We are excited to have you join us for an amazing educational line up, check out the agenda below for the 2025 Conference. Please note that this agenda is subject to change.
Hearing protector fit testing (HPFT) provides a substantial opportunity for the Department of Defense (DOD) to improve its hearing conservation program (HCP). HPFT ensures individuals are trained to correctly insert their hearing protectors so that they have a hearing protector that provides an appropriate level of protection. The ability to hear and communicate is vital to mission accomplishment, and when auditory function is impaired, critical safety and performance is degraded. Service members and noise-exposed civilians are at significant risk for noise-induced hearing loss. DOD policy requires the incorporation of HPFT into their HCPs. The development of a HPFT task force (TF), led by the Defense Health Agency, Hearing Center of Excellence, will expedite the adoption of this requirement. The TF will ensure a consistent program with respect to equipment, training, public health studies, and recordkeeping. Coordination and collaboration between the DOD and its component organizations supports effective, cohesive, and comprehensive HPFT implementation. This talk will address successes, challenges, and best practices associated with the development of implementation plans, establishment of equipment, training, and information technology requirements, and development of research plans to address gaps for DOD large-scale HPFT program implementation.
