HEARING CONSERVATION HEALTH EDUCATION and MOTIVATION HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM 1 28 Jan 2013

Learning Objectives 1.List HCP Education/Training Instructions 2.Identify who requires initial/annual training 3.Identify training content requirements and command responsibilities 4.List activities to motivate and encourage behavior change for improving compliance 5.List education and training resources 2

GOAL of the HCP Prevent occupationally related noise-induced hearing loss TO MEET GOAL Continual education and training of noise-exposed personnel 3

HCP Education and Training Instructions DoD Instructions Marines MCO Series Navy OPNAV Series OPNAV Series NMCPHC Tech Manual Army DA PAM Air Force AFI *Local SOP 4

Education/Training Who Needs It & How Often? I. SHORE BASED Training A.Initial - supervisors & enrollees B.Annual - supervisors & enrollees II. SHIPBOARD Training A.Initial - all hands during Indoctrination B.Annual - HCP enrollees 5

Initial Training Requirements I.Elements and rationale for the HCP II.Effects of noise on hearing III.Proper use and care of HPD IV.Command program and individual responsibilities 6

Initial Training Requirements cont…. V.Individual’s responsibilities in protecting his or her hearing VI.How hearing loss affects career VII.Off duty practices that prevent HL VIII. Communicating in high-noise environments 7

Annual Training Requirements I.Effects of noise on hearing II.Purpose of HPD III.Advantages/Disadvantages of HPD IV.Instructions on HPD selection, use and care 8

Annual Training Requirements cont… V.Requirements to use HPD and administrative actions for non-compliance VI.Purpose of Audiometric Testing VII.Explanation of test procedures VIII.Explanation that hearing loss will affect job retention/employability IX.Encourage HPD use off duty 9

Ship Board HCP Training Command Medical OHC TECH  Initial and Annual  Stand Downs  Counseling during Hearing Test Results 10

Shore Based HCP Training COMMAND SAFETY OFFICER  Initial and Annual  Stand Downs  Counseling during Hearing Test Results OHC TECH 11

 Praise normal hearing – no STS  Encourage consistent use of HPDs  Re-instruct proper insertion of earplugs  Encourage awareness of noise levels and HPD use during home and off-duty activities OHC Tech Contributions to Annual Training 12

Employee Motivation Ideas ASHORE - Medical Clinics OHC Tech Attitude: respect and concern for hearing enthusiasm in explaining results Demonstrate excellent patient care and “customer service” Use positive reinforcement KEY: Behavior must change to improve compliance using HPDs 13

Employee Motivation Ideas #2 AFLOAT and RURAL COMMANDS OHC Technician may assist Safety Officer or Unit Supervisors in educational & motivational activities  Perform “walk-throughs” to monitor compliance  Give positive reinforcement for consistent HPD use in the presence of co-workers  Provide personalized training for workers having difficulty using HPDs  Reinforce fact that Significant HL can mean a job change or Loss of Employment 14

Employee Motivation Ideas #3  Supervisors must be HCP role models  Develop creative competitions  Recognize units or work centers who have - lowest STS rates - highest HPD compliance - highest annual testing compliance  Use videos, speakers with hearing loss “You must be the change you want to see in the world” Gandhi #1 Highest HCP Compliance Liberty Award 15

Documentation Annual hearing conservation training employee training records DD2216 during annual hearing testing Sign-in rosters of annual group training kept on file with the unit or shop a minimum of 5 years Copies of training rosters forward to Safety Officer 16

Educational Resources  Regional Occupational Audiologists!  Student workbook –materials & resources list  Navy & Marine Corps Public Health Center  Internet sources: Safety, OSHA, CDC, universities, audiology/medical sites  Guest Speakers with hearing loss 17

SUMMARY Four of the Five Elements of the HCP can be outstanding But… IF personnel are not educated or motivated to conserve their hearing through appropriate behaviors, WE have failed in our mission readiness. 18

QUESTIONS??? 19