What does OSHA 1910.95 require for recordkeeping?

OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Standard (29 CFR 1910.95) requires employers to maintain three categories of records:

1. Noise exposure measurements – must be kept for at least two years.
2. Audiometric test records – must be kept for the duration of the affected employee’s employment.
3. Audiometer calibration records – must be kept for at least five years.

Each audiometric record must include:

• Employee’s name and job classification
• Date of the audiogram
• Examiner’s name
• Date of the employee’s most recent noise exposure measurement
• The audiometer used and date of calibration

Failure to maintain these records exposes companies to compliance violations, fines, and preventable hearing loss cases.

Why is poor recordkeeping a compliance risk under OSHA 1910.95?

When records are stored in paper binders, spreadsheets, or PDF folders, key requirements are often missed:

• Lost audiograms – no full employment history to prove compliance.
• Missed STS follow-ups – no clear audit trail that retests or interventions occurred.
• Incomplete calibration logs – gaps that can invalidate audiometric test results.
• Audit failures – inability to quickly produce required documentation during OSHA or MSHA inspections.

Poor documentation doesn’t just create administrative headaches. It can result in OSHA citations, fines, and long-term liability for employee hearing loss.

How does Soundtrace ensure OSHA 1910.95 recordkeeping compliance?

Soundtrace replaces outdated filing systems with a digital compliance intelligence platform built for hearing conservation.

• Automatic record tracking – All noise surveys, audiograms, and calibration logs are stored by employee and site.
• Full retention compliance – Soundtrace maintains records for the required OSHA timelines automatically.
• Audit-ready dashboards – Instantly generate complete reports that meet OSHA documentation requirements.
• Proactive compliance safeguards – The system flags missing audiograms, overdue retests, or calibration gaps before they become violations.
• Centralized visibility – Safety managers can view records by employee, department, or location, ensuring no one is missed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What records must employers keep under OSHA 1910.95?

Employers must keep noise exposure measurement records (2 years), audiometric test records (duration of employment), and audiometer calibration records (5 years).

How long must employers keep hearing test records?

For the entire duration of the employee’s employment. These records must include names, dates, examiner information, noise exposure data, and calibration details.

What happens if a company cannot produce hearing conservation records during an audit?

Failure to produce accurate records may result in OSHA citations, financial penalties, and legal liability for unaddressed hearing loss cases.

How does Soundtrace handle OSHA-required retention periods?

Soundtrace automatically enforces OSHA retention periods — two years for noise exposure data, five years for calibration, and full employment duration for audiograms.

Can Soundtrace track Standard Threshold Shifts (STS)?

Yes. Soundtrace automatically identifies and flags STS results and requires documentation of follow-up actions, helping employers remain in compliance with 1910.95.

How does Soundtrace simplify audits?

Instead of pulling paper files or PDFs, Soundtrace generates a complete compliance package instantly, showing OSHA exactly what they need to see.

Final Thought

OSHA 1910.95 makes recordkeeping a core pillar of hearing conservation — but many companies still rely on outdated methods that create dangerous compliance gaps.

Soundtrace ensures that every test, calibration, and follow-up is documented, retained, and audit-ready. With Soundtrace, hearing conservation programs go beyond compliance, delivering true protection for workers and confidence for employers.