Who is responsible for fitting and issuing hearing protection to exposed personnel?

The correct choice indicates that medical department personnel are responsible for fitting and issuing hearing protection to exposed personnel. This responsibility typically falls within the purview of qualified professionals who have the expertise to assess individual needs based on health and occupational exposure. Medical personnel are trained to understand the effectiveness of different types of hearing protection and can provide personalized solutions that account for factors such as the level and type of noise exposure, individual ear structure, and possible pre-existing conditions.

In many organizations, the medical department also conducts hearing assessments and monitors the hearing health of employees, ensuring that the provided protection is appropriate for the specific risks they face. This aligns with the principles of a comprehensive hearing conservation program, which aims to protect employee hearing and minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Other potential sources of responsibility, such as workers themselves, external contractors, or management, may lack the necessary medical knowledge and training to properly assess and fit hearing protection. While management plays a critical role in establishing policies and ensuring compliance with hearing conservation practices, and workers may share in the responsibility of using provided protection correctly, only trained medical personnel can ensure proper fitting and individualized recommendations.