Which practice is not a core element of the Hearing Conservation Program?

• A. Ventilation system design for IAQ.
• B. Engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise.
• C. Training and program documentation.
• D. Selection and provision of hearing protectors.

Answer: (A)

Hearing conservation programs are built to prevent noise-induced hearing loss by directly addressing noise exposure and protecting workers’ hearing. Core elements include reducing noise through engineering and administrative controls, training workers and documenting the program, and selecting and providing appropriate hearing protectors. Ventilation system design for indoor air quality targets air contaminants and comfort, not noise exposure or hearing protection, so it isn’t considered part of the hearing conservation focus. The other practices directly support lowering noise exposure or safeguarding hearing, making them core elements.