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.

Understanding Industry Standards for Audiometric Testing Frequency: Why it Matters | Soundtrace

In the dynamic world of workplace safety, audiometric testing has emerged as a crucial tool for protecting employee hearing health. Governed by a complex web of industry standards and regulations, particularly OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.95, audiometric testing ensures that businesses can proactively identify and address potential hearing risks. This guide explores the key standards governing audiometric testing frequency, types, and procedures, helping employers understand their obligations and best practices.

Frequency of Audiometric Testing

Under OSHA's guidelines, the frequency of audiometric testing is divided into two main categories: baseline and annual testing.

Baseline Audiogram

A baseline audiogram serves as the reference point for all subsequent testing. It must be established within 6 months of an employee's first exposure to noise at or above the action level (85 dBA TWA). This initial test is critical as it provides a benchmark against which future changes in hearing can be measured. In cases where mobile audiometric testing is used, OSHA allows a 1-year exception for the baseline if the employer ensures hearing protection is worn during the interim period.

The baseline audiogram must be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise. This quiet period ensures that any temporary threshold shifts (TTS) from recent noise exposure have resolved, providing an accurate baseline measurement.

Annual Audiograms

Following the establishment of the baseline, OSHA requires annual audiometric testing for all employees enrolled in the hearing conservation program. The purpose of these yearly tests is to monitor changes in hearing levels and detect any Standard Threshold Shifts (STS) early. An STS is defined as a change in hearing threshold relative to the baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more at 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 Hz in either ear.

The 12-month window for annual testing runs from each individual employee's prior test date, not from a facility-wide calendar. This means a facility with 100 enrolled employees technically has 100 separate annual testing anniversaries to track.

Types of Audiometric Tests Required

The OSHA standard specifies pure tone, air-conduction, hearing threshold examinations, including testing at the following frequencies: 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz. Tests at 500 Hz and 1000 Hz are required for audiograms taken after January 1, 1983.

While other types of audiometric tests (such as speech audiometry or impedance testing) may provide additional diagnostic value, OSHA requires only pure tone air-conduction testing for occupational hearing conservation programs.

Procedures for Conducting Audiometric Tests

OSHA's standards outline specific procedures for conducting audiometric tests to ensure accuracy and reliability:

Quiet environment: Tests must be conducted in a room meeting OSHA's maximum permissible ambient noise levels (specified in Appendix D to 1910.95). Automated testing systems validate ambient noise conditions at each test event.
Calibrated equipment: Audiometers must be calibrated regularly to ensure accurate results. Daily biological calibration checks are required before each day of testing; annual acoustic calibration is required by an accredited laboratory.
Qualified personnel: Tests must be performed by a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist, physician, or a technician who is certified by the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC). Under OSHA 1910.95(g)(3), microprocessor audiometers may be operated by a person who demonstrated competence in their use, under the supervision of a professional supervisor.
Professional review: All audiograms must be reviewed by a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician, who makes STS determinations and referral decisions.

STS Follow-Up Requirements

When an STS is identified, OSHA requires specific follow-up actions within defined timeframes. The employer must notify the employee in writing within 21 days of the determination. Additional actions include fitting or refitting with adequate hearing protection, retraining, and referring the employee for further evaluation if the STS persists on retest.

The Role of Technology in Modern Audiometric Testing

Advances in audiometric testing technology have made it possible to conduct highly accurate tests in a wider range of environments. Automated testing systems, such as those offered by Soundtrace, represent a significant advancement in occupational audiometric testing. These systems can conduct tests with minimal supervision while still maintaining the high standards required by OSHA, making the process more efficient and accessible for businesses of all sizes.

Soundtrace's audiometric testing platform is designed to meet and exceed OSHA standards while streamlining the testing process, reducing administrative burden, and providing immediate results and STS flagging.