Virtual CAOHC Course

Presented by Earmark Hearing Conservation

Occupational Hearing Conservationists are trained and credentialed through Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) approved courses. Dr. Wartinger (Course Director #496199) offers high-quality courses with engaging instruction for occupational health professionals who administer audiometric testing as required by OSHA, MSHA, DOD and FRA regulations.

Completion of a CAOHC-approved course, conducted by a CAOHC certified Course Director, does not automatically grant Occupational Hearing Conservation certification. All students must pass a computer-based examination at the conclusion of the course. An application and fee will be submitted to CAOHC on each student's behalf and is included in the published course fee. CAOHC grants certification for five years.

Virtual CAOHC Courses offered by Earmark Hearing Conservation are entirely online with no in-person requirements. Instruction, audiometric practicum, hearing protection device practicum, and examination are all completed through your browser.

Agenda:

Day 1: 9 AM to 4 PM

Day 2: 9 AM to 4 PM *Access to hearing protection devices between 2 - 3 PM

Day 3: 9 AM to 4 PM

Note: Class times are listed in ET (Eastern Time)

Technology and connection requirements

To attend an online course, each student must have access to the following equipment:

• Computer with reliable internet connection and a functional webcam
• Otoscope and a willing individual to serve as a stand-in patient during the practicum section on day 2
• Hearing protection devices (note: a selection of devices will be shipped out to each registrant 1-2 weeks prior to the course date)
• Access to an audiometer is not required during the course due to the use of online simulators. However, many students report benefit from having access to a physical audiometer device for extended hands-on learning.

Course Topics

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear
• The Audiometer and Test Environment
• Audiometric Techniques
• Audiogram Referral and Follow-up
• Principles of Noise Analysis and Control
• Hearing Protection Device Fitting and Training
• Otoscopic Inspection
• Federal and State Regulations
• Employee Education and Motivation
• Record Keeping and Recordability

Virtual Course Expectations

Virtual learning is new for many of us. For the benefit of everyone’s experience, below are a few virtual course expectations:

1. Focus on the course – reduce virtual and real-world distraction
2. Participate fully – unmute your camera as much as possible, and engage in the conversation
3. Respect each other’s time – join on time and promptly after breaks
4. Cut ourselves some slack – virtual learning can be relaxing and enjoyable, just make yourself comfortable and ready to learn

Manuals and Handouts

Many of the course resources and downloads are available online at http://www.earmarkhc.com/caohc-course-resources

The following items will be shipped to each participant 1-2 weeks prior to the course date:

• CAOHC Manual
• CAOHC Study Guide
• Course Handouts
• Hearing Protection Devices - A selection of devices will be used for the practicum

Otoscope Access

Otoscopic training is required to complete the course. During the course, you will need to have access to an otoscope and a willing individual to serve as a stand-in patient during practicum for a few minutes. If you are concerned you will not have access to an otoscope or another individual, please reach out to your course director for alternative methods to complete this requirement.

Continuing Education Credits

Eligible participants in this course will receive 20 hours of continuing education credits from Earmark Hearing Conservation and the DC Board of Nursing.

We look forward to seeing you in the course!

• Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to admin@earmarkhc.com.
• Full refund* of the course registration fee will be issued for cancellation requests submitted on or earlier than 14 calendar days prior to the course start date. *See exception below for course materials packet.
• For cancellations within 14 calendar days of the course start date, 50% of the course fees are refundable. If the invoice has not yet been paid, your invoice will be updated to 50% of the course fees and payment is requested within 14 calendar days. *See exception below for course materials packet.
• No-shows or significantly late arrivals (>2 hours late on day 1 of 20 hour initial certification courses; >1 hour late to 8 hour recertification courses) will disqualify the student from taking the exam and the course fees are rendered non-refundable. Circumstances should be discussed with the course director and exceptions are at the discretion of Earmark and CAOHC. In these cases, the course materials packet does not need to be returned. If it is returned (see below), Earmark may be able to offer a $115 refund to the original payment method.