Bringing Audiometric Testing In-House: How Soundtrace Simplifies the Process

Introduction

Audiometric testing is essential for maintaining workplace safety and complying with OSHA regulations, but traditional methods can be time-consuming, costly, and disruptive. Soundtrace is revolutionizing the approach to audiometric testing by enabling companies to bring this process in-house. However, many organizations have concerns about managing in-house testing. This article addresses the top three objections and demonstrates how Soundtrace makes the transition seamless and efficient.

Why Consider Bringing Audiometric Testing In-House?

Bringing audiometric testing in-house offers numerous advantages for companies of all sizes. It eliminates the logistical challenges of coordinating off-site testing, reduces costs, and minimizes downtime. By testing on-site, companies can ensure that more employees participate, leading to better compliance and overall hearing health management. In-house testing also provides real-time data and immediate feedback, allowing organizations to address any issues promptly.

Concerned About Managing Audiometric Testing In-House? You’re Not Alone.

Many companies hesitate to bring audiometric testing in-house due to common misconceptions and concerns. Here, we address the top three worries voiced by Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Plant teams when considering this transition.

Objection 1: We Don't Have Time for In-House Testing

Myth: In-house testing is a time-consuming process that disrupts workflow.

Reality: In-house audiometric testing with Soundtrace typically takes just 5 to 10 minutes per employee. This is a stark contrast to the 30+ minutes often required for testing with mobile vans or the 3+ hours spent at off-site clinics.

With in-house testing, there’s no need to coordinate with external providers, schedule lengthy appointments, or transport employees to different locations. Soundtrace's efficient setup means testing can be conducted during shift changes or breaks, minimizing disruptions to production schedules.

How Soundtrace Streamlines the Process:

• User-Friendly Equipment: Soundtrace’s audiometers are designed for easy operation, enabling quick testing and immediate results.
• Flexible Scheduling: Testing can be done at your convenience, with no need to wait for external service providers.
• Automated Processes: Our system automates test administration, data collection, and reporting, saving valuable time for your team.

Objection 2: Our Team Isn't Certified or Trained to Do the Testing

Myth: Only certified professionals can conduct audiometric tests, making it challenging for companies to manage the process in-house.

Reality: According to OSHA, automated audiometric tests do not require certification if a professional supervisor is overseeing the testing process. Soundtrace provides professional oversight, ensuring your testing meets regulatory standards without the need for your team to obtain additional certifications.

How Soundtrace Supports Your Team:

• Professional Supervision: Soundtrace assigns Occupational Hearing Conservationists (OHCs) and audiologists to supervise your in-house testing program.
• Training and Support: Our experts train your staff to perform accurate and compliant audiometric tests. This training covers the use of the audiometers, interpreting results, and maintaining testing protocols.
• Ongoing Guidance: Even after initial training, Soundtrace’s professionals are available to support your team, answer questions, and ensure continued compliance with OSHA standards.

Objection 3: We Don't Have a Sound Booth

Myth: A dedicated sound booth is necessary to conduct accurate audiometric testing, making it impractical for companies without specialized facilities.

Reality: Soundtrace’s audiometers are equipped with advanced technology that allows testing to be conducted in any quiet office or conference room. Our devices include a built-in calibrated microphone that monitors ambient noise levels, ensuring the environment remains suitable for testing.

Introducing Soundtrace’s Invisible Booth™ Technology:

• No Sound Booth Required: Our patented Invisible Booth™ technology eliminates the need for a traditional sound booth. The system’s ambient noise monitoring capabilities adjust to ensure precise and reliable test results, even in non-traditional testing environments.
• Portable and Flexible: You can set up testing wherever it is most convenient, whether that’s an office, a break room, or a conference space.
• Maintains Accuracy: The system automatically compensates for ambient noise, maintaining the accuracy of results without the need for bulky and expensive sound booths.

What Is the Process to Run an Audiogram Test?

The entire audiogram process with Soundtrace takes just 6 to 8 minutes per employee. It’s designed to be quick, efficient, and easy to manage, allowing companies to maintain productivity while ensuring compliance with hearing conservation regulations.

Step 1: Pre-Test Questionnaire
Employees complete a quick questionnaire to provide essential information before the test begins. This step gathers any relevant medical history or hearing issues that might impact the test results.

Step 2: Complete Audiogram Test
The core of the process is the automated audiogram test, which takes just 4 to 5 minutes. Employees wear headphones, and the test measures their hearing ability across various frequencies, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Step 3: Review Results with Employee
Employees receive a brief review of their results, including whether a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) is present and if medical consultation is recommended. They then e-sign to acknowledge the review, ensuring a complete and compliant process.

What is the Process for Onboarding and Rollout?

Soundtrace’s onboarding and rollout process is designed to ensure your company is fully prepared to conduct in-house audiometric testing. Here’s how we make sure everything is set up correctly before you begin:

Kick-Off Meeting
The process starts with a kick-off meeting led by our Client Success and Audiology team. We discuss the phase-in timeline, objectives, and key milestones that align with your organization’s needs.

Data Migration and Setup
We handle all the initial setup, including digitizing your historical audiograms, uploading employee rosters (with HRIS integration available), and shipping equipment to each of your locations. This ensures that all data is accurately transferred and ready for use.

Comprehensive Training
Our Client Success team, consisting of OHCs and audiologists, provides detailed training for your staff. This training covers system operation, understanding OSHA requirements, and following best practices, ensuring that your team is confident and prepared to conduct testing.

Phased Rollout
We create detailed testing plans based on priority locations and compliance requirements, coordinating directly with your local safety and operations teams to conduct testing smoothly and efficiently.

Ongoing Monitoring
If your team falls behind or faces compliance issues, our Client Success team steps in to develop a plan to get back on track. We assist with STS evaluations, provide new user training, and address any other needs to keep your program running effectively.

Key Benefits of Using Soundtrace for In-House Audiometric Testing

Soundtrace not only addresses the main concerns of in-house testing but also brings significant benefits that enhance your audiometric program’s efficiency and effectiveness:

• Ease of Use: Soundtrace’s audiometers are designed to be intuitive, reducing the learning curve for new users.
• Compliance with OSHA Standards: Our equipment meets all regulatory requirements, and professional oversight ensures ongoing compliance.
• Reliable and Accurate Results: With advanced noise monitoring and Invisible Booth™ technology, you can trust the results you receive.
• Ongoing Support: Soundtrace’s team of audiologists and OHCs provide continuous support, keeping your program running smoothly.

Real-Life Success Stories: Companies That Transitioned to In-House Testing

Case Study 1: Steel Industry Client

One of our clients in the steel industry previously used mobile vans for audiometric testing, which required employees to leave their workstations for about 35 minutes. This time off the line significantly impacted productivity. After switching to Soundtrace, testing was spread out over several weeks, and employees were tested first thing in the morning before their shifts started. With this new approach, the time off the line was reduced to just 15 minutes per employee—a 57% reduction. This time-saving led to significant savings in lost productivity. Additionally, employees who missed the vans or needed retests no longer had to go to local clinics, which typically took at least 2.5 hours of round-trip time.

Case Study 2: Client Switching from a Portable Audiometer Solution

Another client had been using a portable audiometer setup that involved a table, resulting in test times of about 25 to 30 minutes per employee. The process was often slow and confusing, which delayed the overall testing workflow. After implementing Soundtrace, the testing time was reduced to under 12 minutes per employee, dramatically saving time for both the test administrator and the employee being tested. With 1,300 employees, these time savings added up to nearly $40,000 in recouped lost productivity.

Getting Started with Soundtrace: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to bring audiometric testing in-house? Here’s how Soundtrace makes the process easy:

1. Initial Consultation and Setup: Our team will assess your needs, recommend the best equipment, and guide you through the setup process.
2. Training: Soundtrace provides comprehensive training for your staff, ensuring they feel confident conducting tests.
3. Ongoing Support: After setup, our team remains available to assist with questions, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

Transitioning to in-house audiometric testing doesn’t have to be daunting. Soundtrace addresses common concerns about time, certification, and sound booths, making the process simple, efficient, and compliant. If your company is looking to streamline its audiometric testing, consider Soundtrace as your partner in hearing conservation.

FAQs About In-House Audiometric Testing with Soundtrace

1. How long does it take to train my staff for audiometric testing?
   Training can be completed in a brief virtual session, and we can train as many team members as needed, including EHS, plant operations, and local admins.
2. What are the space requirements for setting up in-house testing?
   Testing can be performed in any quiet office or conference room; no special sound booth is required.
3. Is Soundtrace equipment compliant with OSHA standards?
   Yes, our equipment meets all OSHA requirements, and we provide professional supervision to ensure compliance.
4. How often do we need to recalibrate the equipment?
   Calibration is done annually. Before the calibration expires, we ship a new unit to your location, and you simply ship the old unit back, ensuring there is no downtime.
5. What ongoing support does Soundtrace offer?
   Our team of audiologists and OHCs provides continuous support, including troubleshooting, training refreshers, STS evaluations, and guidance to ensure ongoing compliance.