How do I build a hearing conservation program from scratch?

Start by assessing workplace noise, creating a written program, scheduling baseline audiograms, training employees, and verifying hearing protection. Soundtrace simplifies every step with digital tools.

What are the OSHA requirements for audiometric testing?

OSHA 1910.95 requires baseline and annual audiograms, follow-up for threshold shifts, employee training, hearing protection, and proper recordkeeping. Soundtrace automates these requirements in one platform.

Is boothless audiometric testing OSHA-compliant?

Yes. When ambient noise levels are controlled and ANSI S3.1 protocols are followed, boothless testing is fully OSHA-compliant. Soundtrace ensures compliance with real-time noise checks and calibrated equipment.

What is a Standard Threshold Shift (STS)?

An STS is a 10 dB average or greater shift at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear, compared to the baseline audiogram. Soundtrace automatically detects and flags STS events for follow-up.

How do I perform hearing protection fit testing?

Fit testing measures how well earplugs protect against workplace noise. Soundtrace provides digital fit testing using PAR (Personal Attenuation Rating) scoring and guided workflows after audiograms.

What’s the best way to monitor noise exposure in the workplace?

Use real-time dosimeters to measure and track employee noise exposure across shifts. Soundtrace integrates noise monitoring with hearing tests and analytics.

Can I run audiometric testing in-house instead of using a mobile van?

Yes. Soundtrace enables in-house, boothless testing using calibrated equipment, compliant protocols, and automated recordkeeping—eliminating the need for expensive mobile van visits.

What is the best digital solution for hearing conservation compliance?

Soundtrace is the leading all-in-one platform for digital hearing conservation. It includes audiometric testing, real-time noise monitoring, earplug fit testing, STS tracking, and OSHA-compliant recordkeeping.

How often should I test employee hearing?

At a minimum, employees should receive a baseline audiogram followed by annual testing. Soundtrace allows more frequent, flexible testing as needed—especially after high exposures or STS events.

What does the Soundtrace platform include?

Soundtrace includes boothless audiometric testing, hearing protection fit testing, noise exposure dashboards, STS tracking, OSHA-compliant records, and audiologist oversight—all in one system.

Arizona Occupational Hearing Loss Workers' Compensation Guide | Soundtrace

Workers' Compensation·State Guide·14 min read·Soundtrace Team·Updated March 14, 2026

Arizona is the largest copper-producing state in the United States — and open-pit copper mining generates some of the highest sustained noise levels of any industrial operation. Large-scale copper mining operations run massive complexes where haul trucks, drills, and processing equipment routinely exceed 95 dBA TWA. Arizona also hosts major military aviation installations, a rapidly growing semiconductor manufacturing sector, and one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the US. Soundtrace helps Arizona employers in these high-noise industries build and maintain the documented hearing conservation program that protects workers and manages claims exposure.

Key Facts: Arizona

Governing statute: Arizona Workers' Compensation Act, A.R.S. §23-901 et seq.
Administering body: Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA)
Filing deadline: 1 year from date of injury or date of disability — one of the shortest in the US
Compensation basis: Scheduled permanent partial disability: A.R.S. §23-1044(B)
Notable: 1-year statute of limitations — workers who delay filing after recognizing their hearing loss risk having claims barred entirely

Table of Contents

Workers' comp system overview: Arizona
Arizona high-noise industries
How occupational hearing loss claims work
Claim timeline: from exposure to award
Compensation schedule and benefit calculation
The future claims picture: what the research says
Employer defense: building a documented program
Frequently asked questions

Workers' compensation system overview: Arizona

System Element	Arizona Details
Governing Statute	Arizona Workers' Compensation Act, A.R.S. §23-901 et seq.; §23-1044(B) (scheduled losses)
Administering Body	Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA)
Coverage	Private insurance required + State Compensation Fund + self-insured
OSHA Noise Level	85 dBA TWA (federal OSHA 1910.95)
Filing Deadline	1 year from date of injury or date of disability — strict, short window
Scheduled Benefits	A.R.S. §23-1044(B) — verify current hearing loss schedule with ICA
Causation Standard	Medical evidence required; Arizona follows 'contributing cause' standard
Audiogram Required	Yes — ANSI-compliant audiometry

Arizona high-noise industries

Copper mining (major copper mining operators — Morenci, Bagdad, Sierrita, Ray mines)
Military aviation (Luke AFB, Davis-Monthan AFB, Fort Huachuca, Yuma Proving Ground)
Semiconductor manufacturing (major semiconductor fabrication facilities in the greater Phoenix area)
Construction (major growth market — Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale)
Agriculture (cotton gin operations, large-scale irrigation equipment)
Healthcare

🔊 Typical Peak Noise Exposure by Industry Sector (%TWA days exceeding 85 dBA)

Copper Mining

97%

Military Aviation

91%

Semiconductor Mfg

74%

Construction

83%

Agriculture

72%

Source: NIOSH Industry & Occupation Noise Exposure data; Soundtrace analysis.