - Correct Answer Linear - dBP or dB SPL" "What are the two components of noise exposure? - Correct Answer 1. Level (dBA) 2. Duration (time)" "What reflects the relationship between allowable exposure times and specific noise levels? - Correct Answer Exchange rate" "What is the exchange rate for OSHA and MSHA? - Correct Answer 5dB" "What is the exchange rate for NIOSH, HCGIH, European Union, DOD, EPA, and best practice? - Correct Answer 3dB" "What is the constant A-weighted sound level that can have potentially the same damage over an 8-hour period as the actual work day noise exposure? - Correct Answer TWA" "What regulatory body regulates most of the US manufacturing industry? - Correct Answer OSHA" "What agencies regulate occupational exposure? - Correct Answer 1. OSHA 2. MSHA 3. FRA 4. DOT 5 DoD" "What government agency is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work related illnesses and injuries? - Correct Answer NIOSH" "What year was the OSHA Hearing Conservation Amendment? - Correct Answer 1983 (no changes since!)" "What year was the MSHA Occupational Noise Exposure released? - Correct Answer 1999" "What year was the OSHA Recordkeeping Rule established? - Correct Answer 2004" "What is the OSHA Action Level (AL)? - Correct Answer 85 dBA TWA" "What triggers employee enrollment in a hearing conservation program? - Correct Answer 1. Annual training 2. Annual audiometric monitoring 3. Availability of hearing protection devices (mandatory if no baseline on file or has suffered an STS)" "What is the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)? - Correct Answer 90 dBA TWA" "What is the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for Impulse/impact noise limited to? - Correct Answer 140dBP" "According to the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) when is hearing protection MANDATORY? - Correct Answer 8-hour TWA > 90 dBA TWA" "Per OSHA, a 100% dose would be a TWA of ______dBA - Correct Answer 90" "Doubling the dose is equivalent to increasing the TWA by an amount __________ to the exchange rate - Correct Answer Equal" "Cutting the dose in half is equivalent to decreasing the TWA by an amount ________ to the exchange rate - Correct Answer Equal" "The OSHA action level, 85 dBA TWA, is a _____% dose - Correct Answer 50" "Why do we measure noise? - Correct Answer 1. Determine type and level of noise 2. Determine employee exposure level 3. Identify noise areas 4. Measure noise levels in audiometric booth" "Who should measure noise? - Correct Answer Industrial hygienist or acoustical engineer (This course does not qualify you to do noise monitoring!)" "When must noise be measured? - Correct Answer 1. A change in noise source or exposure duration 2. New or reassigned employees 3. New operation" "What are some additional good reasons to measure noise? - Correct Answer 1. Re-monitoring is required by OSHA whenever it is felt that changes in work conditions may require additional employees to be enrolled in the hearing conservation program or the current level of hearing protection may be inadequate 2. There's no requirement to re-monitor on an annual basis or any other time based schedule" "If you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone standing approximately 3 foot away then the noise is likely hazardous. What is this known as? - Correct Answer 3-Foot Rule" "What is the most accurate method of noise exposure assessment? - Correct Answer Personal noise dosimetry" "When is personal noise dosimetry most appropriate? - Correct Answer Mobile employees" "What is used for area noise level service? - Correct Answer Sound level meter (Type II)" "What does a personal noise dosimeter do? - Correct Answer Accumulates noise and integrates sums overtime" "Personal noise dosimeter directly computes __________. - Correct Answer 8-hour TWA" "OHCs __________ do noise control engineering unless otherwise trained/qualified - Correct Answer MAY NOT" "What are the 3 noise control strategies? - Correct Answer 1. Source (recommended approach) 2. Path 3. Receiver" "Define a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) - Correct Answer A change in hearing threshold, relative to the baseline audiogram, of an average of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in one or both ears" "Does OSHA allow for age correcting, when determining an STS? - Correct Answer Yes" "Age correction is only applied to an STS not the _______________ - Correct Answer Actual thresholds" "Recordable hearing loss, as defined in CFR 29 1904.10 when: - Correct Answer 1. The employees audiogram reveals an STS of 10 dB or more in one or both ears AND 2. The STS is determined to be work-related AND 3. The average hearing level at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in the same ear is 25 dB or greater" "Where must an STS be recorded? - Correct Answer OSHA 300 Log" "How many days are permitted to notify an employee in writing of an STS? - Correct Answer 21 days" "How many days are permitted to retest before the STS has to be recorded on the OSHA 300 log? - Correct Answer 30 days" "How many days after the retest must a recordable STS be documented on the OSHA 300 log? - Correct Answer 7 days" "When may an annual audiogram become the new (revised) baseline? - Correct Answer When a professional supervisor determines that: 1. An STS is persistent on a subsequent audiogram at least six months later 2. Persistent improvement in thresholds of at least 5 dB" "Can Baselines be revised for each year separately? - Correct Answer Yes" "In a pure tone air conduction audiogram graph, what does the vertical axis represent? - Correct Answer Hearing level (dB HL)" "In a pure tone air conduction audiogram graph, what does the horizontal axis represent? - Correct Answer Frequency (Hz)" "What frequencies are tested during an audiometric test? - Correct Answer 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000 and (optionally recommended) 8000" "What are the two types of audiometers? - Correct Answer 1. Microprocessor (Computer controlled or automated) 2. Manual" "Are earphones and audiometers interchangeable? - Correct Answer No" "What are some advantages of microprocessor audiometers? - Correct Answer 1. Database software 2. Built-in calibration procedures 3. May perform multiple hearing test at the same time 4. Reduced human error" "What are some disadvantages of microprocessor audiometers? - Correct Answer 1. More expensive than manual" "What are some advantages of using manual audiometer? - Correct Answer 1. Accommodates subjects with tinnitus 2. Best method for hard to test employees" "What are some disadvantages of using manual audiometers? - Correct Answer Greater chance of examiner error" "When is manual audiometry most appropriate? - Correct Answer To retest questionable thresholds or when threshold determination is unsuccessful in automatic mode." "How often should audiometer ear phones be calibrated? - Correct Answer Daily" "What are some important steps in caring for earphones? - Correct Answer Ensure earphones have not suffered mechanical shock from being dropped Keep earphones clean and free of dirt/debris" "According to OSHA who may perform audiometry? - Correct Answer 1. License audiologist, otolaryngologist (ENT), or other physician 2. OHC's certified by CAOHC or who have demonstrated competence" "What are the two parts of a functional calibration - Correct Answer 1. Listening 2. Visual" "How often must a functional calibration be performed on an audio meter? - Correct Answer Daily if audiometry is conducted" "What does a functional calibration ensure? - Correct Answer There will not be intermittency in audiometric tones" "What are the steps for visually checking audiometric equipment? - Correct Answer 1. Earphone headband tension 2. Earphone cushions 3. Diaphragms 4. Cords and connections" "What are the steps for performing a listening check on audiometric equipment? - Correct Answer 1. Listen through the earphones for frequency changes, intensity changes, tone quality, static, humming, and mechanical clicks" "What is the most sensitive part of the audiometer to most likely malfunction? - Correct Answer Earphone and cords" "How often must a biological calibration be performed? - Correct Answer Daily if audiometry is conducted" "What steps are performed in biological calibration of audiometers? - Correct Answer 1. Audiometry on a subject with known stable thresholds 2. Results compared to the baseline obtained after the exhaustive calibration 3. Threshold must agree with baseline within +/- 5 dB (if 10 dB or more an acoustic calibration is required)" "When can a bio-acoustic simulator be used? - Correct Answer In place of a human subject" "When is acoustical calibration required for audiometric equipment? - Correct Answer Required annually with equipment fails the daily biological calibration" "What are the steps for an acoustical calibration of audiometric equipment? - Correct Answer 1. Audiometer and headphones are calibrated together as a unit 2. Preferred on-site calibration 3. Establish a new functional/biological calibration immediately after the annual acoustical calibration" "When is an exhaustive calibration required for audiometric equipment? - Correct Answer Every two years with equipment fails annual electro-acoustical calibration" "What steps should be performed by the tester when preparing for an audiometric test? - Correct Answer 1. Control ambient noise 2. Ensure equipment calibration 3. Verify patient identity 4. Obtain aural (hearing) history 5. Perform otoscopic examination 6. Determine whether one ear is better, for purposes of testing 7. Place subject in audiometric booth 8. Explain purpose of test 9. Place earphones on subject" "What should the tester do when preparing for an examination? - Correct Answer Ensure the space under the earphones is clear of long hair, glasses, hearing aids, and other obstacles" "What approach should be used when performing manual audiometry? - Correct Answer 1. Test both ears at all test frequencies To. Follow the prescribed order of test frequencies and threshold seeking method without deviation 3. Always use pulse tone 4. Present the tone for 1 to 2 seconds 5. Vary the interval between tone presentations 6. Avoid a rhythmic tone presentation" "What is the familiarization procedure when performing manual audiometry? - Correct Answer 1. Allows the tester to determine if the subject understands and is able to perform the task 2. Locate starting point for threshold (bracketing) procedure - 1000 Hz 3. Present the tone at 30 dB HL 4. If subject responds, proceed to the threshold (bracketing) procedure 5. If the patient does not respond, increase the tone to 50 dB HL and in 10 dB steps thereafter, if needed, until the patient responds. Then proceed to the threshold procedure." "What is the threshold (bracketing) procedure when performing audiometric testing? - Correct Answer 1. Present tone 10 dB below the level of the first positive response in the familiarization procedure 2. Continue presenting tones in descending 10 dB steps until the subject no longer responds 3. Present the tone in a sending 5 dB steps until the subject response 4. Continue process until the subject response AT LEAST 2 OUT OF 3 times" "Define hearing threshold level (HTL) - Correct Answer Threshold is defined as the lowest intensity level to which the subject responds in at least half of a series of ascending trials with a minimum of two responses out of three required at a single level" "When does OSHA say hearing protection devices she'll be available? - Correct Answer When exposure is equal to or greater than 85 dBA TWA" "When does OSHA enforce hearing protection device usage? - Correct Answer Greater than or equal to 90 dBA" "What are some indications of functional/non-organic loss? - Correct Answer 1. Pack of crossover 2. Flat audiogram 3. Inconsistent responses 4. Behavior 5. Known motivation Can be equipment problems Typically "malingering"" "What ear should be tested first during an audiometric test? - Correct Answer The best ear, if no "better" ear, test the left ear first" "What information is required by OSHA for audiometric records? - Correct Answer 1. Name and job classification 2. Date of audiogram 3. Examiners name 4. Date of last calibration 5. Employeesmost recent noise exposure assessment" "What are the OSHA record retention requirements? - Correct Answer Noise exposure documents - 2 years Audiometric records - duration of employment" "What are the NIOSH record retention recommendations? - Correct Answer Noise exposure documents - 30 years Audiometric records - duration of employment + 30 years Audiometric calibration - 5 years" "What type of calibration test the basic outputs? - Correct Answer Annual/acoustic" "As a best practice how long should electronic records be kept? - Correct Answer Indefinitely" "It is inappropriate for an OHC to: - Correct Answer 1. Perform audiometric testing other than pure tone air conduction 2. Interpret audiograms 3. Determine work relatedness 4. Diagnose hearing problems 5. Assume role of Professional Supervisor" "Required HCP training must include: - Correct Answer 1. The effects of noise on hearing in the purpose of hearing protectors 2. Selection, fitting, use and care of hearing protectors and advantages/disadvantages 3. Purpose of monitoring audiometry an explaining test procedures" "When does OSHA say hearing protection devices are mandatory at 85 dBA TWA? - Correct Answer When a standard threshold shift has been confirmed and before baseline audiometric evaluation" "Who is responsible for providing a variety of hearing protection devices? - Correct Answer Employer" "What are the OSHA requirements for hearing protection devices? - Correct Answer 1. HPDs shall attenuate noise to less than or equal to 90 dBA TWA or 85 dBA TWA for employees who have experienced a STS 2. Employer shall evaluate hearing protection device attenuation for specific noise environments 3. Employer shall insure initial fitting and supervise correct use 4. Hearing protection devices are replaced as necessary" "How many choices of earplugs and earmuffs does OSHA require for employers to provide? - Correct Answer 2 types each" "What are the types of hearing protection devices? - Correct Answer 1. Earmuffs 2. Earplugs 3. Custom molded earplugs 4. Ear canal caps/semi-insert devices 5. Special purpose HPD's" "What are the best hearing protectors? - Correct Answer The one that is worn and worn properly" "What agency requires an Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)? - Correct Answer EPA" "What does the hearing protection device selection criteria consist of? - Correct Answer 1. Required attenuation (NRR) 2. Noise level and spectrum 3. Auditory communication requirements 4. Compatibility with other safety equipment (e.g. respirators, safety glasses, hardhats) 5. Hygiene issues 6. Frequency, duration, intermittency of wear 7. Climate and working conditions 8. Vulnerability to abuse and deterioration 9. Wearer's physical limitations 10. Replacement, care and use requirements 11. Cost 12. Fit/comfort/employee preference" "Does double hearing protection result in double attenuation? - Correct Answer No" "How much protection does wearing double hearing protection provide? - Correct Answer 5 dB" "What are the four major types of earplugs? - Correct Answer 1. Formable 2. Premolded 3.. No-touch foam 4. Custom molded" "How should you check for adequate hearing protection usage? - Correct Answer 1. Visually inspect that earplugs are completely in the ear canal 2. Acoustically check that earplugs provide enough attenuation that sounds don't change when ear is covered. Boom Beat test 3. Tug Test to ensure the earplug offers resistance when stem is pulled" "Can hearing aids and hearing aid earmolds substitute for hearing protectors? - Correct Answer No" "What are the benefits of Hearing Protection Fit Testing Systems? - Correct Answer 1. Fit testing systems provide a in-field assessment of individual fit and attenuation 2. Provides Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) 3. Motivates employees 4. Best Practice approach" "What are the 3 types of Hearing Protection Fit Testing Systems? - Correct Answer 1. Real Ear Attenuation at Threshold (REAT) 2. Field Microphone in Real Ear (F-MIRE) 3. Loudness balancing" "What is the purpose of an otoscopic inspection? - Correct Answer Confirm ear canal is clear of obvious infection, cerumen blockage, or other abnormality that may affect audiometric results or ability to properly fit HPD." "What are the 2 types of testing environments? - Correct Answer 1. Test Booth 2. Mobile Van" "What are the types of test booths? - Correct Answer 1. Mini (2-inch wall construction) 2. Standard (4-inch wall construction)" "Audiometric test environments must meet ______________ ___________ __________ _________. - Correct Answer Ambient Noise Level Limits" "What are the OSHA max permissible ambient noise levels? - Correct Answer 500=40 1000=40 2000=47 4000=57 8000=62" "What is the requirement to measure ambient noise levels according to a schedule? - Correct Answer There are no requirements" "Ambient noise levels must _____________ be below the limits during audiometric testing. - Correct Answer ALWAYS" "_____________________ measurement during testing is best. - Correct Answer Continuous" "OHCs shall _____________ monitor bioacoustics when continuous noise monitoring - Correct Answer Visually" "Excessive ambient noise may increase hearing thresholds, especially at ___________________ - Correct Answer 500Hz (lower frequencies) Lower frequencies are more difficult to attenuate" "O's are used to plot points on an audiogram for the _________ ear. - Correct Answer Right" "X's are used to plot points on an audiogram for the _________ ear. - Correct Answer Left" "If neither ear is normal but one is worse, loss is called _________________ - Correct Answer Asymmetric" "Sloping configuration typical of ____________________ - Correct Answer Presbycusis" "Define bone conduction testing - Correct Answer Inner ear thresholds are obtained via bone oscillator placed on mastoid" "What is a bone conduction test? - Correct Answer Stimuli travel directly to inner ear (not through external or middle ear)" "Define an air/bone gap - Correct Answer More than 10 dB difference between threshold obtained by bone conduction and by air conduction Indicates conductive component to loss"