In a hearing conservation program, which statement best describes the goal?

• A. To prevent noise-induced hearing loss through baseline/periodic testing, engineering controls, and education about protection.
• B. To train maintenance staff.
• C. To monitor weather noise levels only.
• D. To improve general fitness.

Answer: (A)

The main goal of a hearing conservation program is to prevent noise-induced hearing loss by combining three core elements: baseline and periodic audiometric testing to catch early changes in hearing, engineering controls and administrative measures to reduce the level and duration of noise exposure, and education about how to protect hearing and use hearing protection correctly. This integrated approach targets both detection and prevention, which is why it best describes the goal.

The other statements miss the broader purpose: training maintenance staff is a narrow part of program activities, monitoring weather noise levels is not the primary objective of protecting workers from occupational noise, and improving general fitness has no direct relationship to preventing hearing loss from noise exposure.