The Occupational Hearing Conservationist is the person at the center of most industrial audiometric testing programs — yet their exact role, certification requirements, and supervisory obligations are poorly understood by many safety managers who work with them daily. This guide explains what an OHC is, what OSHA requires of them, how CAOHC certification works, and where OHC responsibilities end and audiologist oversight begins.
Soundtrace works with CAOHC-certified Occupational Hearing Conservationists and provides built-in audiology oversight for every testing program — so employers always have the qualified supervision OSHA requires without needing to hire a full-time audiologist.
An Occupational Hearing Conservationist (OHC) is a CAOHC-certified technician trained to administer industrial pure-tone audiometric tests. They can conduct testing but cannot make final clinical determinations — those require review by a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician under OSHA 1910.95.
What Is an Occupational Hearing Conservationist?
An Occupational Hearing Conservationist (OHC) is a trained and certified technician who specializes in conducting pure-tone audiometric testing in occupational health settings. OHCs are the primary testers in most industrial hearing conservation programs — they administer baseline and annual audiograms, operate and maintain audiometric equipment, and document results.
The OHC role exists specifically for the occupational health context. Unlike clinical audiologists who work in healthcare settings, OHCs are trained to conduct testing efficiently within industrial environments — including mobile van programs, in-plant testing booths, and on-site occupational health clinics.
The OHC’s Role Under OSHA 1910.95
OSHA 1910.95(g)(3) specifies that audiometric testing must be performed by one of the following: a licensed or certified audiologist, an otolaryngologist, a physician, or a technician who is certified by CAOHC and works under the supervision of an audiologist or physician. In practice, the OHC handles day-to-day testing operations while the supervising audiologist or physician reviews results, confirms STS determinations, assesses work-relatedness, and authorizes referrals.
Under 1910.95(g)(3), operators of microprocessor audiometers do not require CAOHC certification — they must demonstrate “competence.” Soundtrace satisfies this through its own operator training program. However, regardless of who operates the audiometer, the PLHCP review and clinical determination requirement remains unchanged.
OHC vs. PLHCP: The Critical Distinction
CAOHC Certification: Requirements and Process
The Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) administers the OHC certification program. Requirements include completion of an approved 20-hour course covering audiometric testing, equipment operation, hearing conservation program elements, and professional standards; passing a written and practical examination; and recertification every 5 years through continuing education and re-examination.
Supervision Requirements
OSHA 1910.95 requires that OHC-conducted testing occur under the supervision of a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician. This does not require the audiologist to be physically present during every test — what it requires is that a qualified professional reviews audiometric results, particularly for STS determination and work-relatedness assessment. In most compliant programs, the OHC conducts testing and flags potential STS cases; the supervising audiologist reviews all flagged results and provides written confirmation of findings.
What an OHC Cannot Do
| Function | OHC Authorized? | Who Is Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Administer pure-tone audiometric tests | ✓ Yes | OHC (under PLHCP supervision) |
| Operate and maintain audiometric equipment | ✓ Yes | OHC |
| Document and file audiometric records | ✓ Yes | OHC |
| Flag potential STS for PLHCP review | ✓ Yes | OHC |
| Confirm Standard Threshold Shift | ✗ No | Audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician |
| Determine work-relatedness for 300 Log | ✗ No | Audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician |
| Recommend clinical referral | ✗ No | Audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician |
| Diagnose hearing disorders | ✗ No | Audiologist or physician (clinical scope) |
Frequently asked questions
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