Hearing conservation is a critical program for the US Air Force (USAF). The goal of the program is to prevent occupational hearing loss. This is accomplished by identifying high-intensity noise processes and individuals at risk. Then, a hierarchy of control strategies is used to protect the work force. This article discusses how hearing conservation is managed at a local level and as a USAF program.

The USAF Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) is administered by Aerospace Medicine. At the local medical level, a three-pronged approach is used. Bioenvironmental Engineering (BEE) conducts sound-level meter and noise-dosimetry surveys and evaluates noise controls. Public Health (PH) conducts supervisor training and issues hearing protective devices (HPD). Physical Exams provides audiometric exams. Each group is part of Aerospace Medicine, which coordinates these efforts through the occupational health working group.