Department of Defense
INSTRUCTION
NUMBER 6055.12
December 3, 2010
Incorporating Change 1, October 25, 2017
USD(AT&L)
SUBJECT: Hearing Conservation Program (HCP)
References: See Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE. This Instruction reissues DoD Instruction (DoDI) 6055.12 (Reference (a)) in
accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5134.01 (Reference (b)) to update
policy, responsibilities, and procedures for administering an HCP to prevent occupational illness.
2. APPLICABILITY. This Instruction applies to:
a. OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the
Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other
organizational entities within the Department of Defense (hereafter referred to collectively as the
“DoD Components”).
b. All DoD military and civilian (appropriated and non-appropriated fund) personnel and
operations worldwide.
3. DEFINITIONS. See Glossary.
4. POLICY. It is DoD policy to:
a. Protect all DoD personnel from hearing loss resulting from operational (to include
combat) and occupational noise exposure through a continuing, effective, and comprehensive
HCP pursuant to DoDD 4715.1E (Reference (c)).
b. Reduce operational noise exposure to personnel to facilitate mission readiness,
communication, and safety.
