Collaborative Auditory and Vestibular Research Network (CAVRN) Hearing Protector Fit Testing: Research to Practice

July 28, 2025

The Collaborative Auditory Vestibular Research Network (CAVRN) is organized as an annual webinar led by the Defense Health Agency’s Hearing Center of Excellence (HCE). In August 2025, CAVRN will focus on the study and implementation of hearing protector fit testing (HPFT) in the Department of Defense (DOD). HPFT is an occupational hearing loss prevention strategy to train personnel in proper hearing protection insertion techniques, and to ascertain that the hearing protectors they wear provide adequate protection for their work environment.

There is a need for information and guidance to implement HPFT as a routine part of hearing protection selection and evaluation in the DOD Hearing Conservation program. Consolidated guidance documents are in development based on research published and underway. This CAVRN webinar will begin with an introduction to the background of HPFT and related policy. Military and DOD-funded scientists will share detailed information about their research and studies in progress, including specific outcomes and objectives to support the effective clinical implementation of HPFT per DODI 6055.12. CAVRN will conclude with an exploration of challenges and goals.

Target Audience

This activity provides continuing education for physicians, physician associates/physician assistants, nurses and audiologists. A certificate of attendance is available for other attendees.

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe two benefits of hearing protector fit testing (HPFT).
  2. Define personal attenuation rating (PAR).
  3. Describe two ways hearing loss might degrade mission accomplishment for Service members. 
  4. Explain two goals of the HPFT implementation task force.
  5. Explain the changes to the HPFT requirement was published in DODI 6055.12 on 22 NOV, 2023.
  6. Describe the use of boothless technology in the HPFT process.
  7. Describe how to incorporate HPFT in the DOD hearing conservation program (HCP) and evaluate outcomes to improve overall hearing health and readiness.
  8. Explain textbook formula for target PAR.
  9. Describe factors to consider when determining your PAR target.
  10. Name and briefly describe the purpose of the four DOD HPFT implementation sub-task forces.
  11. Describe two challenges associated with HPFT implementation within the DOD.
  12. Describe the two phases of HPFT training developed through the Joint Knowledge Online platform.

Additional Information

ASHA Course Type: 
Introductory
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.00 AAPA

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 2.00 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until Monday, August 11, 2025 - 11:59pm ET. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 2.00 ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit

    DHA, J-7, CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers will be provided a certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers may receive a maximum of 2.00 hours for completing this Course activity.

  • 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    DHA, J-7, CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

    DHA, J-7, CEPO designated this Course for a maximum of 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 2.00 ANCC

    DHA, J-7, CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/ Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 2.00 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 2.00 ASHA

    Course # is ABIT 2507

    Introductory Level

    0.2 ASHA CEUs

    DHA, J-7, CEPO is approved by the Continuing Education board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology, and audiology. ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.

  • 2.00 Attendance
  • 2.00 IPCE

    In support of improving patient care, DHA, J-7, CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the health care team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 2.00 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

Course opens: 
07/14/2025
Course expires: 
08/11/2025
Event starts: 
07/28/2025 - 11:00am EDT
Event ends: 
07/28/2025 - 4:30pm EDT
Add to calendar: 

Synchronous Virtual/ Live Microsoft TEAMS meeting.

COL (ret.) Amy Blank, Au.D.  Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Devon Kulinski, Au.D.  Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Laurel Alstot, Au.D. Presenter has no relevant financial or non-financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Disclosure: DHA J-7 staff, planners, authors, faculty, and content reviewers for this educational activity have no financial or non-financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Available Credit

  • 2.00 AAPA

    DHA J-7 CEPO has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 2.00 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid until Monday, August 11, 2025 - 11:59pm ET. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.

  • 2.00 ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit

    DHA, J-7, CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers will be provided a certificate of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. ACCME Non-Physician CME Credit providers may receive a maximum of 2.00 hours for completing this Course activity.

  • 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    DHA, J-7, CEPO is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

    DHA, J-7, CEPO designated this Course for a maximum of 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 2.00 ANCC

    DHA, J-7, CEPO is accredited by the Joint Accreditation/ Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) to provide this Continuing Nursing Education Course for a maximum of 2.00 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

  • 2.00 ASHA

    Course # is ABIT 2507

    Introductory Level

    0.2 ASHA CEUs

    DHA, J-7, CEPO is approved by the Continuing Education board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to provide continuing education activities in speech-language pathology, and audiology. ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.

  • 2.00 Attendance
  • 2.00 IPCE

    In support of improving patient care, DHA, J-7, CEPO is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the health care team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 2.00 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

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Requirements: CE/CME certificates are awarded to participants who fully complete the activity, successfully submit the evaluation survey, and pass the posttest. The deadline to claim credit is Aug 11, 2025.

Access Code: Some activities require an access code to register or claim credit. Please contact the organization providing the activity for the access code. The Continuing Education Program Office (CEPO) does not provide access codes.

Accommodations: Please contact the course instructor to inquire about accommodations. For additional technical support, email [email protected].

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