What is a hearing conservation program and why do companies need one?

A hearing conservation program is an OSHA-mandated workplace safety system designed to protect employees exposed to hazardous noise levels. It encompasses noise monitoring, annual audiometric testing, hearing protection fit testing, employee training, and recordkeeping. Companies need one to maintain regulatory compliance, prevent irreversible occupational hearing loss, and reduce long-term workers' compensation liability. Industries from food production to aerospace & defense are required to comply when noise exceeds OSHA thresholds.

What are OSHA's requirements for hearing conservation programs?

OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when workers are exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 dBA. Key requirements include annual audiometric testing (audiograms), annual training on the effects of noise, provision and fit testing of hearing protection, ongoing noise exposure monitoring, and thorough recordkeeping. For a complete overview, visit our compliance hub or download the annual compliance checklist.

Which industries are required to implement a hearing conservation program?

Any employer with workers exposed to an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA or above must comply — this applies under OSHA 1910.95 for general industry and OSHA 1926.52 for construction. High-noise industries include food production, metals & fabrication, automotive parts manufacturing, oil, gas & petrochemical, lumber & wood products, concrete & aggregates, heavy equipment, and aerospace & defense. Browse all covered industries to see how Soundtrace supports each sector.

What are the risks of not having a compliant hearing conservation program?

Non-compliance carries serious consequences: OSHA citations and fines up to $15,625 per violation per day, costly workers' compensation claims for occupational hearing loss, increased legal liability, and reputational damage. Most critically, employees suffer permanent, irreversible hearing loss. Research links untreated hearing loss to broader health risks — learn more in our white paper on hearing loss and health outcomes. Our ROI calculator shows the true cost of non-compliance versus investing in a compliant program.

How do I know if my workplace noise levels require a hearing conservation program?

If employees must raise their voices to be heard at arm's length, noise levels likely exceed OSHA's 85 dBA action level. The definitive way to know is to conduct workplace noise monitoring using calibrated dosimeters or sound level meters. Soundtrace integrates real-time noise monitoring with your audiometric testing program so you can track exposure data and determine compliance requirements in one system. Schedule a demo to see how it works.

Is boothless audiometric testing OSHA-compliant?

Yes — boothless audiometric testing is fully OSHA-compliant when ambient noise levels are controlled and ANSI S3.1 protocols are followed. Soundtrace ensures compliance through real-time ambient noise checks and calibrated equipment at every test frequency. Our proprietary Invisible Booth™ methodology records ambient noise data as proof of a valid test environment. Read our field booth validation white paper for the science behind it, or explore the full audiometric testing feature.

What is a Standard Threshold Shift (STS)?

A Standard Threshold Shift (STS) is a change in hearing threshold of 10 dB or more, averaged across 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear, relative to the baseline audiogram. OSHA requires employers to identify STS events and take follow-up action. Soundtrace automatically detects, flags, and tracks STS events through its audiometric testing platform, and all findings are reviewed by licensed audiologists. Proper recordkeeping of STS data is essential for compliance.

Can audiometric testing be conducted without a sound booth?

Yes. OSHA 1910.95 Appendix D sets maximum allowable ambient noise levels for testing environments but does not require a dedicated booth. Soundtrace's audiometer uses noise-attenuating headphones and records real-time ambient noise data at every frequency for every test — what we call the Invisible Booth™ methodology. This approach is validated in our field booth validation white paper and enables compliant testing anywhere, eliminating the need for mobile testing vans.

Can we run hearing tests in-house instead of using a mobile van?

Yes. Soundtrace enables in-house, boothless audiometric testing using calibrated equipment, OSHA-compliant protocols, and automated recordkeeping — eliminating the need for expensive mobile van visits. Our mobile van replacement white paper details how organizations save thousands annually while gaining scheduling flexibility. Use our ROI calculator to estimate your savings, or request a quote.

How often should employees receive audiograms and fit testing?

OSHA requires annual audiograms for all noise-exposed employees, with a baseline test within the first six months of employment in a noise-exposed role. Hearing protection fit testing should be performed at baseline and whenever new hearing protection is issued or if workers report difficulty with proper fit. Soundtrace streamlines both audiometric testing and fit testing into a single workflow, with automated scheduling and compliance recordkeeping.

How do I perform hearing protection fit testing?

Hearing protection fit testing measures how effectively earplugs attenuate noise for an individual worker. Soundtrace provides digital fit testing using PAR (Personal Attenuation Rating) scoring integrated directly into the audiometric testing workflow. After testing, each worker receives a personal attenuation score so you can verify adequate protection. Learn more about compliance requirements or schedule a demo to see fit testing in action.

Why isn't the NRR rating on the earplug box sufficient?

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) on earplug packaging is measured under ideal laboratory conditions and significantly overstates real-world protection. OSHA's de-rating method cuts the NRR by 50% for estimating actual attenuation. The only way to verify what protection a specific worker actually receives is to conduct individual fit testing and obtain a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR). Soundtrace integrates fit testing with audiometric testing for a complete worker protection profile.

What's the best way to monitor noise exposure in the workplace?

The most effective approach is continuous, real-time noise monitoring using calibrated dosimeters placed on workers across shifts and areas. Soundtrace integrates noise exposure data with hearing test results and fit testing scores to give safety teams a complete picture of risk. This data feeds into compliance dashboards and automated recordkeeping. Request a quote to learn more.

How often must employers provide hearing conservation training?

OSHA 1910.95(k) requires annual hearing conservation training for all workers exposed at or above the 85 dBA action level. Training must cover the effects of noise on hearing, the purpose and proper use of hearing protectors, and the purpose of audiometric testing. Soundtrace includes built-in training modules that satisfy OSHA requirements and automatically track completion for recordkeeping. See our annual training page for details.

How long must audiometric records be retained?

OSHA 1910.95(m) requires audiometric test records to be retained for the duration of the affected worker's employment. Industry best practices recommend retaining records for at least 30 years after employment ends. Soundtrace stores all records in a SOC 2-certified, HIPAA-compliant cloud platform with permanent retention through our automated recordkeeping system. Learn more about data protection on our security page, or review our data security white paper.

What does the Soundtrace platform include?

Soundtrace is an all-in-one hearing conservation platform that includes boothless audiometric testing, hearing protection fit testing, noise exposure monitoring, STS tracking, OSHA training modules, and automated compliance recordkeeping — plus licensed audiologist oversight. Explore all platform features or schedule a demo to see it in action.

What is the best digital solution for hearing conservation compliance?

Soundtrace is the leading all-in-one digital platform for hearing conservation compliance. It combines audiometric testing, real-time noise monitoring, earplug fit testing, STS tracking, and OSHA-compliant recordkeeping in a single system. Read customer case studies to see results, or learn why organizations switch to Soundtrace.

Who serves as the Professional Supervisor for a Soundtrace-managed program?

Soundtrace's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Subinoy Das, serves as the licensed Professional Supervisor for all client hearing conservation programs. All Standard Threshold Shift reviews and medical referral decisions are made by licensed audiologists through the Soundtrace cloud platform. This audiologist oversight is built into every audiometric testing workflow. Learn more about our team or review our trust & credentialing page.

How does Soundtrace reduce costs compared to traditional mobile testing vans?

Soundtrace eliminates the need for travel, mobile van scheduling, and production downtime by enabling on-site boothless testing at any time. Organizations typically save 40–60% per test compared to mobile van providers. Our mobile van replacement white paper details the cost breakdown, and the ROI calculator lets you estimate your savings. Request a quote for custom pricing.

How quickly can an organization roll out a hearing conservation program using Soundtrace?

Most organizations launch their Soundtrace-powered program in weeks, not months. With boothless testing, built-in training modules, and automated recordkeeping, safety teams can start testing employees and generating compliance records almost immediately. Schedule a demo to see how fast onboarding works, or request a quote to get started.

Who is required to have audiometric testing?

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, any employee exposed to noise at or above the action level of 85 dBA TWA must be included in a hearing conservation program that includes audiometric testing. This means a baseline audiogram within 6 months of first exposure (or 1 year if HPDs are provided) and annual testing thereafter.

What qualifies as a Standard Threshold Shift (STS)?

An STS is an average shift of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear relative to the baseline audiogram. OSHA allows (but doesn't require) age correction using Table F-1 before making the STS determination. If an STS is confirmed, the employer must notify the employee within 21 days and take specific follow-up actions.

What's the difference between a baseline and an annual audiogram?

The baseline audiogram establishes the employee's hearing reference point - it's the 'starting line' against which all future tests are compared. Annual audiograms are conducted each year to detect any changes. If an STS is detected, the baseline may be revised. Getting an accurate, uncontaminated baseline is critical for the integrity of your entire program.

How often do employees need audiometric testing?

OSHA requires a baseline audiogram within the first 6 months of noise exposure (1 year if adequate hearing protection is provided), and then annual audiograms every year after that. The baseline establishes the reference point for detecting threshold shifts over time.

What rooms work for boothless testing?

Most conference rooms, offices, break rooms, and training rooms work well. The key is finding a space that stays reasonably quiet during the 4–5 minute test. The system will tell you immediately if the room is too loud - you don't have to guess. Many of our clients test in rooms they never would have considered, because the continuous ambient monitoring validates the environment in real time.

What equipment does OSHA require for audiometric testing?

OSHA requires an audiometer that meets ANSI S3.6 specifications, properly calibrated per Appendix E requirements. The testing environment must meet ANSI S3.1 maximum permissible ambient noise levels per Appendix D. Soundtrace's audiometer, which is FDA-registered as a Class II device, meets all of these specifications, with calibration tracking built into the platform.

Can we test during night shifts or weekends?

Yes. Since the testing system is always at your facility, you can test any shift - days, nights, weekends, whatever works for your operations. This is one of the biggest advantages over mobile van testing, where you typically get one or two days during business hours and have to pull night shift workers in during the day.

How does onboarding testing work?

New employees can be tested on their first day as part of the onboarding process. The baseline audiogram takes about 6 minutes. The system immediately stores the baseline and sets up the employee's annual testing schedule. No waiting for a mobile van visit or coordinating with an outside provider.

How do we handle employees who miss their annual test?

With Soundtrace, this problem essentially goes away. Since testing is always available, an employee who misses their date can be tested the next day or next shift. No waiting for the next van visit. The system tracks who's due and overdue, so you always know who still needs their annual test.

What is a 4000 Hz notch and why does it matter?

A 4000 Hz notch is a characteristic dip in hearing sensitivity at the 4000 Hz frequency - it's one of the earliest and most telltale signs of noise-induced hearing loss. Audiometric testing that tracks hearing at this specific frequency over time can catch NIHL patterns early, before the damage spreads to speech frequencies and becomes functionally disabling.

How does the audiologist review process work?

Audiograms are queued for review by a licensed audiologist within the platform. The audiologist sees the complete history - current and prior audiograms, questionnaire responses, STS calculations, noise exposure data. They can annotate findings, flag concerns, and recommend actions. Dr. Subinoy Das, Soundtrace's Chief Medical Officer, oversees all clinical protocols across the nationwide audiologist network.

What's the ROI of switching to in-house testing?

Most clients see cost savings from eliminating mobile van contracts and reducing lost production time. But the bigger ROI is in risk reduction: earlier hearing change detection, better documentation, fewer recordable injuries, and stronger legal defense. One prevented workers' comp claim for occupational hearing loss typically covers years of Soundtrace subscription costs.

What about multi-site organizations?

Each site gets its own testing setup. Results from all sites flow into a single centralized dashboard, so your corporate safety team has visibility across every location. Employees who transfer between sites maintain their complete audiometric history. You can compare compliance rates, hearing change trends, and testing completion across all sites from one view.

Audiometric Testing

Audiometric Testing Without a Booth or Mobile Van

Hearing tests designed to meet OSHA 1910.95 requirements in about six minutes, at your facility, on your schedule. The Invisible Booth™ monitors ambient noise continuously, so results stay valid without a sound booth.

Two workers wearing audiometric headsets taking a Soundtrace hearing test on-site

~6 min

avg. test time

Reviewed

OSHA 1910.95 Aligned

Independent 1910.95 Audit

Third-Party Reviewed

FDA Registered

Class II Medical Device

SOC 2 Type II

AICPA Certified

HIPAA Compliant

Made in USA

Engineered & Built

Chapter 01

The Old Way Is Quietly Expensive

Vans, clinics, tablets, spreadsheets. It technically works, and it costs more than anyone is tracking.

Why Teams Switch · Beyond the Van

Why Employers Are Replacing Mobile Van Audiometric Testing

Mobile hearing test vans served their purpose, but a once-a-year visit no longer fits modern operations. Here is why safety teams are moving to always-available, in-house audiometric testing.

Cost comparison between mobile van audiometric testing and Soundtrace in-house testing

Always Available

A mobile audiometry van comes once or twice a year. In-house testing is ready every day, so new hires, night shifts, and missed employees get tested when it works for you, not months later.

Better Compliance

No more chasing employees who were absent on van day. Year-round access to portable audiometric testing closes the completion gaps that lead to OSHA citations.

Faster Testing

About six minutes per employee at your facility, instead of 15 to 30 minutes of van wait time. Test a few people during shift changes without disrupting production.

Earlier Shift Detection

Annual van visits can leave a hearing shift undetected for up to a year. always-available testing flags threshold shifts the moment a test completes.

Lower Lifetime Costs

No van rental fees, travel charges, or rescheduling penalties. Predictable per-employee pricing typically costs less over the life of your hearing conservation program.

Mobile Van vs. In-House Comparison Hidden Costs of Mobile Van Testing In-House vs. Mobile Van Testing Cost

Field Report

How one EHS Director stopped chasing clinic slots and secured a 33% ROI.

Industrial Services• 2,000 Employees• 7 Locations

When you oversee safety for 2,000 people across seven industrial sites, you don't have time for a fragmented hearing conservation program. But that's exactly what this EHS Director inherited.

Half the workforce was being sent to off-site clinics - which meant finding coverage, paying for travel time, and losing about two hours of production per person. The other half was tested using a tablet that lacked clinical oversight. Records were scattered across three different systems. When leadership asked if they were fully compliant, the answer took days to pull together.

The hidden bill for "it works"

When they audited the true cost of their patchwork program, they discovered a glaring insight: the testing itself was the smallest part of the bill. The real expense was disguised as lost operational time.

Travel & Lost Work Time

~60%

1,000 clinic visits, ~2 hours off the floor each

Clinic Fallback Visits

~25%

Re-tests, absentees, shift mismatches

Mobile Van & Providers

~10%

Annual parking lot events

Program Administration

~5%

Scheduling, records, vendor wrangling

The turning point

They stripped out the clinics, the third-party tablet, and the scattered spreadsheets. In their place: one Soundtrace system deployed to all seven sites.

Now, safety managers run tests on their own schedule - any day, any shift, without leaving the facility. Every audiogram is automatically routed to a licensed audiologist for review, with threshold shifts flagged instantly. They added quantitative HPD fit testing into the exact same workflow. And when leadership asks about compliance, the EHS Director opens a single dashboard showing the live status of all 2,000 employees.

33%

Return on Investment

Achieved in the first year alone

Compound Savings

Program costs decrease every year the system runs, while compliance visibility remains absolute.

Name withheld at the customer's request.

Get Pricing

Chapter 02

How Boothless Testing Actually Works

Six minutes per test, anywhere in your facility, with the sound booth replaced by continuous environmental verification.

A booth controls the environment.
Soundtrace verifies the environment.

OSHA doesn't require a sound booth — they require that ambient noise doesn't interfere with testing accuracy. The Invisible Booth™ measures room conditions in real time, so results are valid without the box.

Continuously Measured

A calibrated mic reads room noise every second.

Limits Checked

Compared instantly against OSHA/ANSI thresholds.

Auto-Paused

If noise spikes, the test pauses until it clears.

Stored as Proof

Noise levels are saved directly onto the audiogram.

See the technical compliance details (ANSI S3.1 & OSHA Appendix D)

Testing 500 Hz

In Progress

Continuous Monitoring

Calibrated microphone measures ambient noise throughout the entire test

ANSI S3.1 Validated

Room noise compared against maximum permissible levels in real-time

Automatic Pause & Resume

Test pauses instantly when noise exceeds safe limits, resumes when clear

Documented & Stored

Ambient noise conditions permanently recorded with every audiogram

AudiogramdB HL

Room NoisedB SPL

Safe Exceeded--- MPANL

The system monitors both A-weighted (dBA) and octave-band levels. If room noise exceeds the maximum permissible ambient noise levels specified in OSHA 1910.95 Appendix D (which references ANSI S3.1-1999), the test automatically pauses.

Boothless Audiometry & OSHA alignment Audiometric Testing Equipment Guide Audiometer Calibration Requirements

How Soundtrace Works

The Fastest Test.
The Most Efficient Throughput.

A complete clinical workflow in about 6 minutes per employee. Independently documented by Purdue University in The Hearing Journal, test time fell from roughly 30 minutes to just 6 after switching to Soundtrace. Every test flows through a supervised workflow with Soundtrace acting as your professional supervisor.

Purdue-Verified Test Speed & Throughput Analysis

High-Volume Testing

One Facilitator. Four Stations.
300 Tests a Day.

Traditional one-at-a-time testing turns annual audiograms into a multi-day project. With Soundtrace, one safety manager pairs up to four calibrated audiometers to a single tablet or PC.

A group of four employees finishes their test in about 10 minutes. As one group steps away, the next steps in. That keeps hourly throughput at 20+ employees per hour with just one facilitator. Dedicate two facilitators running four stations each, and you can comfortably clear 300 employees in a single shift without shutting down production.

0 min

Per Group of 4

Employees / Hour

Each station independently calibratedAuto-pause if room noise spikesResults sync instantly

Safety manager facilitating a hearing test session on the production floor

One facilitator manages the floor

Soundtrace testing dashboard showing four completed audiograms side by side with tone-by-tone results

One dashboard runs the tests

The 6-Minute Clinical Workflow

Managed Clinical Infrastructure. Soundtrace isn't just an audiometer. It's a complete workflow where your trained team member administers the test, and Soundtrace's licensed audiologists act as your program's professional supervisor.

Soundtrace Professional Supervisor

On-Site · ~6 Minutes Total

Step 01

Pre-Test Questionnaire
Digital health history, noise exposure, and medications - captured before the test begins.

~1 min

Digital health history, noise exposure, and medications - captured before the test begins.

Step 02

Automated Hearing Test
All standard frequencies tested with calibrated headphones. Room noise monitored continuously.

~4 min

All standard frequencies tested with calibrated headphones. Room noise monitored continuously.

Step 03

Hearing Change Detection
Results compared against baseline the moment the test completes. Shifts flagged automatically.

Instant

Results compared against baseline the moment the test completes. Shifts flagged automatically.

Step 04

Acknowledge & E-Sign
Employee reviews results, signs digitally, and walks away. Records stored 30+ years.

~1 min

Employee reviews results, signs digitally, and walks away. Records stored 30+ years.

Automatic

Audiologist Review

Within 24 hrs

Employee Hearing Test Audiometric Test Baseline Audiogram STS Employer Screening vs Diagnostic

* Optional: HPD Fit Testing can be performed concurrently.

Chapter 03

Don't Take Our Word for It

Independent OSHA alignment review, field-proven accuracy, and licensed audiologists supervising every test.

Independently Validated

Can You Trust Boothless Testing? Yes. Here's the Proof.

Meets OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 and ANSI S3.1

Independently audited by Scott Ketcham, former Director of OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement Programs.

Accuracy in the field

Real-world audiograms

Users

Devices

Read the full validation white paper

Professional Oversight

OSHA Requires Professional Supervision. Ours Is Built In.

Under 29 CFR 1910.95, your audiometric testing program must be supervised by an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician. Most testing vendors leave that to you. With Soundtrace, professional supervision is part of the service, not a separate contract you have to source.

What OSHA requires, handled

Program supervision. Soundtrace acts as the Professional Supervisor of your audiometric testing program under 29 CFR 1910.95(g)(3).
Problem audiogram review. Every flagged audiogram is reviewed by a licensed audiologist, as 1910.95(g)(8) requires.
STS determinations and baseline revisions. The reviewing professional confirms or revises standard threshold shifts and advises on baseline revision.
Referral and notification support. Follow-up recommendations, medical referrals, and documentation that keeps you inside OSHA's 21-day employee notification window.

Beyond the requirement

Program guidance. Your team gets a clinical partner, not just a reviewer: guidance on hearing protection selection, retest strategy, and what your noise exposure data means for the program.
Employee education. Findings come back in plain language employees can act on, supporting the annual training OSHA expects and turning test day into an education moment.
Better employee experience. Workers get answers about their hearing instead of a form in a file: what changed, what it means, and what to do next.
A program that improves. Trends across years and locations feed recommendations, so supervision compounds into a stronger hearing conservation program over time.

Buying testing without supervision leaves the obligation with you. Many audiometric testing options stop at the test itself, which means finding and paying a supervising professional separately. Soundtrace includes it because a supervised program is the difference between collecting audiograms and actually protecting hearing.

CMO Oversight

Dr. Subinoy Das serves as Soundtrace's Chief Medical Officer, overseeing all clinical protocols, audiologist training standards, and testing methodology. His leadership ensures that every test across the platform meets the highest clinical standards - not just OSHA minimums.

Dr. Subinoy Das, CMO

Nationwide Audiologist Network

Every audiogram is reviewed by a licensed audiologist through Soundtrace's nationwide professional network. Problem audiograms - hearing changes, unusual configurations, clinically significant shifts - are prioritized for expedited review and actionable recommendations.

Licensed Professional Review

Hearing Change Review Workflows

When a hearing change is detected, the audiologist evaluates clinical significance, determines work-relatedness, recommends follow-up actions (retest, medical referral, hearing protection refit), and documents everything in the system - ensuring you meet OSHA's 21-day notification timeline and 300 Log recordability requirements.

21-Day Notification Tracking

Soundtrace STS review queue where licensed audiologists review flagged audiograms

The STS review queue: flagged audiograms are prioritized for audiologist review.

Every employee profile keeps the full audiogram history and baseline comparisons in one place.

CAOHC Certification: What Employers Need to Know Audiometric Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing STS Employer Response Complete Guide

"Soundtrace has revolutionized our hearing testing by streamlining the process and significantly reducing overall program costs."

Joe K.

EHS Manager

"Soundtrace has given us the flexibility to do Audiometric testing around our busy production schedule. With a great support team to help get the job done!"

Tyler L.

Safety Manager

"Soundtrace has completely changed how we handle hearing testing. 10/10 experience."

Bob H.

VP of Ops

"Soundtrace resolved the challenge of coordinating testing across three shifts."

Kevin G.

Safety Manager

Chapter 04

Make the Switch

Compare the alternatives, map out your testing schedule, and calculate your return on investment.

Why Teams Switch · Side-by-Side

How Soundtrace Compares

See why companies are switching from traditional audiometric testing methods to always-available in-house testing.

Feature

Soundtrace

Mobile Vans

Scheduling flexibility

Any day, any shift, during onboarding

1–2 available dates per year, months in advance

Setup time

Always ready - no setup needed

Van setup and teardown each visit

Test duration

~6 minutes per employee

15–30 minutes (including wait time)

Sound booth required

No - Invisible Booth™ ambient monitoring

Yes - portable booth in the van

Results available

Immediately, with automatic hearing change detection

Days to weeks for report delivery

Missed employees

Test anytime - no rescheduling needed

Wait until next annual visit

Cost model

Predictable per-employee pricing

Van rental + per-test + travel fees

Records retention

Digital, 30+ year automatic retention

Paper files you manage and store

Scheduling flexibility

Soundtrace

Any day, any shift, during onboarding

—

Mobile Vans

1–2 available dates per year, months in advance

Setup time

Soundtrace

Always ready - no setup needed

—

Mobile Vans

Van setup and teardown each visit

Test duration

Soundtrace

~6 minutes per employee

—

Mobile Vans

15–30 minutes (including wait time)

Sound booth required

Soundtrace

No - Invisible Booth™ ambient monitoring

—

Mobile Vans

Yes - portable booth in the van

Results available

Soundtrace

Immediately, with automatic hearing change detection

—

Mobile Vans

Days to weeks for report delivery

Missed employees

Soundtrace

Test anytime - no rescheduling needed

—

Mobile Vans

Wait until next annual visit

Cost model

Soundtrace

Predictable per-employee pricing

—

Mobile Vans

Van rental + per-test + travel fees

Records retention

Soundtrace

Digital, 30+ year automatic retention

—

Mobile Vans

Paper files you manage and store

Mobile Van vs. In-House Comparison Hidden Costs of Mobile Van Testing

Why Teams Switch · Schedule Flexibility

Test on Your Schedule, Not a Van's

See how testing cadence impacts completion rates, compliance gaps, and operational disruption.

Choose a Testing Cadence

Compare how scheduling frequency affects your program outcomes

Number of Employees in Hearing Conservation Program

150

Annual (Mobile Van)

1–2 day van visit per year

Traditional approach: coordinate schedules months in advance, pull everyone off the floor on van day, pay premium rates for anyone who was absent.

117

Employees tested

Missed / non-compliant

78%

Completion rate

4.5 months

Avg wait for new hires

Missed Employee Catch-Up

Reschedule van or wait until next year

Compliance Risk Level

High - single point of failure

Hearing Change Detection Delay

Up to 12 months - A full year of potential hearing damage before the next test detects it.

With 33 employees missing their annual test, each one is a potential OSHA citation at up to $15,625 per violation. That's up to $515,625 in potential fines - plus the workers' comp exposure from undocumented hearing changes.

7 Common Challenges in Audiometric Testing Audiometric Testing Frequency Guide

Ready to leave the van behind?

Equip your safety team with always-available testing infrastructure. OSHA 1910.95 alignment, clinical review, and perfect records — built right in.

See Soundtrace in Action Get Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

The details on compliance, clinical review, and moving away from mobile vans.

Is boothless testing really OSHA 1910.95 aligned?

Yes. OSHA doesn't require a sound booth — it requires that background noise doesn't interfere with testing accuracy. The Invisible Booth™ monitors room noise continuously using a calibrated microphone. If the room gets too loud, the test auto-pauses. An independent compliance review by former OSHA enforcement leadership confirmed that Soundtrace's methodology meets OSHA and ANSI standards.

Who can administer the tests?

Any member of your safety or occupational health team can do it. Soundtrace provides training, and its licensed audiologists serve as the professional supervisor of the program. The automated testing system handles the audiometric protocol — your technician manages the process and the employee experience.

What happens when an STS is detected?

The system immediately flags the STS and queues the audiogram for priority audiologist review. The audiologist determines clinical significance, recommends follow-up actions (medical referral, refit hearing protection, retest), and documents findings. The employer is notified so they can inform the employee within OSHA's 21-day requirement.

How does this compare with mobile vans?

Mobile vans give you 1–2 days per year with limited flexibility. Soundtrace provides always-available testing infrastructure. No scheduling constraints, no setup time, no missed employees waiting months. Results are immediate, records are digital, and the cost is predictable per-employee pricing instead of van rental plus per-test plus travel fees.

What does implementation look like?

We ship the pre-configured audiometers and response buttons to your site. You provide an iPad or PC. We conduct a virtual training session with your test facilitators, and you can begin testing immediately. Multi-site deployments are managed centrally through your corporate dashboard.

Related Resources

Continue exploring the Soundtrace platform

Ready to Simplify Audiometric Testing?

See how in-house, boothless audiometric testing can replace mobile van visits and give you year-round compliance confidence.

See Soundtrace in Action Get Pricing

Audiometric Testing Without a Booth or Mobile Van

The Old Way Is Quietly Expensive

Why Employers Are Replacing Mobile Van Audiometric Testing

Always Available

Better Compliance

Faster Testing

Earlier Shift Detection

Lower Lifetime Costs

How one EHS Director stopped chasing clinic slots and secured a 33% ROI.

The hidden bill for "it works"

The turning point

How Boothless Testing Actually Works

A booth controls the environment.Soundtrace verifies the environment.

Continuously Measured

Limits Checked

Auto-Paused

Stored as Proof

The Fastest Test.The Most Efficient Throughput.

One Facilitator. Four Stations.300 Tests a Day.

The 6-Minute Clinical Workflow

Pre-Test QuestionnaireDigital health history, noise exposure, and medications - captured before the test begins.

Automated Hearing TestAll standard frequencies tested with calibrated headphones. Room noise monitored continuously.

Hearing Change DetectionResults compared against baseline the moment the test completes. Shifts flagged automatically.

Acknowledge & E-SignEmployee reviews results, signs digitally, and walks away. Records stored 30+ years.

Audiologist Review

Don't Take Our Word for It

Can You Trust Boothless Testing? Yes. Here's the Proof.

OSHA Requires Professional Supervision. Ours Is Built In.

What OSHA requires, handled

Beyond the requirement

CMO Oversight

Nationwide Audiologist Network

Hearing Change Review Workflows

Make the Switch

How Soundtrace Compares

Test on Your Schedule, Not a Van's

Choose a Testing Cadence

Ready to leave the van behind?

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Noise Monitoring

HPD Fit Testing

Recordkeeping

Case Studies

Industry Solutions

Blog

OSHA Standard Threshold Shift Guide

Temporary vs. Permanent Threshold Shift

4000 Hz Notch & Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Ready to Simplify Audiometric Testing?

A booth controls the environment.
Soundtrace verifies the environment.

The Fastest Test.
The Most Efficient Throughput.

One Facilitator. Four Stations.
300 Tests a Day.

Pre-Test Questionnaire
Digital health history, noise exposure, and medications - captured before the test begins.

Automated Hearing Test
All standard frequencies tested with calibrated headphones. Room noise monitored continuously.

Hearing Change Detection
Results compared against baseline the moment the test completes. Shifts flagged automatically.

Acknowledge & E-Sign
Employee reviews results, signs digitally, and walks away. Records stored 30+ years.