Empowering Professionals with Expert Audiometric Testing & Hearing Conservation Training
Advance your career with 100% online, accredited training led by Dr. Tom Thunder, AuD, FAAA, INCE, a nationally recognized expert in audiometric testing and hearing conservation, trusted by healthcare and safety professionals worldwide.
Featured Online Courses
Explore our most sought-after courses, trusted by professionals nationwide to meet OSHA and CAOHC standards.
Why Learn From Us?
Led by Dr. Tom Thunder, AuD, FAAA, INCE, our courses are informed by decades of real-world consulting, expert witness experience, and academic instruction. Dr. Thunder has taught both in-person and online college courses, making him an ideal CAOHC Course Director with a unique ability to connect deep expertise with practical, actionable instruction.
Expert-Led Instruction
Learn directly from Dr. Tom Thunder, a nationally recognized expert in both audiometric testing and hearing conservation.
Flexible Learning
Attend live Zoom sessions from anywhere. Morning-only classes fit easily into your workday or busy schedule.
Comprehensive Resources
Get access to course PDFs plus a mailed training kit with everything you need, including manuals, tools, and hearing protection.
Both Audiometric Testing & Hearing Conservation Training
40+ years of Industry Experience
Reliable, High-Quality Education
About Us
Pioneers in Hearing Conservation & Audiometric Education
Founded by Dr. Tom Thunder, Audiologist and Acoustical Expert, Acoustic Associates Ltd. has been a trusted leader in audiometric training for over 30 years. Our programs blend academic depth with real-world expertise to deliver top-tier education in hearing conservation. Dr. Thunder holds a Doctor of Audiology (AuD), is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (FAAA), and is Board-Certified by the Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE). Dr. Thunder has taught at Rush University, Northern Illinois University, and Salus University, and authored the “Industrial Noise” chapter in the National Safety Council’s reference text. His credentials and experience power the technical excellence behind every course we offer.
Founded in 1987, Acoustic Associates blends the sciences of audiology and acoustics to deliver practical, expert-led training in hearing conservation and audiometric testing. Led by Dr. Tom Thunder — both seasoned forensic audiologist and engineer, acoustical specialist, and CAOHC Course Director — we’ve shifted from consulting to education, offering flexible online courses backed by decades of real-world experience. Whether you’re seeking certification or continuing education, we provide the tools, training, and credibility professionals need to protect hearing health in the workplace and the school setting.
Resources
Our Products
Additional Services
Forensic Audiology
Expert insight into hearing loss, noise exposure, and sound perception—Dr. Thunder provides dual-field testimony for criminal, civil, and workers’ compensation cases.
STS & Work-Relatedness Reviews
Independent evaluation of hearing shifts and occupational noise exposure to determine if a Standard Threshold Shift is work-related—essential for OSHA compliance.
Hearing Induction Loop Systems
Clear, wireless sound delivered directly to hearing aids via t-coil technology—ideal for churches, auditoriums, and public venues seeking accessibility solutions.
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Testimonials
What Our Students Say About Us
★★★★★
“Doctor thunder was so pleasant and informative. Learning all the information was actually enjoyable and interesting. So much so, after I get comfortable with my new career, I hope to reach out to him and let him know the things I have implemented that he taught us. Great course.”
– Medical Assistant
★★★★★
“The style was fun, engaging, and relaxed. I learned a great deal through examples that made the information stick.”
– Occupational Health Nurse
★★★★★
“I could not have asked for a better instructor. Dr. Thunder is a great speaker with a plentiful amount of knowledge. I am confident after taking this course that I can be successful in OCC Health”
– Registered Nurse
★★★★★
“It was engaging, accurate and totally prepared me to take and pass my exam!”
-Safety Professional
★★★★★
“Dr. Thunder does an exceptional job of delivering the material and applying it to real world scenarios.”
– Occupational Health Nurse
★★★★★
“Dr. Thunder keeps the class interesting. I was engaged the whole time. Information is explained well, and slides are organized and not overly crowded with useless information. The amount of 5-minute breaks was perfect as well. Captions would be helpful on videos that are played. I also appreciate that Dr. Thunder and Lisa are patient, and no question is a bad question. I would recommend this course.”
– Audiologist Technician
★★★★★
“I loved the information and the Audsim it worked well I feel that the information was great. Tom is very knowledgeable and so is Lisa they shared very good, interesting information. They shared examples stories that gave you a good why to what was being taught. Love the class. gets a 10 from me.”
– Medical Assistant
★★★★★
“I appreciate being able to attend this course virtually. It was extremely convenient. This is very valuable to our clinic with our patient population.”
– Clinical Nurse
★★★★★
“The course was well organized and very informative! I would not change anything!”
– Licensed Vocational Nurse
★★★★★
“Dr. Thunder is well organized and presented the material to address the needs of various learning styles. I am ready to pass this exam because of his wide range of knowledge and experience as a superior audiologist and teacher.”
– Registered Nurse
★★★★★
“Love the online option!!! So helpful for small nursing units.”
– Occupational Health Nurse
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about our CAOHC-certified hearing conservation and audiometric testing seminars with answers to our most frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between the certificate of completion that you provide and CAOHC certification?
When you complete our 2-morning Audiometric Testing course, we provide you with a certificate of course completion to show evidence of your training and that you demonstrated to us as audiologists your competence in completing an audiometric test. This is all the OSHA requires and all that is needed for those not engaged in hearing protection or a hearing conservation program, such as clinic and school nurses. The certificate from CAOHC is for completing the full 5-morning course that includes both audiometric testing and hearing conservation content. If you are now sure, you can take our Audiometric Testing course and then come back at a later time to take our 2-morning Hearing Conservation course. Upon passing CAOHC’s exam, you would then receive CAOHC certification.
What is a CAOHC course?
CAOHC stands for the Council for Accreditation in Hearing Conservation. This 20-hour training program is split into two courses: Audiometric Testing and Hearing Conservation. Some students only need one of these, depending on their goals or job requirements.
Is this the same seminar taught since 1973?
The original course began in 1973 by audiologist Bob Connelly. Dr. Tom Thunder updated and redesigned it in 1996 using his dual expertise in audiology and noise control engineering, ensuring the content remains current and comprehensive.
Is CAOHC certification required for hearing testing?
Not always. While the military, mining industry, certain states, and NIOSH may require CAOHC certification, Federal OSHA does not. However, you must prove your competence to an audiologist in audiometric testing practices. Our seminar covers all these requirements.
Can a CAOHC-certified nurse or technician train others to test hearing?
No. OSHA does not recognize a “train-the-trainer” system. Testers must be either CAOHC certified or trained and assessed for competency in hearing testing.
Can school nurses take this course?
Yes! Many school nurses take our Audiometric Testing course. If working in high schools, some also take the Hearing Conservation course to support students exposed to high-noise environments like band practice or auto shop.
How are the seminars structured?
Our seminars are fully online and held monthly in the mornings only to enhance learning and reduce burnout. Originally hosted in Schaumburg, IL, we’ve been online since July 2020.
What if I can’t attend both mornings of training back-to-back?
No problem! You can attend the Audiometric Testing course first, and then complete the Hearing Conservation course during the next session.
Is there a test for CAOHC certification?
Yes. To get certified, CAOHC requires you to pass a test. We fully prepare you through:
• End-of-lecture review questions
• An interactive PowerPoint quiz
• A live review session before the test
• Online testing format for convenience
What is the CAOHC Refresher Seminar?
Every 5 years, CAOHC-certified individuals must take a 10-hour refresher course. Our Hearing Conservation seminar doubles as the refresher and covers updated topics like:
• Insert earphones and boothless testing
• Custom and hi-fidelity hearing protection
• STS follow-up updates and OSHA 300 Log changes
• NHCA baseline revision guidance
• Better ways to educate and motivate employees
Why should I choose Acoustic Associates Ltd. for hearing conservation training?
Our courses are ranked #1 in the Midwest and among the highest nationally. Dr. Tom Thunder is uniquely certified in both audiology and noise control engineering, and has taught at top programs like Northwestern, Rush, and Salus University. With over 30 years of university-level teaching experience, you’re learning from the best.
We're Here Whenever You Need Us
Phone
+1-847-359-1068
Location
Chicagoland Area