Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting Effective Audiometric Testing in Industrial Settings

In industrial settings, a less obvious but equally important concern becomes prominent—employee health and safety. One often overlooked aspect is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a serious concern for workers exposed to high noise levels. This risk doesn't come from a sudden accident but slowly erodes one of our most valuable senses: hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss, a result of prolonged exposure to loud noise, affects various industries and puts a burden on both individuals and society.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns about hearing loss as a global problem, estimating that over a billion people suffer from hearing loss due to work and leisure noise exposure. For workers in these noisy environments, this statistic shows a real vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of regular audiometric testing.

Audiometric testing plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing NIHL. The real value of audiometric tests lies in their ability to detect subtle changes in hearing ability. These changes, hard to notice in daily life's noise, become obvious indicators of potential hearing issues in the controlled test environment. By establishing initial measurements and closely tracking changes over time, audiometric tests become dynamic tools that monitor employees' hearing health.

Effective audiometric testing isn't just a routine—it's a strong statement of an organization's commitment to its employees' overall well-being. It signifies an understanding that beyond physical assets and productivity, employees are the heart of an organization. By implementing thorough hearing protection plans that include regular audiometric tests, employers show their dedication to preserving employees' holistic health. 

5 Steps of Audiometric Testing

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of conducting effective audiometric tests in industrial environments, ensuring the well-being of your workforce.

Step 1: Preparing for Audiometric Testing

• Understanding Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local and national regulations governing audiometric testing in industrial settings. Compliance is essential for legal and ethical reasons. In the United States, workers are protected by law through OSHA. OSHA has set standards for occupational noise exposure to prevent hearing impairment caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise. These standards dictate permissible noise exposure levels and require employers to implement measures to reduce noise levels and protect workers' hearing.
• Selecting a Service Provider: Determine what service provider you will use to perform audiometric testing. You may choose to hire a 3rd party vendor like a mobile clinic, or you may find it's more effective to perform testing in-house with Soundtrace. Learn about the challenges of mobile clinics and how Soundtrace is different.

Step 2: Identifying the Testing Group

• Determine Exposed Employees: Identify workers who are exposed to noise levels at or above the permissible limits, typically 85 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour workday.
• Initial Baseline Testing: Conduct baseline audiometric testing for all eligible employees, and is usually done at the start of employment. These tests serve as a reference point for future assessments and help in identifying changes in hearing thresholds.

Step 3: Conducting Audiometric Testing

• Noise Control Measures: Before testing, ensure noise levels are as low as reasonably achievable. With Soundtrace, testing can be performed in any office or conference. Mobile clinics use the parking lot, so you'll need to assess how to minimize traffic noise or other aspects that could cause noise interference.
• Testing Conditions: Administer tests in a quiet, controlled environment. This minimizes external interference that could affect test results.
• Frequency and Intensity: Audiometric tests measure hearing thresholds at various frequencies and intensities. Follow the standard frequency range (typically 500 Hz to 8000 Hz) and intensity levels specified by regulations.
• Conducting the Test: Instruct employees on the testing procedure. With Soundtrace, employees wear high attenuation over-the-ear headphones and press a button each time they hear the sound beep.
• Documenting Results: Record the hearing thresholds for each ear at different frequencies. Maintain accurate records for future reference. The Soundtrace platform automatically stores the audiogram results for each employee that was testing.

Step 4: Analyzing and Responding to Results

• Threshold Shifts: Compare current test results with baseline measurements. A significant increase in hearing thresholds indicates potential hearing loss.
• Threshold Shift Criteria: Follow recognized threshold shift criteria as outlined by OSHA. The Soundtrace software automatically determines whether there is significant threshold shift.
• Employee Consultation: If a standard threshold shift is identified, provide affected employees with a detailed explanation of their results. Discuss the potential causes, preventive measures, and options for further evaluation. The Soundtrace audiology support will assist you and your team in this process.

Step 5: Preventive Measures and Follow-Up

• Implementing Controls: Collaborate with industrial engineers to introduce effective noise control measures. This might involve redesigning processes, using quieter machinery, or providing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Education and Training: Train employees on the importance of hearing protection and the correct usage of PPE. Regularly remind them about the risks of noise exposure.
• Regular Monitoring: Schedule periodic audiometric testing for exposed employees to track changes in hearing thresholds. Early detection of hearing loss allows for timely intervention.

Conducting effective audiometric tests in industrial settings is a crucial component of a comprehensive hearing conservation program. By following this step-by-step guide, you can help protect the hearing health of your workforce, ensure compliance with regulations, and create a safer work environment where employees can thrive without the looming threat of noise-induced hearing loss. Remember, investing in the well-being of your employees today will yield long-term benefits for both individuals and your organization as a whole.

Join the ranks of forward-thinking organizations that are already experiencing the transformative power of Soundtrace. The time of traditional audiometric testing is over—step into a new era of digital precision and proactive hearing care through Soundtrace audiometric testing. Your workforce deserves the best. Soundtrace delivers. Speak with a member of our team, and embark on a journey toward a safer working environment with SoundTrace.