April 26, 1983

Mr. Bert L. Scott, President
Environmental Technology Corporation
P. O. Box 1027
Roswell, Georgia 30075

Dear Mr. Scott:

Thank you for your letter of April 8, 1983, regarding the certification of microprocessor audiometer technicians.

The hearing conservation amendment recognizes two methods for persons to bcome trained in administering audiometric tests. The first is to complete a training course certified by the Council of Accreditation for Occupational Hearing Conservation or other recognized training organization. The second method involves demonstration, to the satisfaction of the professional supervising the audiometric testing program, that competence has been achieved in the following: (1) administering audiometric exams, (2) obtaining valid audiograms and (3) properly using, maintaining and checking the calibration and proper functioning of the audiometers being used. Microprocessor audiometer technicians, like all other audiometric technicians, need not be certified if they meet the requirements outlined in this second method.

As you know, the issue of audiometric technician certification was addressed during the rulemaking, and is discussed in the preamble to the final hearing conservation amendment (48 FR 9753). After reviewing all of the evidence in the record, including your comments (Exh. 331-48), the decision presented above was reached.

I hope this information will be helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,



R. Leonard Vance, Ph.D.
Director
Health Standards Programs