Third-party hearing loss prevention programs are intended:

1. For short-term employees hired or assigned to duties having noise exposures for less than one year;

2. For seasonal employees.

However, other employees may be included as long as the employer meets all requirements for hearing loss follow-ups and recordkeeping.

(1) The employer must make sure that the third-party program is:

(a) Equivalent to an employer program as required by this part;

(b) Uses audiometric testing to evaluate hearing loss.

(2) The employer must make sure a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other qualified physician administers the third-party program.

(3) The employer must make sure the third-party program has written procedures for:

(a) Communicating with participating employers of program requirements;

(b) Follow-up procedures for detected hearing loss;

(c) Annual review of participating employer programs.

(4) The employer must make sure the following program elements are corrected by the employer or the third-party program when deficiencies are found:

(a) Noise exposures;

(b) Hearing protection;

(c) Employee training;

(d) Noise controls.

(5) The employer must obtain a review of the hearing loss prevention program at least once per year, conducted by the third-party program administrator or their representative, in order to:

(a) Identify any tasks needing a revised selection of hearing protection;

(b) Provide an overall assessment of the employers' hearing loss prevention activities.