Noise exposure is the primary cause of preventable adult-onset hearing loss and hearing protection devices (HPDs) are commonly worn to reduce sounds to a safe level; however, most HPD users do not receive adequate noise reduction. This course will explain why and describe how audiologists can implement hearing protector fit testing in clinical practice.
Upcoming Live Webinars
CEUs/Hours Offered: BAA/1.0; CAA/1.0; SAC/1.0
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to list three reasons prevention should be a key component of every audiologist’s practice.
- After this course, participants will be able to differentiate between a hearing protector’s labeled Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and an individual’s Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR).
- After this course, participants will be able to identify two approaches to hearing protector fit testing that can be done using equipment readily available in most audiology practices.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction |
| 5-15 Minutes | Prevention as a key component of audiology practice |
| 15-25 Minutes | NRR vs. PAR |
| 25-35 Minutes | Evidence base for hearing protector fit testing |
| 35-55 Minutes | Approaches to hearing protector fit testing |
| 55-60 Minutes | Conclusions and Q&A |
Presented By
Christa Themann
MA CCC-A
Christi Themann worked as a Research Audiologist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for over 30 years. Her experience includes evaluating hearing protector attenuation, developing effective hearing loss prevention strategies, and managing audiometric testing in epidemiologic surveys. During her tenure at NIOSH, Christi helped develop the 1998 criteria document on occupational exposure to noise as well as the 2025 update to the criteria document recommending hearing protector fit testing. Christi has also worked as a temporary Strategic Content Developer at AudiologyOnline and as an adjunct instructor at the University of Pittsburgh. Trained in audiology, epidemiology, and public health, Christi enjoys bringing together the wide range of data and perspectives to develop policies, programs, and materials that will help people hear well and enjoy sound throughout their lifetime.
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Wei Gong
MS CIH
Wei Gong is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC). She has 20 years of experience in industrial hygiene, with an emphasis on the hazards of noise exposure and effective hearing conservation strategies. Her research interests include evaluating the effectiveness of hearing protection devices using fit-testing methods, assessing the auditory effects of co-exposure to noise and ototoxicants in the workplace, and understanding the risks to hearing from complex noise exposures. Wei was instrumental in developing the 2025 recommendation hearing protector fit testing published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
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Financial: Christi Themann developed this course while temporarily employed by AudiologyOnline. Non-financial: Christi Themann has no non-finacial disclosures.
Financial: Wei Gong received an honorarium for presenting this course. Non-financial: Wei Gong has no non-financial disclosures.
Course participation information
To ensure you are ready to participate, please complete our short Test Drive to prepare your computer to view the course.
NOTE: Full attendance for all courses is mandatory. For self-study courses, this includes reading the full text, listening to the full audio recording, or watching the complete video, as appropriate for the format of the course.
Passing an online exam and completing a course evaluation will be required to earn continuing education credit.
Live Webinars allow presenter and participant interaction. The exam and course evaluation for these courses must be completed within 7 days of the event.
On-demand courses include texts, video and audio recordings of live webinars, and multimedia formats. The exam and course evaluation for on-demand courses must be completed within 30 days of course registration.
To participate in the course, complete the exam and course evaluation, and earn continuing education credit, you must be a AudiologyOnline member. Participants must complete the entire course; partial credit is not allowed.
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British Academy of Audiology
This course has been accredited with 1.00 CPD point/s by the British Academy of Audiology.
Canadian Academy of Audiology
The Canadian Academy of Audiology (CAA) supports and assists its members in the attainment of continuing education towards an individual professional development plan as required by their Provincial Regulatory Colleges and Provincial Associations. Audiology Online is an approved provider of educational activities for CAA members. Each hour of activity may be counted as one Continuous Learning Activity Credit (or equivalent) as allowed by the applicable regulatory college or association.
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada
Clinically certified members of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) can accumulate continuing education equivalents (CEEs) for their participation with AudiologyOnline. One hour of coursework equals 1 CEE. All SAC members are encouraged to participate in on-going education.