Screening Audiometry - Hearing Tests

Check the effectiveness of your hearing conservation measures. The 2005 Control of Noise Regulations make screening audiometry compulsory..

Health surveillance for noise (screening audiometry) is compulsory as from April 6th, 2006 as per the new 2005 Control of Noise Regulations, for all employees regularly exposed to an Leq above 85dB(A) and for susceptible individuals down to 80dB(A). Audiometry is a screening technique used to detect early damage to hearing resulting from exposure to noise. Identifying any damage allows appropriate follow-up remedial action in the workplace and any necessary medical referral of the individual. It is an early warning system, which enables the employer to take steps to reduce future harm. Claims for noise-induced hearing loss are also one of the most common occupational health (compensation) claims and audiometry will help to control future claims.

The hearing tests are carried out on site in a purpose built mobile medical unit complete with an audiometric booth. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), hearing tests are unlikely to constitute audiometric testing unless the measurements are done in a proper audiometric booth.

Hearing tests (audiometry) are carried out and reported according to the HSE categorisation scheme as stated in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

For confidentially reasons we do not test more than one person at a time.

Testing procedure

• Employees complete a pre-test questionnaire and bring it with them to the test.

• The questionnaire is checked and verified by the occupational health technician/nurse

• The employee is given an otoscopic inspection (ears internally checked for wax, infections, perforation etc).

• The hearing test is completed in an audiometric booth using a fully computerised calibrated pure tone audiometer.

• The results are explained to the employee along with any recommendations as required.

• A referral letter and copy of the results will be given to the employee to take to their doctor (GP) for further investigation if necessary.

At the end of the testing session, health surveillance reports (including a management summary report, statistical break down of results and an individual health surveillance report for employees’ personal file) are signed over to the company manager or health & safety/human resource representative. The company are made aware of any employees where there may be a concern and are advised of any company follow up action as required.