Hearing is an integral part of health. It plays a significant role in the five senses and can help direct individuals’ thoughts, elucidate their ideas, and improve productivity at home and at work. It’s also very central to someone’s enjoyment of life. While a person’s work is essential to making a living, that work can’t directly interfere with someone’s health, which is why occupational health and safety have been written into law.

A common issue is hearing loss that develops over time, potentially disabling someone’s career by affecting not only their work performance but also their very health and enjoyment of life. There are many causes of hearing loss (most commonly, age, but also reactions to medication and infection). Undoubtedly, it’s important for employers to facilitate audiometric screenings for employees – to help determine whether the loss of such a vital part of a person’s health was preventable and whether it occurred directly as a result of noise-induced by job site activities.

Noise Is an Occupational Hazard

Hearing loss is often caused by imperceptible shifts in hearing as a result of sustained noise above healthy levels. The fact is, it’s not easy for a worker to know when damage has occurred since your hearing can be elastic, and sustained, excessive noise can permanently curtail your hearing’s elasticity.

As a result, there needs to be a way for a company to determine who is at risk for hearing loss and what their level of risk is to avoid unintentionally damaging their health. At this point, the best course of action, and one required by Alberta OH&S, includes regular audiograms at the workplace to prevent any adverse outcomes from occurring. Fortunately for employees and employers alike, hearing loss from occupational noise forms distinctive patterns on audiograms.

Further Hearing Problems Can Result from Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Moreover, occupational hearing loss can lead to unintended consequences. Sometimes there’s more than noise damage to the inner ear, which is why it’s important to catch it early and prevent further damage. Damage to the ear can lead to more problems, paving the way for a variety of ear illnesses that include tinnitus and vertigo.

More advanced hearing loss can become more pronounced in people exposed to occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Severe cases can require proactive management by an ear doctor every three years or so or every six months during infection. In addition, hearing aids may be recommended by an audiologist based on the individual’s lowered hearing ability.

It’s better to preserve hearing wherever possible, and noting when the first signs of hearing loss appear can enable employers to keep things from worsening. Periodic workplace hearing tests can bridge that gap and keep everyone accountable, so workers are safe at the workplace, and so that a company operates within code.

Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing is your locally owned and operated Calgary business. We are committed to providing mobile hearing testing services and other safety tests to numerous industries and companies in Western Canada. Our services are part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network, while our sound booths are approved by the CSA. We offer audiometry testing, mask fit testing, custom earplugs, noise measurements, help with implementing a hearing conservation program, and spirometry testing. If you want to improve your workplace, leave it in the hands of our team. Contact us today at (403) 399-4775.

Audiometric Screening Tests

Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common type of permanent hearing impairment and may be caused by prolonged exposure to sound levels over 85 dB or greater. But this type of hearing loss requires a hearing test to detect.

An audiometric screening test is a fast and easy test that is used to screen for hearing loss. In environments where noise is a significant hazard, companies are legally required to initiate screening tests for their team members. Mobile hearing testing is a convenient way for your employees to get tested. Our sound booths are CSA approved and include OHS certified, state-of-the-art audiometric testing equipment.

Employees participate in a pure-tone test, during which they will hear a series of audible tones at various volumes and frequencies. With each set of beeps, the worker will click the responder button to determine if they hear the sound. From there, the test results are printed for analysis, and the printout is called an audiogram. An audiometric technician will always review the results with each worker; we sit down with your employees to educate them on what they’re looking at with each audiogram.

If you’ve ever wondered how professionals in this industry analyze the data, this article should give you a rough idea of how to interpret hearing loss on an audiogram.

Hearing Loss in General

Not all hearing loss is related to loud noises. Bacterial infections and reactions to medications are other known causes of hearing loss. In addition, many workplaces are subject to constant droning noises, and sounds in excess of 120 dB aren’t a normal part of the work environment. However, employees in these can still be subject to hearing impairment. Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is often subtle, resulting from consistent, sustained exposure to noises between 85-120 dB, and many don’t realize their hearing has been impacted until much later. For this more gradual loss of hearing, audiometric screening is even more important to identify issues and find prevention methods before it’s too late.

How to Detect Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

When a person is exposed to high noise levels, the hearing threshold declines with higher frequencies. This results in an irregular pattern on the audiogram, often with large peaks in one ear and small valleys in the other ear, unless it’s affecting both ears.

An irregular audiogram can range from barely visible to very pronounced, and oftentimes it depends on years and years’ worth of exposure. This noise-induced hearing loss also has been called “occupational hearing loss” or “noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss.”

How an Audiogram Depicts Hearing Loss from an Audiometry Test

Audiograms paint a picture of a worker’s audiometric screening test results wherein hearing loss shows up as valleys or “notches.”

- On the x-axis of a chart, you can see sound frequency, in hertz (Hz), going from 500 to 8000.
- On the y-axis of a chart, you can see hearing sensitivity gaps measured in decibels (dB).

The test results are a connect-the-dots line that travels from normal thresholds, between 0 & 25 dB, to abnormal thresholds, from 25 to as much as 80 dB test results in the y-axis. A drop from 15 dB at 500 Hz to 45 dB at 4000 Hz and back up to 10 dB at 8000 Hz shows hearing loss at key frequencies—forming a visual trough or notch.

Notches are characteristically different from age-related hearing loss, which produces a downward curve with no bounce-back to normal thresholds at the 8000 Hz mark. This type of data strongly indicates that the hearing loss is due to the operation of heavy equipment, as you might find at your worksite

Audiometric screening tests are legally required because they paint a picture of what’s happening inside your ear over time as a worker advances in a career where noise is an accepted job hazard. However, hearing protection and hearing loss prevention programs, as well as thorough testing, provide the safe workplace that the law requires.

Workplace-Related Hearing Loss

Too much noise can damage the ears. This can lead to hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or even temporary deafness. Noise-induced hearing loss isn’t just limited to sudden loud sounds either – it includes any sound you hear consistently day after day, like at construction sites, factories, farms, and more. Excessive, sustained noise can also include things more common to household noises like headphones with volumes set too high (80+ decibels).

The crucial concern for industrial site managers is whether a sustained or excessive noise at a worksite can damage a worker’s hearing and whether the company is liable. That’s where industrial audiometric screening tests can help a company determine the work environment’s influence on an employee’s hearing loss. Let’s look at how. We provide mobile hearing tests to see what your hearing ability is.

How Does Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Affect Workers’ Compensation?

An employee can file a claim with workers’ comp like Alberta’s WCB or WorkSafeBC and argue that the hearing loss they experienced was due to work, a term known as Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Alberta. To determine whether their hearing loss was due to the workplace, employees need a set of audiograms from routine hearing tests that show data consistent with occupational hearing loss.

When an employee experiences hearing loss and it’s attributable to the work environment, the hearing loss is considered “compensable,” and the employee can get hearing aids covered by the WCB. And of course, if an employer gets significant WCB claims coming in, your premiums increase. Poor Performance Surcharges can impact your annual fees by 25%-200%, depending on how many WCB claims workers make each year.

What Can Hearing Loss Cost You in Court?

Hearing loss can result in compensation. There are a few precedents in case law that give an idea of what factors into damages payouts when a party is held liable for hearing loss. In these cases, the plaintiffs sought damages and collected $13,875 – $192,519 (adjusted for 2020 inflation levels).

Some cases of workplace hearing loss can lead to lawsuits. As with any lawsuit, payouts come in the forms of either out-of-court settlements or awarded economic damages after the court decides liability. Damages tend to be lump sums that can be broken down into multiple factors:

Actual Damages
Income Interruption Damages
Pecuniary & Punitive Damages
Pain & Suffering
Loss of Enjoyment of Life

While worker’s compensation is the first step for an employee suffering from physical injury, and a significant challenge based on that or hearing loss due to workplace noise hazards, there’s nothing stopping an employee from taking a company to court as a private citizen. In that case, they might seek damages near the upper limit of damage precedents in this area of law, which is close to $200,000.

Audiometric screening tests are not only required but tremendously helpful in avoiding large compensation payouts or higher payments to the WCB. They provide data in the form of a baseline test and annual hearing tests to ensure your personnel are not crossing thresholds for normal changes in hearing. If you have more questions on limiting your liability with industrial hearing tests or workplace noise testing, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Can I file a hearing loss claim if my job involved continuous exposure to loud noise?

Can I file a hearing loss claim if my job involved continuous exposure to loud noise?
Yes, you may be eligible to file a hearing loss claim if your employment history shows continuous exposure to loud environments that contributed to permanent hearing loss or traumatic hearing loss. It’s important to document your noise exposure levels and undergo a professional hearing test to support your case.

Do I need hearing aids if I have trouble hearing at work?

If you’re having trouble hearing conversations or workplace signals, you may be experiencing age-related hearing loss or hearing problems due to occupational factors. A qualified specialist can assess whether a hearing aid or hearing aids are right for you after a comprehensive hearing test.

What if my hearing loss affects only my left ear—can I still make a loss claim?

Yes, even if your hearing loss is limited to your left ear, you may be eligible to file loss claims, including for non economic loss depending on your individual case. If the condition is work related—caused by your work environment over two or more years—you should gather all the information available, such as medical reports, your health care benefits coverage, and any relevant case law. A review of your health care records and additional information will help determine your eligibility.

Audiometric screening tests are essential for workers’ health and safety in multiple industries, including mining, agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and more. Any worksite where noise levels exceed normal levels could easily qualify as a health and safety hazard, requiring hearing testing by law to monitor the wellbeing of workers.

One thing we talked about before when discussing normal and abnormal hearing test results is the difference between what we do, audiometry testing, and a health assessment done by an audiologist, sometimes referred to as audiometric assessment. There is a distinction, and that’s what we’re going to expound upon in this post. Doing so will help you understand what an audiometric test’s part is in detecting hearing-related illnesses.

How Audiometric Screening Tests Can Detect Hearing Loss

Routine audiometry testing is key to helping workers understand their hearing. It provides data that employers and employees alike can use. But the fact remains that audiometry testing does not directly detect a hearing-related illness. It just paints a picture of your hearing ability, and by comparing baseline test results against periodic tests, your audiometric technician can identify abnormal shifts or abnormal baseline test results in your hearing.

How Audiometric Screening Tests Might Indicate Tinnitus or Other Illnesses

Tinnitus is frequently linked to hearing loss. Tinnitus is a loud phenomenon in your ears without an identifiable source of sound. Ringing, buzzing, whistling, whooshing, roaring, humming, or cricket noises seemingly from inside your head are examples of these sounds. But tinnitus is not a sickness or an ailment in and of itself.

Tinnitus can be caused by various factors, including middle ear infections and ear damage caused by loud noises. Moreover, tinnitus can happen on its own or in tandem with other types of hearing loss! As far as disease goes, certain infections, such as meningitis, CMV, mumps, and chickenpox can cause hearing loss. Jaundice can also lead to some ear health problems in severe cases.

To be clear, audiometric testing can certainly indicate when there might be hearing loss, but it can’t directly indicate that someone has tinnitus.

The Difference Between Audiometric Screening Tests & Audiological Assessments

An industrial audiometry test’s primary purpose is to show when hearing loss has taken place due to sustained noise.

An audiologist performs an audiological assessment, sometimes after an audiometric technician has administered a routine hearing test and referred the patient to a doctor. For all intents and purposes, an audiologist is an ear doctor. They can take various tests, and they might refer to an audiogram you got from industrial audiometric testing, and work towards a diagnosis, wherever there’s an undetected hearing-related illness in play. But your hearing test results are only part of the puzzle.

If you’re getting a routine hearing test, the resulting audiogram constitutes data an audiologist might be able to use in making a medical diagnosis. After that, they will likely need to perform further medical tests to form a diagnosis, as part of a medical ear exam.

At Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing, we make sure that we’re in touch with the most reliable audiologists we can find for the benefit of workers and their employers. But our primary focus is on providing audiometric screening tests and helping to prevent Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss(ONIHL)—to aid employers as they meet safety standards in the workplace, for the benefit of all.

An audiogram is the graph produced by a hearing test. It records the quietest tones you can hear at different pitches in each ear. Understanding the axes, symbols and plotted points makes audiometry results easier to follow—and helps you ask useful questions when your technician reviews them.

For workplace testing, the most useful comparison is often between today’s results and your earlier tests. An audiogram can reveal a change that deserves follow-up, but the graph alone does not explain every hearing difficulty or establish its cause.

What Is an Audiogram?

A pure-tone audiogram brings two measurements together: sound frequency, or pitch, and hearing threshold, or the lowest level detected during the test. Each point represents a response at one tested frequency. Results for the right and left ears are recorded separately.

During workplace audiometric testing, you listen through earphones in a controlled, quiet environment and respond when you hear a tone. The technician varies the tones to establish thresholds. Respond to sounds you hear rather than trying to predict when the next tone will occur.

How to Read the Axes and Symbols

Across the graph: frequency in hertz (Hz). Lower pitches are on the left and higher pitches are on the right. Check the frequency labels on your own report; the range depends on the test performed.
Down the graph: hearing level in dB HL. Softer test levels appear near the top. Larger numbers and louder test levels appear farther down. A point lower on the chart means a louder tone was needed at that frequency.
Right and left ears: an O commonly marks right-ear air-conduction results and an X commonly marks left-ear results. Other symbols can indicate masked testing, bone conduction or no response. Read the report’s legend.

The dB HL scale is calibrated for hearing assessment. It is different from the dBA measurements used to assess workplace noise exposure. A hearing threshold of 25 dB HL does not mean that a worker can safely tolerate 25 dBA more noise.

These conventions follow the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s audiogram symbol guidance.

What Do the Plotted Points Mean?

Read one ear and one frequency at a time. For example, a point at 1,000 Hz and 20 dB HL means the measured threshold at that pitch was 20 dB HL. A point at 4,000 Hz and 40 dB HL means a louder test tone was needed at that higher pitch. This example explains the graph; it is not a diagnosis.

The connecting line makes the pattern easier to see. It does not mean hearing was tested at every frequency between the points. Compare the two ears as well as the shape of each line, and ask the person reviewing the test to explain any difference.

Hearing Loss Patterns and Further Assessment

Results can differ across frequencies and between ears. Some people have greater difficulty at higher pitches; others have a flatter pattern. A dip around certain higher frequencies may prompt a review of noise exposure, but a pattern cannot prove that a particular job or incident caused the change.

A clinical assessment may include both air-conduction and bone-conduction testing. Comparing them helps a hearing professional distinguish problems involving the outer or middle ear from those involving the inner ear. Workplace screening does not necessarily include the full range of diagnostic tests.

Descriptions such as mild, moderate, severe and profound summarize the degree of hearing loss using a classification system. They should be explained alongside the actual thresholds, the tests performed and the person’s communication needs. See ASHA’s guide to type, degree and configuration of hearing loss for background.

Why Repeat Workplace Hearing Tests?

A baseline provides a reference for later results. Repeat testing helps identify changes that may need confirmation, referral or a review of workplace controls. Tell the technician about recent noise exposure, ear symptoms and previous hearing tests, and follow the preparation instructions provided for your appointment.

A change should be reviewed in context. Your testing provider can explain the next step and whether further assessment is appropriate. Employers should use testing alongside noise exposure assessments, worker education and properly selected hearing protection—not as a substitute for reducing noise.

Common Questions About Audiograms

Does zero dB HL mean there is no sound?

No. Zero dB HL is a reference level on the hearing-test scale. It is not the absence of sound, and some people detect tones below that reference.

What is the speech banana?

The “speech banana” is an illustration of where many speech sounds fall across pitch and level. It can help explain why some sounds are harder to hear, but it is not a separate test. An audiogram alone cannot fully predict how well someone understands conversation, particularly with background noise.

Can an audiogram tell me which hearing protection to use?

Hearing protection selection also depends on measured workplace noise, the task and the individual fit. An audiogram measures hearing thresholds; hearing protection fit testing evaluates the protection achieved by a worker wearing a particular device.

What should I ask when my results are reviewed?

How do these results compare with my baseline?
Is there a difference between ears or a change that needs further assessment?
When should I be tested again?
Do my workplace noise controls or hearing protection need review?

Arrange Workplace Audiometric Testing

Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing provides on-site testing for employers in Calgary and across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Eastern BC. Learn about the testing process and employer reporting, or request a quote with your site location, workforce size and preferred dates.

When it comes to hearing testing, there are many questions to be answered. For example, “who sets up industrial hearing testing?” Answering this question is relatively straightforward, as it is business representatives, like safety consultants, who set up the appointments. We explain in more detail below.

Everything You Need to Know About Setting Up Industrial Hearing Testing

Organizing Mobile Hearing Testing Services

The process of setting up industrial hearing testing is fairly simple. A business representative will contact our mobile hearing testing service and inquire about the availability of our services. Next, we decide on a time and location for the hearing testing to take place. When the right date arrives, our testing unit will come on-site, park in a convenient location and check in with the site contact. Where necessary, our team will attend relevant safety training and site orientation before the testing begins.

Other Considerations

Depending on the size of your company, you may want to consider organizing the appointment times for hearing testing. Very large companies may prefer to organize the testing by department (accounting, welding, etc.), name or another method. The process takes 12-15 minutes per person, so it is not advisable to queue outside the testing unit.

Contact Our Mobile Hearing Testing Service Today!

To book an appointment for hearing testing at your facility, simply Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing a call. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have and book your testing appointment at a time that is convenient for you.

Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing is your locally owned and operated Calgary business. We are committed to providing mobile hearing testing services and other safety tests, to numerous industries and companies in Western Canada. Our services are part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network, while our sound booths are approved by the CSA. We offer audiometry testing, mask fit testing, custom earplugs, noise measurements, help with implementing a hearing conservation program, and spirometry testing. If you want to improve your workplace, leave it in the hands of our team. Contact us today on (403) 399-4775.

Audiometry testing accomplishes several key benefits. It ensures your hearing is maintained, alerts you to any changes or unsafe practices at your worksite, and best of all, keeps you in compliance with Alberta Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Code. Usually, it is this last item that really gets people to pay attention.

And for good reason. The requirements of the Act, Regulations and Code have only become more stringent in recent times. With the addition of administrative penalties, this trend is likely to continue into the future. Interestingly, this affects both employers and employees in almost equal measure.

As an employer, you have an obligation to understand these rules and deploy them appropriately to protect your workers. As a worker, you are responsible for complying with regulations and understanding your role in creating a safe work environment for yourself and your peers. But does this mean that your workplace must complete audiometry testing?

Who Needs Audiometry Testing

Every employer will need to consider audiometry testing, at least to the extent that their workers are exposed to noise in the run of a typical day. They must either reduce the noise to below the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) threshold, or develop a hearing conservation program that includes audiometric testing. For more information about OELs, check here.

So, if your workplace is a relatively quiet environment without regular spikes in the noise level, you may not have to worry about audiometry testing. Still, many commercial and industrial companies will have at least some level of noise for their manufacturing or processing equipment. But, when does “some noise” become “too much noise”?

For that, we need two pieces of information. The first is Section 218 and the second is Schedule 3, Table 1, referred to in this section.

Section 218

An employer must ensure that a worker’s exposure to noise does not exceed

(a) the noise exposure limits in Schedule 3, Table 1, and

(b) 85 dBA L_exB

Schedule 3, Table 1

Exposure Level (dBA)	Exposure Duration
82	16 hours
83	12 hours and 41 minutes
84	10 hours and 4 minutes
85	8 hours
88	4 hours
91	2 hours
94	1 hours
97	30 minutes
100	15 minutes
103	8 minutes
106	4 minutes
109	2 minutes
112	56 seconds
115 and greater	0

Basically, if noise goes above these limits at your workplace, it is time to develop a hearing conservation program and perform audiometry testing for your workers.

How to Get Audiometry Testing

We offer mobile audiometry testing throughout Western Canada. Our vehicles are equipped with all the equipment necessary to perform the testing and produce reports stating the results. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today.

Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing is your locally owned and operated Calgary business. We are committed to providing mobile hearing testing services and other safety tests, to numerous industries and companies in Western Canada. Our services are part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network, while our sound booths are approved by the CSA. We offer audiometry testing, mask fit testing, custom earplugs, noise measurements, help with implementing a hearing conservation program, and spirometry testing. If you want to improve your workplace, leave it in the hands of our team. Contact us today on (403) 399-4775.

Noise-induced hearing loss can happen gradually, which makes workplace noise easy to underestimate. A worker may finish a shift without noticing an obvious change in hearing while repeated exposure is still causing damage over time.

In Alberta, employers are responsible for controlling workplace noise and ensuring workers are not exposed above the occupational limits established in the Occupational Health and Safety Code. The key number is 85 dBA Lex, which represents a worker’s total daily noise exposure adjusted to the equivalent of an eight-hour workday.

But the answer to “at what decibel level is hearing protection required?” is not quite as simple as saying 85 dBA. How loud the noise is and how long a worker is exposed to it both matter.

Audiometric testing for workplace hearing protection in Calgary

The Workplace Noise Exposure Limit in Alberta

Under Alberta’s OHS Code, a worker’s occupational noise exposure cannot exceed 85 dBA Lex or the exposure limits set out in Schedule 3. Employers must also conduct a noise exposure assessment if workers are or may be exposed to more than 82 dBA Lex.

Lex is important because it accounts for exposure over the entire workday. A worker exposed to moderately high noise for eight hours may receive the same overall noise dose as someone exposed to much louder noise for a shorter period.

Alberta uses a 3 dB exchange rate, meaning that every 3 dB increase in noise cuts the permitted exposure time approximately in half.

Alberta Workplace Noise Exposure Limits

As noise levels increase, the amount of time a worker can safely be exposed drops quickly. Alberta uses a 3 dB exchange rate, which means permitted exposure time is approximately cut in half with every 3 dB increase.

Noise Level	Maximum Exposure Duration
85 dBA	8 hours
88 dBA	4 hours
91 dBA	2 hours
94 dBA	1 hour
97 dBA	30 minutes
100 dBA	15 minutes
103 dBA	8 minutes
106 dBA	4 minutes
109 dBA	2 minutes
112 dBA	56 seconds
115 dBA or greater	No permitted exposure

This is why simply knowing that a machine produces “90 decibels” is not enough. Employers also need to understand how long employees are working around that equipment and what other noise they are exposed to throughout the shift.

What Is an Occupational Exposure Limit for Noise?

An occupational exposure limit (OEL) relates the measured noise level to exposure duration. In Alberta, Schedule 3, Table 1 of the OHS Code lists noise exposure limits. Read the table together with Part 16, which sets out assessment, noise management and hearing protection duties.

The table is not a guarantee that exposure below a limit cannot harm anyone. Employers must still reduce noise using reasonably practicable measures. The previous Schedule 3 Tables 2 and 3 have been repealed; use the current Code and its referenced standards when selecting protection or arranging audiometric testing.

How to Interpret Exposure Duration

Compare the sound level with the corresponding maximum duration. For example, 85 dBA corresponds to eight hours and 88 dBA to four hours. Time spent on different noisy tasks contributes to the same day's exposure: moving to another machine does not reset the allowance. A competent assessor should account for the whole shift, including changes in level and duration.

For the current requirements, consult Alberta OHS Code, Part 16. Other provinces and federally regulated workplaces may have different requirements.

How Do You Know if a Workplace Is Too Loud?

Some workplaces are obviously noisy. Construction sites, manufacturing facilities, sawmills, welding shops, airports, oil and gas operations, and other industrial environments can expose workers to significant sound levels.

However, you should not rely on how loud a workplace feels.

If employees are or may be exposed above 82 dBA Lex, Alberta requires a formal noise exposure assessment. This assessment must be completed using appropriate equipment such as a noise dosimeter or sound level meter and interpreted by a competent person.

Noise measurement can identify:

which areas of the workplace are generating excessive noise;
how much noise individual workers are exposed to;
how exposure changes throughout a shift;
whether existing controls are effective; and
where additional hearing protection or noise controls may be required.

Proper measurement gives employers real information to work with rather than guessing whether noise levels are acceptable.

What Happens if Employees Are Exposed to Excess Noise?

When a noise exposure assessment confirms excess workplace noise, Alberta employers must implement a noise management program.

That program must address how noise will be measured and controlled, educate workers about the hazards of excessive noise, provide training on hearing protection, establish the selection and use of hearing protection devices, and address audiometric testing requirements. Areas where noise exceeds 85 dBA must also have appropriate warning signs.

Hearing protection is only one part of workplace noise management. Employers should also consider engineering and administrative controls that reduce the amount of harmful noise workers are exposed to in the first place.

Where reasonably practicable, employers should first work to reduce noise at the source. That can include quieter equipment, enclosing noisy machinery, acoustic barriers, equipment maintenance, isolation, or changes to work processes.

Administrative controls can also reduce exposure by changing how long workers spend in noisy environments.

When hearing protection devices are used, Alberta requires them to meet the applicable CSA standard and to be fit tested.

Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing provides hearing protection fit testing to help employers determine whether the protection employees are wearing is providing an appropriate fit.

What Types of Hearing Protection Can Workers Use?

Hearing protection devices are designed to reduce the amount of harmful noise reaching the ear.

Common options include:

disposable or reusable earplugs;
custom hearing protection;
earmuffs;
canal caps; and
specialized or electronic hearing protection.

The right option depends on the work environment, exposure level, worker comfort, communication requirements, and how well the protection actually fits the individual employee.

A hearing protector may have a published noise reduction rating, but that does not automatically mean every worker receives that amount of protection in the real world. Poor insertion, incorrect sizing, interference from other PPE, or simply wearing the wrong device can significantly reduce its effectiveness.

That is one reason hearing protection fit testing is important. It provides a more practical indication of how much protection an individual worker is actually receiving.

Why Is Audiometric Testing Important?

Noise measurement tells you what is happening in the workplace. Audiometric testing tells you what is happening to the worker’s hearing over time.

Under Alberta’s OHS Code, employers must provide audiometric testing for workers who are or may be exposed to excess noise. This includes an initial baseline test, another test within 12 months, and testing at least every second year after that.

Regular audiometric testing allows changes in hearing thresholds to be tracked over time and can help employers evaluate whether their hearing conservation efforts are working.

Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing provides mobile audiometric testing so employers can test workers directly at the job site with minimal interruption to the workday.

What Are the Signs That Noise May Be Affecting Your Hearing?

Workplace noise should be measured rather than judged by symptoms alone, but there are warning signs that should never be ignored.

Workers may notice:

ringing or buzzing in the ears;
temporary muffled hearing after a shift;
difficulty understanding conversations;
needing to turn up the television or phone;
trouble hearing in environments with background noise; or
needing to shout to communicate with someone nearby.

These signs can indicate that workplace noise exposure needs to be investigated.

Once noise-induced hearing loss occurs, it can be permanent. Prevention, monitoring, and properly fitted protection are therefore much more effective than waiting for noticeable hearing damage to develop.

How Can Employers Reduce Excessive Workplace Noise?

There is no single solution that works for every workplace. Effective hearing conservation usually combines several approaches.

Employers can reduce worker exposure by controlling noise at the source, using quieter machinery, maintaining equipment properly, installing acoustic barriers or enclosures, increasing distance between workers and noisy equipment, and limiting the amount of time employees spend in high-noise areas.

Appropriate hearing protection should then be selected, properly worn, and fit tested as part of the overall program.

Regular noise measurements and audiometric testing can help determine whether those controls continue to work.

For more ideas, read our guide to workplace hearing protection strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Protection Levels

At what decibel level is hearing protection required in Alberta?

Alberta sets a maximum daily occupational exposure of 85 dBA Lex, with additional exposure limits based on the actual sound level and duration. A workplace noise assessment is required when workers are or may be exposed above 82 dBA Lex. Where workers are exposed to excess noise, hearing protection forms part of the required noise management program.

Why does exposure time matter?

Noise risk is based on both intensity and duration. Under Alberta’s 3 dB exchange rate, the allowable exposure time is cut roughly in half every time noise increases by 3 dB. That means 85 dBA is permitted for eight hours, while 88 dBA is limited to four hours and 91 dBA to two hours.

Do hearing protectors need to be fit tested?

Yes. Alberta’s OHS Code requires hearing protection devices used by workers to meet applicable CSA requirements and to be fit tested.

Are earplugs enough for every noisy workplace?

Not necessarily. The appropriate hearing protection depends on the measured exposure, the type of noise, the job being performed, and the fit and performance of the hearing protector. In some environments, additional controls or different forms of hearing protection may be necessary.

Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing provides mobile audiometric testing, custom hearing protection, hearing protection fit testing, and workplace occupational testing for companies throughout Calgary and Western Canada. If you need help understanding workplace noise exposure or protecting employees from occupational hearing loss, contact our team at (403) 399-4775.

Many steps go into building your company’s hearing conservation program. Below, we have given a brief overview of each step and how to approach them. For more information, consider reading this post from Work Safe Alberta that outlines the requirements in more detail.

Many companies ask, what is a hearing conservation program, and we are here to not only help with the answer but to provide solutions to get you on the right track.

The Steps to Building a Hearing Conservation Program

Educating Workers

The first step in your hearing conservation program is educating your workers. As an employer, you must ensure that your employees understand the dangers of excessive noise exposure, how to tell they are being exposed to loud noises, and what they can do to protect themselves from hearing loss.

Measuring Sound Levels

Next, you must measure the sound levels in your workplace. To do this, a suitable individual, with sufficient training, must go through all worksites on your property and assess the level of noise. This involves using a properly calibrated, sufficiently sensitive audiometer per the requirements of CSA Standard Z107.56-06 Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure. Typically, you begin with the areas where you must raise your voice to be heard and understood.

Learn more – What is an Audiogram?

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Posting Signage

After you identify the areas that require hearing protection, you must post signage declaring them as such. This signage must be placed at all entrances to the loud areas, as is suitably possible.

Controlling Noise Exposure

Once you post signage for all employees and contractors, the next step is controlling the noise exposure of workers who must work in these loud locations. In some cases, this means limiting their time in the area, but it can also mean looking for quieter equipment or making hearing protection available.

Conducting Audiometric Tests

To track the level of hearing loss (If any) of your workers, you must conduct annual audiometric testing for all exposed workers. You must do this testing with trained, qualified and suitable testing equipment and technicians. The best hearing conservation programs hire outside audiometry testing companies to perform this task.

Making Hearing Protection Available

Finally, you are almost ready to work in the loudest areas of your premises again. However, before that, you must find and make available hearing protection that effectively diminishes the worker’s exposure. This may take the form of muffs, plugs or even custom hearing protection.

Hearing Protection Fit Testing

One of the services that we offer is to test the efficacy of the hearing protection that businesses provide to their employees.

First – we look at the actual hearing protection itself and we measure the sound protection that it offers, either disposable earplugs, custom earplugs or full cover earmuffs.
Second – we look at the environment and do an audiometric test to see what the protection requirements would be in that workplace. Each workplace has different requirements and we want to make sure the protection provided matched the protection needed.

Reviewing the Program Annually/ Monitoring Sound Levels

Now that you have a hearing conservation program that meets the standards and requirements of Alberta Occupational Health & Safety, there is only one step left. An annual review of said program. This is your opportunity to analyze and change any parts of your program that are ineffective. Remember, if your processes change, you must also reevaluate all affected policies and procedures.

Why the Right Hearing Protection Devices Matter

A hearing conservation program is only effective when the right steps are supported by the right hearing protection devices. Even if your business has completed noise monitoring, posted signage, conducted audiometric testing, and reviewed noise levels, workers may still be at risk if the protection devices they use do not match the actual noise exposure in the workplace.

This is why effective hearing conservation programs should look beyond basic compliance and focus on real-world worker safety. A successful hearing conservation program should consider the type of noise, the length of exposure, the comfort of the hearing protectors, and whether employees are wearing the devices correctly. In high-noise environments, the wrong fit or the wrong level of protection can still leave workers vulnerable to noise induced hearing loss, occupational hearing loss, or permanent hearing damage.

Hearing protectors may include disposable earplugs, custom-moulded earplugs, earmuffs, or other hearing protection devices depending on the work environment. These protection devices are an important part of personal protective equipment, but they should not be the only control in place. Whenever possible, companies should also consider engineering and administrative controls, such as quieter equipment, adjusted schedules, barriers, rotation plans, or changes to work procedures.

The goal of conservation programs is not just to provide hearing protection, but to create a safer workplace where employees understand the risks and have appropriate hearing protection for the job they are doing. When noise levels are measured properly and hearing protection devices are selected carefully, businesses can better support workplace safety, reduce long-term hearing loss risk, and build effective hearing conservation programs that protect workers over time.

FAQ

What should be included in a successful hearing conservation program?

A successful hearing conservation program should include worker education, workplace noise testing, sound level meters, audiometric testing, record keeping, program evaluation, and clear steps for choosing hearing protectors. These steps help employers understand workplace noise levels, identify employees who are regularly exposed to harmful noise levels, and reduce the risk of occupational hearing loss, permanent hearing loss, and damage to remaining hearing.

Effective hearing conservation should also include noise control, engineering controls, administrative controls, and appropriate hearing protectors that fit the ear canal properly. When a hearing conservation program is built around real workplace noise, worker health, and workplace safety, it is easier to protect workers and reduce long-term harm from occupational noise exposure.

It should also review whether employees are exposed to high noise levels on a daily basis, whether the action level has been reached, and whether higher levels of protection are needed in certain work areas. This helps employers identify areas where noise levels may change throughout the day and where additional hearing conservation steps may be required.

A strong program may include a full range of hearing conservation measures, including fit testing, different types of protective equipment, communication needs, and practical ways to reduce noise levels before relying only on earplugs or earmuffs. When hearing protectors are maintained properly and matched to the sound level in the workplace, they can help prevent hearing loss, support worker safety, and improve worker productivity in high noise environments.

Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing is your locally owned and operated Calgary business. We are committed to providing mobile hearing testing services and other safety tests, to numerous industries and companies in Western Canada. Our services are part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network, while our sound booths are approved by the CSA. We offer audiometry testing, mask fit testing, custom earplugs, noise measurements, help with implementing a hearing conservation program, and spirometry testing. If you want to improve your workplace, leave it in the hands of our team. Contact us today on (403) 399-4775.