Hearing Conservation
DescriptionJohnson Space Center's (JSC) Audiology and Hearing Conservation (AuHCon) clinic supports NASAs efforts in preventing noise-induced hearing loss among the astronaut crew and pilots, as well as other personnel working in noise-hazardous activities. Routine exposure to hazardous noise (such as jet engines, heavy equipment, and power tools) presents a serious risk for permanent hearing loss and mission success. A hearing conservation program (HCP) is in place at JSC that is intended to not just comply with federal regulatory safety and health requirements, but offer the best practices known in the hearing conservation community re: personal hearing protection, noise monitoring and control practices, health education, early detection of hearing loss through audiometric monitoring and follow-up and other services.
The audiologist-manager of the AuHCon clinic is the Professional Supervisor of Flight Medicine's HCP, including review of hearing test results and recommendations to flight surgeons. He also provides consultations to the Occupational Medicine Clinic.
The Hearing Conservation Executive Committee provides leadership for the JSC HCP, reviews its effectiveness, recommend improvements, and periodically updates program documents.
Web Links
Acoustics Issues re: International Space Station Environments (Boeing)
American Academy of Audiology Position on Preventing Noise-Induced Occupational Hearing Loss
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Position on Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation
JSC Acoustics Working Group
NASA Glenn Research Center Acoustical Testing Laboratory
NASA OH - Occupational Medicine
National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
National Institute of Deafness and Communication Disorders - Wise Ears
Noise Exposure in the Construction Industry
Noise Regulation Report Aviation and Environment News
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hearing Conservation Amendment
OSHA Safety and Health References
E-A-R Bibliography on Hearing Protection and Hearing Conservation
