Federal Register #2026-12644

Request for Information: Hearing Loss Testing Standards under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act

This opportunity seeks public input on updating hearing loss testing standards for compensation claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). - Government Buyer: - Department of Labor, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) - Products/Services Requested: - Information and recommendations on hearing loss testing standards - Comparative analysis of traditional audiograms and objective tests: - Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) - Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) - Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) - Input on current standards, evaluation criteria, professional guidelines, and economic impact - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; focus is on medical testing technologies and standards - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Emphasis on reliability and validity of different hearing loss testing methods - Stakeholder input from audiologists, otolaryngologists, medical professionals, and associations - Consideration of economic impact and professional guidelines - Goal is to ensure accurate, reliable, and fair determinations for compensation claims

Description

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is seeking public input on updating the quality standards for hearing loss testing under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). The request focuses on the comparative reliability and validity of traditional audiograms versus newer objective testing methods such as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR), and Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE). The solicitation invites comments on current standards for administering these tests, criteria for evaluating hearing impairment, and the potential economic impact of adopting updated testing standards. The goal is to ensure accurate, reliable, and fair determinations of hearing loss in compensation claims.

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