Extra-Auditory Benefits of a Hearing Conservation Program BY ELLIOTT H. BERGER

Thus far, the EARLog1 series has discussed laboratory and real world performance aspects of hearing protection devices (HPDs). The most recent EARLog #5, analyzed how a hearing protector operates and examined seven factors that contribute to poor HPD performance in the real world. One of the most significant problem areas is misuse and abuse of HPDs, attributed in large part to poor employee training and motivation. This situation can be rectified by developing an effective hearing conservation program (HCP); one that includes (but is not limited to) appropr iate manager ia l , educational, and motivation techniques.