Occupational audiometric testing for noise-exposed employees.
Occupational audiometric testing helps employers monitor the hearing of employees who work around loud machinery, tools or industrial processes. Repeated noise exposure can affect hearing over time, and because these changes may develop gradually, hearing loss can progress before an employee becomes aware of it.
The assessment measures an employee’s hearing and provides information that can support workplace noise management. It may also form part of a medical surveillance programme where employees are exposed to occupational noise.
Monitoring employee hearing.
Audiometry can be conducted before or near the start of noise exposure to establish a baseline. Periodic tests can then monitor the employee’s hearing and identify changes that may require further investigation.
An occupational hearing screening programme may include:
- Baseline audiometry
- Periodic or annual hearing tests
- Exit audiometry
- Review of previous audiograms
- Referral for diagnostic assessment where indicated
Reliable testing requires suitable equipment and an environment where background noise will not affect the result. We provide audiometric testing using calibrated equipment and audiometric booths suited to occupational hearing assessments.
When a change is identified, the result should be reviewed alongside the employee’s exposure history and previous audiograms. Further assessment may be required before the nature and extent of the hearing change can be determined.
Audiometric Testing on-site or at an IHSS clinic.
Occupational audiometric testing forms one part of a workplace hearing conservation programme. Employers also need to assess occupational noise and implement appropriate measures to control exposure.
Our mobile units include audiometric booths, allowing occupational hearing tests to be completed at workplaces across South Africa. Clinic-based testing is also available.