Both mobile audiometry vans and in-house audiometric testing can satisfy OSHA 1910.95 when properly implemented. The decision comes down to compliance reliability, record ownership, and total cost. According to CDC/NIOSH, approximately 22 million U.S. workers face hazardous occupational noise annually.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Mobile Audiometry Van | In-House Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling flexibility | Fixed visit dates; gaps between visits create deadline risk | On-demand; any day, any shift |
| New hire baseline timing | Next scheduled visit may miss 6-month window | Days after hire; zero gap risk |
| Multi-shift coverage | Typically day shift only | All shifts equal access |
| Record custody | Vendor system; access uncertain if vendor relationship ends | Employer-controlled cloud; always accessible |
| STS detection timing | When PS reviews batch (weeks or months later) | At point of testing; PS notified same day |
| Ambient noise documentation | Per session (shared across all workers tested that day) | Per individual audiogram |
| Worker production loss | High — travel to van, wait, test, return (30-60 min) | Low — on-site, minimal queue |
| Best for | Small employer (<50 workers); no prior compliance gaps | 50+ workers; multi-shift; compliance history; WC exposure |
The Record Ownership Question
Both approaches can produce compliant audiograms. Only one guarantees you own and can access the records independently of a vendor relationship. A WC claim filed in 2040 for a worker employed 2010-2025 requires records from the full employment period. If your 2015 mobile van vendor closed in 2018, those records may be unrecoverable. See: why mobile van audiometric records are lost.
When to Switch from Mobile Van to In-House
Inflection points that make in-house the right call: 100+ enrolled workers, multi-shift operations, prior OSHA citations for missed audiogram deadlines, vendor contract concerns about record access, or repeated STS detection delays. The compliance cost of continuing a failing mobile van program typically exceeds the transition cost within 18-24 months.
OSHA-compliant hearing conservation
Soundtrace delivers in-house audiometric testing, noise monitoring, and 30-year cloud records supervised by a licensed audiologist.
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