Personnel enrolled in the hearing conservation program must be evaluated at what periods in their career?

• A. Baseline, quarterly, and upon retirement
• B. Baseline, annually, and upon separation
• C. Only at initial enrollment
• D. Baseline and monthly

Answer: (B)

Evaluations in a hearing conservation program are designed to establish a reference and then monitor changes over time. A baseline audiogram records each person’s hearing status when they enter the program, creating that reference point. Regular follow-up, typically on an annual basis, checks for any threshold shifts that could indicate noise-induced hearing loss and ensures early detection. Finally, an exit or separation audiogram documents the person’s hearing status at the end of employment for medical records and regulatory compliance. Scheduling evaluations quarterly or monthly would be more frequent than needed for routine monitoring, and retirement isn’t a standard evaluation point. So the appropriate pattern is baseline, annually, and upon separation.