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Public Health Command Europe recently concluded a comprehensive five-day Army Hearing Program course, equipping around 20 Air Force and Army personnel with the knowledge and skills to safeguard hearing health for Service Members and hazardous-noise exposed Civilians across the European theater. The course, held from Sep. 22-26, drew participants from across the region, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to a medically ready force.
The intensive training covered a broad spectrum of topics, from anatomy of the ear fundamental properties of sound, to practical applications of audiometry and the intricacies of the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System – Hearing Conservation. Participants received hands-on experience fitting hearing protective devices, otoscopy, hearing protector fit testing, and honed their skills through extensive practicums utilizing the DOEHRS-HC software.
Led by a team of instructors including Lt. Col. Michael Murphy, Army Hearing Program Manager for Europe, Maj. Victoria Martin, Chief of the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Hearing Program, and Dr. Michael Humann, Industrial Hygienist, the course emphasized both the technical and regulatory aspects of hearing conservation. Modules addressed noise measurement and control, hearing disorder identification, recordkeeping, and effective counseling strategies for soldiers. A significant portion of the curriculum was dedicated to the practical application of knowledge, culminating in a final practicum exam and the opportunity to sit for the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation exam.
“Good hearing is a combat multiplier that directly impacts the lethality and survivability of our warfighters,” explained Murphy. “This course ensures our personnel are equipped to proactively identify, mitigate, and manage hearing injuries, protecting our Soldiers’ ability to perform their duties effectively.”
The course also included a student-led hearing health brief, allowing participants to synthesize their learning and present critical information to their peers.
The Army Hearing Program is vital for maintaining operational effectiveness and ensuring the long-term health and well-being of Soldiers. This course represents a significant investment in that commitment.
“I was amazed how much knowledge there is that needs to be understood by anyone, both myself being trained and the person I’m conducting the hearing exam on,” said Sgt. Cody MacInnis, Health Care Specialist with the Massachusetts National Guard. “I can help others understand the importance of hearing conservation and therefore, can directly impact their wellbeing.”
This training directly supports the Army’s Ready and Resilient initiatives, ensuring Soldiers remain fit to fight and capable of completing their missions.
