OSHA Audiometric Testing Requirements and How Soundtrace Helps You Stay Compliant

OSHA’s audiometric testing requirements, outlined in 29 CFR 1910.95(g), mandate that employers in noisy workplaces provide baseline and annual hearing tests for employees exposed to noise levels of 85 dBA TWA or higher. The program must include evaluation of results, follow-up procedures for Standard Threshold Shifts (STS), and proper employee notification. Testing can be performed by qualified professionals or trained technicians under supervision. The goal is to detect hearing loss early, prevent further deterioration, and ensure hearing protection measures remain effective.

Introduction to Audiometric Testing Requirements

Audiometric testing is a critical component of OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Program (HCP), designed to protect employees from the long-term effects of noise exposure. According to OSHA 1910.95(g), employers must establish and maintain an audiometric testing program to track employees' hearing ability over time, ensuring early detection of hearing loss. This helps prevent further deterioration and promotes proactive hearing protection measures in the workplace.

Occupational hearing loss is a significant issue, with NIOSH estimating that approximately 24% of hearing difficulty among U.S. workers is caused by occupational exposures. Soundtrace offers advanced solutions that make meeting these OSHA requirements straightforward, efficient, and highly accurate.

Key Elements of the Audiometric Testing Program

The audiometric testing program outlined by OSHA includes several key elements that must be implemented by employers:

1. Baseline Audiograms
2. Annual Audiograms
3. Evaluation of Audiogram Results
4. Follow-up Procedures for Standard Threshold Shifts (STS)

Each component ensures that any changes in an employee’s hearing are identified early, allowing for timely intervention and the prevention of further hearing damage. Soundtrace offers portable audiometric testing solutions that simplify this process, providing immediate, accurate results directly at your workplace.

Baseline Audiogram

The baseline audiogram is the first audiogram conducted for an employee exposed to noise levels at or above the action level of 85 dBA TWA. This initial test serves as a reference point against which all future audiograms are compared.

• Timing: According to OSHA 1910.95(g)(5)(i), a baseline audiogram must be obtained within 6 months of an employee’s first exposure at or above the action level. For employees tested using mobile test vans, the employer has up to one year to obtain the baseline audiogram, provided that hearing protection is worn if the test is delayed beyond six months (OSHA 1910.95(g)(5)(ii)). However, there are numerous benefits to obtaining a baseline audiogram during onboarding, which can easily be done with the Soundtrace system.
• Preparation: Employees must avoid exposure to workplace noise for at least 14 hours before the baseline audiogram. This can be achieved by providing hearing protectors during this period. OSHA 1910.95(g)(5)(iii) emphasizes the importance of this requirement, as noise exposure immediately prior to testing can temporarily shift hearing thresholds, leading to inaccurate results.

How Soundtrace Simplifies Baseline Audiograms:

Soundtrace’s innovative portable audiometer eliminates the need for traditional sound booths, allowing audiograms to be conducted in any quiet conference or office room. Our device uses a built-in calibrated microphone that acts as an “invisible booth,” ensuring accurate test conditions. This approach is not only convenient but also minimizes disruptions to your operations, making compliance with OSHA requirements more accessible than ever.

Annual Audiograms

After the baseline audiogram is established, employers are required to conduct annual audiograms to monitor any changes in employees’ hearing thresholds. Annual audiograms help to identify early signs of hearing loss and ensure that hearing protection measures remain effective.

• Frequency: Annual audiograms must be conducted at least once a year for all employees exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels or higher (OSHA 1910.95(g)(6)). Regular testing allows employers to detect standard threshold shifts promptly and take corrective actions.
• Testing Personnel: Audiometric tests must be performed by licensed or certified audiologists, otolaryngologists, physicians, or technicians certified by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) or equivalent (OSHA 1910.95(g)(3)). Technicians must be supervised by qualified medical professionals and must demonstrate competence in administering tests and maintaining equipment. With Soundtrace, we are your professional supervisor with our audiology team overseeing your program, so no specific certification is required. We provided the necessary training and certification through our internal programs prior to your team beginning testing.

How Soundtrace Supports Annual Testing:

STS hearing loss occurs when a worker experiences a standard threshold shift (STS), indicating a significant decrease in hearing sensitivity — typically a 10 dB or greater shift at key frequencies — often resulting from prolonged exposure to hazardous noise levels in the workplace Soundtrace’s portable audiometer provides instant results, allowing employees and employers to review hearing test outcomes immediately after testing. If a potential Standard Threshold Shift (STS) is identified, our system alerts the employer right away, enabling timely follow-up actions. This immediate feedback loop ensures that hearing issues are addressed quickly, maintaining compliance with OSHA’s requirements.

Evaluation of Audiogram Results

The evaluation of audiograms is a crucial step in the audiometric testing process, helping to identify any significant changes in an employee’s hearing thresholds.

• What is a Standard Threshold Shift (STS)?: The Standard Threshold Shift is defined by OSHA 1910.95(g)(10)(i) as a change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear. An OSHA Standard Threshold Shift indicates a significant decline in hearing and necessitates further evaluation and corrective measures.
• Allowances for Aging: Employers may adjust audiogram results to account for age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, using procedures outlined in OSHA’s Appendix F (OSHA 1910.95(g)(10)(ii)). This helps differentiate occupational hearing loss from natural age-related changes.
• Follow-up Audiometric Testing: If an annual audiogram indicates an STS, employers may conduct a retest within 30 days to confirm the shift. If the retest does not show a shift, the results of the retest may be used as the annual audiogram (OSHA 1910.95(g)(7)(ii)).

Soundtrace’s Personalized Standard Threshold Shift Management:

At Soundtrace, our audiology team reviews each potential STS on a case-by-case basis, providing personalized guidance and support. We work closely with employers to determine the appropriate next steps, whether that involves further testing, adjustments to hearing protection, or referrals for clinical evaluations. This comprehensive approach ensures that each employee receives the attention they need to maintain their hearing health.

Follow-up Procedures for Standard Threshold Shifts

When an STS is confirmed, OSHA requires employers to take specific follow-up actions to protect the affected employee's hearing:

1. Notification: Employees must be informed in writing within 21 days of the determination that an STS has occurred (OSHA 1910.95(g)(8)(i)).
2. Reevaluation of Hearing Protection: Employees not currently using hearing protection must be fitted with appropriate devices, trained on their use, and required to wear them. Employees already using hearing protectors should be refitted, retrained, and provided with more effective protectors if necessary (OSHA 1910.95(g)(8)(ii)).
3. Referral for Further Evaluation: If necessary, the employee may be referred for a clinical audiological evaluation or otological examination, especially if there are concerns about medical pathologies of the ear (OSHA 1910.95(g)(8)(ii)(C)).
4. Ongoing Monitoring: If subsequent testing indicates that the STS is not persistent, employers may discontinue the mandatory use of hearing protection, but should continue monitoring (OSHA 1910.95(g)(8)(iii)).

Soundtrace’s Follow-up Support:

Our audiology experts at Soundtrace assist with the entire follow-up process, ensuring that each case is handled according to OSHA standards. From notifying employees about STS findings to reevaluating hearing protection needs, we provide comprehensive support to help employers stay compliant and protect their workforce effectively.

Conclusion

Audiometric testing is a cornerstone of OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Program, enabling early identification and intervention for noise-induced hearing loss. Soundtrace’s innovative audiometric testing solutions, combined with expert guidance, make compliance with OSHA’s requirements seamless and efficient. By partnering with Soundtrace, employers can ensure their hearing conservation efforts are proactive, comprehensive, and tailored to their specific needs.

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FAQ: OSHA Audiometric Testing and Hearing Conservation Programs

1. What is an OSHA Hearing Conservation Program?
It is a workplace safety program required for employees exposed to noise levels of 85 dBA TWA or higher. It includes noise monitoring, baseline and annual hearing tests, training, and follow-up actions to prevent occupational hearing loss.

2. How often are audiometric tests required by OSHA?
Employees in noisy workplaces must receive a baseline hearing test within 6 months of starting exposure (or 1 year with mobile testing and proper protection) and annual audiograms thereafter.

3. What is a baseline audiogram and why is it important?
A baseline audiogram is the first hearing test for a noise-exposed employee, used as a reference for all future tests. It ensures changes in hearing can be tracked over time.

4. What is a Standard Threshold Shift (STS)?
An STS is a change in hearing threshold averaging 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear compared to the baseline audiogram, indicating possible work-related hearing loss.

5. Can occupational hearing loss be reversed?
No. Once hearing is damaged, it is permanent. Prevention through protective equipment, proper training, and regular hearing tests is the only way to preserve hearing health.

6. How does Soundtrace help with OSHA compliance?
Soundtrace provides portable, boothless audiometric testing with instant results, automated STS alerts, and audiology team oversight, making it easy for employers to meet OSHA’s requirements.

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