Beyond the Audiogram: New Developments in Hearing Protection and Fit Testing for Occupational Health
Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - 1:00pm CT - 11:00am PT
Occupational hearing loss remains one of the most common work-related illnesses despite decades of hearing conservation efforts. Emerging evidence demonstrates that workers using the same hearing protector can achieve dramatically different levels of protection, highlighting the importance of hearing protector fit testing as a tool for improving individual outcomes. This webinar will provide occupational medicine professionals with an update on recent developments in hearing protection, including OSHA’s Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) on hearing protector fit testing, recommendations from the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA), and current research examining the effectiveness and implementation of fit testing in workplace hearing conservation programs.
Participants will gain practical insights into how fit testing can be integrated into occupational health practice to enhance worker training, improve hearing protector performance, and strengthen hearing loss prevention efforts. The webinar will also showcase lessons learned from Safe-in-Sound Award-winning organizations that have successfully implemented innovative hearing conservation strategies. Through a review of guidance, evidence, and real-world applications, attendees will be better equipped to evaluate and implement hearing protector fit testing as part of a comprehensive occupational hearing conservation program.
Register for this free webinar!
DATE: Thursday, July 9, 2026
TIME: 2:00PM ET - 1:00PM CT - 11:00AM PT
About the Speaker:
Dr. J. Andrew Merkley, AuD, CCC-A, CPS/A
Dr. John 'Andy' Merkley is an occupational audiologist with over 27 years of experience in both clinical and occupational audiology. He currently works as a contract senior program manager with the Defense Health Agency Hearing Center of Excellence. He holds a Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from Utah State University and a Doctor of Audiology from Central Michigan University. Dr. Merkley's professional associations include the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (AHSA), the Military Audiology Association (MAA) and the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA). Dr. Merkley is President Elect of the National Hearing Conservation Association and is the immediate past Chair of the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) where he represented the Military Audiology Association from November 2011 to November 2024. He holds the certificate of clinical competence in Audiology (CCC-A), is a certified CAOHC Course Director (CD) and a CAOHC certified Professional Supervisor (CPS/A).
Sponsors:
Moldex is a leading manufacturer of trusted personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable respirators, reusable respirators, hearing protection, and safety eyewear. Since the 1980s, we’ve focused on innovative design, exceptional comfort, and long-lasting performance. Moldex products are built to meet safety requirements while delivering a better fit, longer wear time, and real-world durability. Professionals choose Moldex for reliable protection they can wear with confidence. www.moldex.com
SHOEBOXoffers software-based audiometers and accurate hearing screening tools for hearing care & occupational testing. Explore our solutions.Learn more.
Howard Leight by PIP. For over 50 years, the Howard Leight brand has consistently focused on innovative hearing loss prevention solutions. Hearing conservation should focus on a comfortable fit and proper level of protection for every worker facing hazardous noise. Learn more about our comprehensive range of passive and electronic hearing protection.Learn more.
