Name: Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing
Address: Calgary Alberta Canada, AB
Telephone: (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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of the most effective ways to measure your hearing capacity is an audiogram. The audiogram is a results sheet put to use for “pure tone” hearing tests. They effectively indicate your range of hearing, from deep and quiet sounds to high, loud noises. Below, you can learn about the process of taking the test, reading the audiogram and possible indications of your results.

Additionally, we will give recommendations on how to combat hearing loss in your workplace. Among other options, custom earplugs can prove to be an asset for long-term dynamic hearing.

How We Use Audiograms

The Pure Tone Hearing Test

We typically perform hearing tests in one of our mobile vehicles for convenience. Inside, we have soundproof testing booths that meet local and provincial testing requirements, including CSA standards. We measure your hearing in both ears through a series of tones that rise in loudness for particular frequencies across a part of the sound spectrum.

When you arrive, you will don a set of headphones and hold a small button. Then, the tones will begin, and when you first hear the sound, you indicate it with the signal. The test records your input, and this process repeats until the completion of the test. Afterwards, we share the results with you and offer any insights we may have to share.

How to Read an Audiogram

The first step in reading an audiogram is to understand the two measures of assessment. The first is pitches and frequencies, which we measure in Hz (Hertz). You read this from a deep tone (250 Hz) on the left to a high tone (8000 Hz) on the right.

The second metric is loudness or intensity, which goes from quietest at the bottom and loudest at the top, and decibels (dB) are the unit of measurement. Typically, the audiogram has a range of 0dB (quiet) to 100 dB (loud).

Therefore, each mark on the audiogram indicates the lowest intensity threshold for multiple frequencies that each ear hears. Usually, we mark the right ear results with an “O” and the left ear with an “X.”

Interpreting the Results

Generally, hearing loss results from continuous exposure to loud noises or a single loud incident at close range. If we find results on your audiogram where you indicated hearing a particular frequency above a certain threshold, it is typically a sign of hearing loss.

However, ears will often have different frequency thresholds due to previous overexposure, and poor results in one ear might not show up in the other. As a result, when we share your test results, we may advise you to seek a medical professional for hearing-related concerns.

Custom Ear Plugs and Other Hearing Protection

If you work with loud noises regularly, you should have hearing protection. Although custom earplugs are the most effective method, disposable earplugs and reusable muffs are still better than leaving your ears without protection. All of this protective equipment reduces the intensity of sound and keep the sensitive inner ear safe from long-term damage. Work with your employer to find a solution that works to keep them protected and their workers safe.

There are many good and responsible reasons for an employer to provide audiometry testing for their workers. One of the best reasons is the legislative requirement set out by Alberta Occupational Health & Safety (OHS). Still, there are also moral and even cost-saving reasons to engage with this valuable service.

However, we still occasionally field questions about why audiometry testing is important and ways to avoid doing it. As a result, we put together a shortlist of the hidden costs of audiometry testing.

4 Results of Ignoring Audiometry Testing

Human Impact

Perhaps one of the most obvious hidden costs of employers shirking their audiometry testing is the human impact. Noise exposure is a cumulative effect, which means that the longer an individual works in an area with detrimental noise levels, the more their hearing will suffer. As a result, long term employees may suffer hearing loss prematurely.

Although this does show a lack of responsibility on the employer’s part, it can also lead to financial penalties if negligence can be proved. Did you know that offences related to safety violations are the only offences in Canada where offenders are guilty until they prove their innocence?

Legislative Fines

One of the biggest hidden costs of audiometry testing is the potential for heavy administrative fines from OH&S. Although there is a relatively small precedent for awarding large fines, employers need to remember what they may be on the hook for. Indeed, for a first-time offence, the fine is up to $500,000! With potential increases to the fine amount of up to $30,000 per day for continuing the offence, these fines carry a hefty burden.

Cumulative Problems

There are also cumulative costs to consider when employers ignore the importance of audiometric tests. In this way, starting late can lead to significant grandfather costs. A good example would be a compressor room built without considering potential noise exposure. Implementing noise reduction materials or controls at a later date may cause significant downtime for staff and operations.

Larger Startup Costs

In a similar vein to the cumulative problems that affect worksites where noise exposure is not reduced, larger startup costs also play a role. Again, we can use our earlier example of a compressor room that needs modification. If the sound levels cannot be reduced around the worksite, it might be necessary to replace the compressor unit with a quieter version. Alternatively, it might be necessary to move the worksite away from the compressor to reduce workers’ exposure. Considering that these only refer to engineered controls, and not the administrative and PPE requirements, it is easy to imagine how these changes could quickly get out of hand.

To learn more about employer responsibilities in Alberta, consider the OH&S Safety Code. This resource provides information and guidance about all employer responsibilities to their worksite, employees, contractors and themselves. For fines, penalties and legal information, the OH&S Safety Act is the perfect resource.

Custom-molded earplugs are a recent innovation that has far-reaching benefits. For instance, when you use them in conjunction with audiometry tests, they can provide substantial protection for your hearing that pays off in the long term. Today we will look at the basics of custom-molded earplugs, such as where to get them, how to store them, and, of course, how to clean them.

The Basics of Custom-Molded Ear Plugs

How to Find Your Custom Ear Protection

The first step in finding your custom earplugs is to make sure you do your research. We offer a selection of high-quality custom earplugs that work great for busy job sites, but you should be wary of inferior imitators. One of the most effective ways of ensuring the earplugs you purchase are of sufficient quality is to inquire about their noise reduction rating.

Typically, with hearing protection, you need to divide the rating in half so that you can ascertain the number of decibels reduced by the hearing protection. However, the benefit of custom earplugs is that this is not necessary.

How to Store Your Ear Protection

A lot of people overlook the importance of proper protective equipment storage, but it is an essential part of caring for your equipment. Ears are a delicate part of the body, and putting dirty or contaminated material in them can cause infection or hearing problems. Therefore, you should store them in their accompanying pouch at all times when they are not in use.

How to Clean Your Custom Ear Plugs

Cleaning your earplugs is a relatively simple process. You should begin with a gentle solution of soap and water. Then, use a cloth and gently wipe all surfaces of your earplugs including the connection cord (if applicable). Ensure the use of sufficient pressure for optimal results. Afterwards, you should make sure that you dry them thoroughly so that they do not retain any moisture.

Custom-Molded Ear Plug Tips

These are the necessary steps to remember for your custom earplug cleaning activities. But, keep in mind a few tips and tricks for the best results. Avoid soaking your earplugs as this can cause unnecessary damage and provides little benefit, and, set a cleaning schedule. Ideally, you should inspect and wash them every 3-6 months and replace them every four years.

A hearing conservation program is essential for many industries and workplaces where loud noises can impair or damage the hearing of employees. To protect their health and well-being, employers must provide them with hearing protection, either in the form of earmuffs, earplugs or custom-molded earplugs. However, there are a few things an employer must know when it comes to selecting hearing protection for their employees.

1. It Must Follow CSA Standards

The Canadian Standard Association (CSA) refers to Standard Z94.2-14 “Hearing Protection Devices – Performance, Selection, Care and Use” for all hearing protection when applied to a hearing conservation program. These standards breakdown the essential components of obtaining earplugs for employees, including the performance and testing requirements for the devices, the care, and the quality of the hearing protection. You cannot get earplugs for your employees if they do not follow the CSA Standards.

2. The Quality of Product

There is a range of different custom earplugs available in the market. Unfortunately, that means there is a lot of diversity in quality. For the health and well-being of your employees, you always have to research the quality of the earplugs. Consider what they are made of, how the company makes it, and how customized they are. You have to get earplugs that will guarantee employees protection and remain effective while working. Quality is pivotal for your employees.

3. Comfortability & Fit

Being comfortable at work is an essential factor for employees, especially in heavy-duty and loud work environments. It is, therefore, imperative that you provide your employees with custom hearing protection that fit correctly (reducing any potential slip-offs) and are comfortable (so they can work in peace). Custom earplugs are the ideal solution as they provide employees with an earplug that is specifically designed for their ears.

4. Warranty & Product Guarantee

Guarantees and warranties are pivotal for any workplace hearing protection. Make sure as an employer, consider how many years the product can last, the length of the warranty, what coverage you get if you need repairs, and how to claim a warranty. This way, you can ensure that your money is used wisely and your employees get the best protection possible.

By considering these four aspects when choosing earplugs, you will be making your life easier, as well as ensuring that you remove any concerns when it comes to protecting your employees’ hearing.

Add Your Heading Text Here

As an employer, it is expected that you have a hearing conservation program in place to protect your employees and remain compliant with Worksafe standards. As part of your program, your workers should undergo an audiometric test, which determines their hearing levels.

But what should your employees expect when it comes to undertaking this test? Get your workers to read this, so they know what the test involves.

What Your Employees Should Expect From An Audiometric Test

A Discussion About Your Medical & Hearing History

Whenever you meet a new medical professional, you’ll have to discuss your medical history. The same happens when you meet your qualified audiometric technician; they’ve going to have to know everything about your medical history. You’ll be given a questionnaire where you’ll have to provide information that includes injuries (such as to your head or neck), any current medication, and most significantly if you had or have any current hearing issues.

The Audiometric Test

The audiometric test is more simple than most employees expect. You won’t experience a long-overdue exam as the whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Here is what you can expect from the test:

You will wear a pair of earphones for the duration of the test and will be seated in a CSA approved sound booth
The technician will then intermittently play a series of beeps and audible tones at different volumes and frequencies
If you hear a tone, you will click a responder button. If you don’t hear anything, you don’t press anything
The tones and beeps will either get louder or quieter depending on the severity of your responses

The efficiency of the testing process means employees will be examined quickly, so there will be no delays in operations. The reports from the test will be kept for record-keeping.

Expect Follow-Up Guidance (For Both Employees & Employers)

For employees, as this test is a screening tool, you will not be diagnosed if you have any conditions. If there are concerns about your hearing, you will be referred to a professional who will conduct further tests if necessary. The audiometric technicians will be more than happy to explain the importance of hearing protection (such as getting custom earplugs) and the effects of hearing loss from noise, but they cannot diagnose you medically.

For employers, the results from the audiometric test, and other sound assessments, will quantify the effectiveness of the hearing conservation program that is currently in place. Changes might, or might not, be implemented for the program to ensure that it complies with Worksafe standards and to prevent employees suffering from noise-induced hearing loss.

Schedule An Appointment With Mobile Hearing Testing

As an employer, you must take action and protect the health and hearing of your employees. With mobile hearing testing available, book an appointment time that suits you. Your operations won’t stop due to the testing, and you will guarantee that the future health and safety of your employees are secure.