Workplace audiometric testing is a hearing test. People sometimes call it a screening because it monitors hearing over time and helps identify workers who may need follow-up. A diagnostic audiological evaluation has a different purpose: it investigates a hearing concern in more depth.

What does a workplace audiometric test measure?

In an occupational pure-tone test, a worker responds to tones at different pitches and levels in each ear. The results are recorded as hearing thresholds on an audiogram. Comparing a current audiogram with a baseline can reveal a change that should be reviewed. The result does not by itself identify the medical cause of a hearing change.

For the test process, see how workplace pure-tone hearing tests work. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety explains baseline tests, repeat tests, and follow-up.

When is a diagnostic hearing evaluation needed?

A workplace result that is outside the expected range or has changed from the baseline deserves review. The technician may repeat the test or recommend that the worker speak with an appropriate hearing health professional. A clinical audiologist can assess a person’s hearing concern more fully and decide whether other measures, such as speech or middle-ear tests, are useful.

An occupational audiogram shows hearing thresholds and changes over time. It does not establish why a change happened, diagnose an ear condition, or replace a medical assessment when symptoms or results call for one. A worker who notices a sudden change or other concerning symptoms should seek medical advice promptly.

What should employers arrange?

Employers should plan occupational audiometric testing around the exposure and hearing conservation requirements that apply in their jurisdiction. The interval and follow-up process should be based on the relevant rules and the workplace program; a blanket “every six months” schedule is not appropriate for every team. See CCOHS guidance on hearing conservation programs for the Canadian context.

Routine monitoring and clinical follow-up serve different needs. Keep the audiograms and review changes over time, then follow the appropriate referral process when a result or symptom warrants it. The on-site audiometric testing service can help employers organize workplace testing without sending a whole crew off site.

Need on-site testing for your team? Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing serves employers in Calgary and surrounding regions. Review our mobile audiometric testing service, then request a quote with your location and headcount. You can also call (403) 399-4775.

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.

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.