Occupational Health : Audiometry

Hearing damage to an individual who is exposed to noise at work is permanent and incurable. This is usually gradual due to prolonged exposure to noise over many years.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 was introduced to protect the employee from the possibility of this happening, to reduce the potential for harm to occur.

Part of the requirement within these regulations requires audiometric testing to be undertaken on an individual employee where there is a risk to their hearing.

The key part of this surveillance involves an appropriate assessment by a qualified occupational health professional and the performing of an audiometric test.

Each audiometric appointment takes approximately twenty minutes and consists of an otoscopic (ear) examination to check for wax and/or obvious abnormalities, completion of a questionnaire and the test itself.

What to do prior to the test
Ideally, people should be tested after a long period away from industrial noise, i.e. the weekend, or at least sixteen noise free hours is acceptable. Unfortunately, this is usually logistically impossible; therefore, most companies opt for the strategy allowed in MS26: HSE Guidance Note on Audiometry, which is to ensure that hearing protection, is worn for the hours worked in a noisy environment before testing. 

Hearing protection should also be worn prior to the test for those people who have noise exposure at or above the First Action Level of 85dBA.

Following the test
An Occupational Health Nurse/Physician will assess the results of each employee in accordance with HSE Guidelines, and, with the consent of the employee, both employee and employer are advised of the results, together with any advice/recommendations.

The results reported will be in one of the following categories:

1. Acceptable Hearing Ability - hearing is within normal limits
2. Mild Hearing Impairment - hearing loss is slightly worse than would be expected for an employee’s age. There is no further action at this stage other than the employee being advised of the hearing loss and ways that they can prevent further hearing loss
3. Poor Hearing - this is where significant hearing loss, a major difference in hearing between one ear and the other or a rapid hearing loss since last test is indicated. This may be as a consequence of noise exposure or of a disease process in the ears. The employee is formally informed and advised to consult with their G.P. 

Frequency of testing

• Baseline on commencement of employment
• Annual tests for first two years of employment
• Thereafter, at three yearly intervals 

If significant changes in hearing levels are detected or exposure conditions change more frequent testing may be necessary

Where will the audiometric testing take place?
Audiometric testing will normally take place in the premises of Newcastle Occupational Health and Hygiene in a sound proof booth.  It may be possible to carry out testing at client’s premises in which case an assessment will be carried out to establish whether a suitable quiet room is available. From late 2008 a mobile unit will be commissioned which can be taken to the clients premises.         

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