COHC - Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist

The Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) awards the Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) designation to candidates who complete a 20-hour certification course and pass the accompanying exam.

An Occupational Hearing Conservationist (OHC), or industrial audiometric technician, conducts hearing tests, maintains and manages equipment, and educates noise-exposed workers and employers on hearing loss prevention.

COHCs may be audiologists, physicians, occupational health nurses, human resources directors or workplace safety officers. They work in various settings, including

• on-site mines or factories

• occupational health clinics

• military facilities

• mobile units

They are familiar with, and work under, regulations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and State and governmental agencies.

Costs

Course costs vary by provider but typically ranges between $695 and $1,295.

The COHC course is offered in-person and online. Some courses are hybrid with classroom and virtual instruction.

Course Content:

The OHC Course prepares candidates in the following areas.

• Hearing health history

• Visual inspection of the ear

• Pure tone air conduction audiometric testing and techniques

• Audiometric equipment and maintenance

• Employee notification of a standard/significant threshold shift (STS)

• Recordkeeping, Education, training, and counseling

• Hearing protection education

Upon completion of the 20-hour OHC training, candidates are eligible to take the exam. Details on the exam are provided during the course.

To find or sign up for a COHC course, candidates find the OHC Course Search link here. Each course varies by location, cost, and instructor.

There are no prerequisites for the COHC course. To obtain certification, candidates must complete a CAOHC course in Occupational Hearing Conservation (OHC) and pass a test.

COHCs must renew their credentials every five years. The certification expiration date is five years from the date you complete the course, not the exam.

To renew, COHCs must successfully complete:

• An 8-hour recertification course

• A national standardized written exam

• A practical exam on audiometric testing

• A hearing protection fitting

Renewal Fees

Renewal costs varies by provider but typically ranges between $495 and $645.

The CAOHC offers a handbook.

Other related certifications include:

• ABOHN Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN)

• NCBOHN Certified Otorhinolaryngology Nurse (CORLN)

• NPBHE Certification in Public Health (CPH)

• Master of Public Health (MPH)