Audiometric Testing

OSHA-Compliant Hearing Tests. No Booth. No Van.

Complete OSHA-compliant testing in about 6 minutes, at your facility, on your schedule. The Invisible Booth™ monitors ambient noise continuously, ensuring valid results without a sound booth.

~6 Min Testing
Invisible Booth™
Independently Audited
Live Testing SessionActive
500 Hz
15 dB
1000 Hz
20 dB
2000 Hz
25 dB
4000 Hz
35 dB
Ambient noise: 42 dB - Valid4 of 8 frequencies

~6 min

avg. test time

100%

OSHA compliant

Independent 1910.95 Audit

Third-Party Reviewed

FDA Registered

Class II Medical Device

SOC 2 Type II

AICPA Certified

HIPAA Compliant

Powered by Vanta

Made in USA

Engineered & Built

Audiometric Testing, Simplified

Test in Minutes. Review in Hours.
Records That Build Themselves.

Run an OSHA-compliant audiometric test in about 6 minutes - anywhere, no booth needed. Results sync instantly to each employee's profile, STS flags are detected automatically, and a licensed audiologist completes review within 24 hours.

Employee wearing headphones being tested with the Soundtrace audiometer while an administrator monitors results on a laptop
Ambient Noise:42 dB - Valid
FDA Registered
Soundtrace audiometer  -  portable, connected diagnostic device

Soundtrace Audiometer

Connected diagnostic audiometer with built-in ambient noise monitoring

LTEBTUSB
DH
Denny Hampton
Employee Audiogram History
STS Detected
500 Hz
1510
1000 Hz
2015
2000 Hz
2520
4000 Hz
4035
Audiologist review: pending24hr turnaround

Boothless Testing

The Invisible Booth™ continuously monitors ambient noise and adjusts testing protocols in real time. No sound booth required - test anywhere that meets ambient conditions.

Audiologist Review

Every audiogram is reviewed by a licensed audiologist within 24 hours. STS flags, referral recommendations, and follow-up actions are documented automatically in each employee's record.

Connected & Automatic

Results sync via LTE, Bluetooth, or USB the moment a test is complete. Employee records build themselves - no data entry, no paper, no filing. 30-year digital retention included.

Why It Matters

Hearing Loss Is Permanent. Testing Is Prevention.

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable but 100% irreversible. Beyond the human cost, undetected hearing loss drives workers' comp claims averaging $45K+, increases insurance premiums, impacts EMR scores, and creates long-term civil liability exposure. Audiometric testing is the early warning system that catches threshold shifts before they become permanent, recordable injuries.

0M

US workers exposed to hazardous noise annually

Source: CDC/NIOSH

0%

of the US workforce has hearing difficulty

Source: BLS

0%

of occupational hearing loss cases had no audiometric testing

Source: OSHA

The Cost of Not Testing

Annual audiometric testing catches threshold shifts early - when intervention can prevent further damage, before hearing loss becomes a recordable OSHA injury and a workers' compensation claim. A single occupational hearing loss workers' comp claim averages $30,000–$75,000. A well-documented audiometric testing program is your strongest legal defense.

OSHA fines up to $15,625/violationAvg claim: $30K–$75KNIHL is 100% irreversible

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

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

33

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.

The Invisible Booth™

How Boothless Testing Actually Works

OSHA doesn't require a sound booth - they require that ambient noise doesn't interfere with testing. The Invisible Booth™ monitors and documents environmental conditions in real-time, providing continuous compliance verification that a booth alone cannot.

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
02040605001K2K3K4K6K8K
Room NoisedB SPL
30405060MPANL 50
Safe Exceeded--- MPANL

Independent Compliance Audit - Scott Ketcham

Scott Ketcham, one of the nation's leading occupational audiologists, conducted an independent audit of Soundtrace's testing methodology. His review validated that the Invisible Booth™ approach meets both OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 and ANSI S3.1 standards - providing third-party credibility that goes beyond any manufacturer's self-certification.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95ANSI S3.1 CompliantANSI S3.6 CalibrationIndependent Third-Party Audit

The Testing Process

A 6-Minute Test. A Complete Clinical Workflow.

Every audiometric test flows through a clinically supervised workflow - with Soundtrace acting as your professional supervisor at every step.

Soundtrace Professional Supervisor
On-Site · ~6 Minutes Total
1

Pre-Test Questionnaire

~1 min

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

Digital health questionnaire captures noise exposure history, recent loud noise events, medical conditions, and any ototoxic medications. Responses are stored with the audiogram for clinical context.
2

Automated Hearing Test

~4 min

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

The system tests hearing at all standard frequencies using calibrated audiometric headphones with automated threshold detection. Room noise is monitored continuously throughout to ensure accurate results.
3

Hearing Change Detection

Instant

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

The moment the test completes, the system compares results against the employee's baseline. Meaningful shifts are flagged automatically with and without age adjustments. No waiting for someone to review paper records manually.
4

Acknowledge & E-Sign

~1 min

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

Results are immediately available. The employee reviews their audiogram, acknowledges receipt, and e-signs - all before leaving the testing station. Every test, room noise level, and calibration record is stored digitally with 30+ year retention.
Employee done - walks away
5

Audiologist Review

Within 24 hrs

Every audiogram routed to a licensed audiologist. Shifts prioritized, findings annotated, follow-up recommended - all within 24 hours.

Behind the scenes, Soundtrace - acting as the professional supervisor for your hearing conservation program - routes every audiogram to a licensed audiologist for asynchronous review. Concerning results like hearing shifts, unusual patterns, or significant changes are prioritized. The audiologist annotates findings, confirms or revises STS determinations, and recommends follow-up - all within 24 hours, without disrupting the employee's workday.
Shifts Prioritized
Findings Annotated
Follow-Up Recommended
Audiometric Screening vs. Diagnostic Testing
Optional
6

HPD Fit Testing

~2 min

Measure actual earplug protection per employee - the best way to train proper insertion.

For the most complete hearing conservation workflow, add quantitative HPD fit testing. Measure the actual protection each employee gets from their hearing protection device - the most effective way to train proper earplug insertion and verify real-world attenuation. Can be performed right after the audiometric test while the employee is already at the testing station.
Fully Documented · Audit-Ready · 30+ Year Retention

Key Advantages

Testing That Works Around Your Operations

Not the other way around. Test any employee, any shift, any day - with full OSHA compliance and automatic documentation.

6-Minute In-House Testing

0 minaverage test time

Complete OSHA-compliant audiometric testing in about 6 minutes per employee, right at your facility. No off-site travel. No mobile van scheduling. No pulling workers from the floor for hours. Test during onboarding, any shift, any day - whenever it fits your operations.

Test during any shift
No travel or off-site scheduling
Works during onboarding
Minimal production disruption

OSHA-Compliant Without a Sound Booth

0%OSHA compliant

The Invisible Booth™ uses a built-in calibrated microphone to monitor room noise in real-time throughout every test. If the room gets too loud, the test auto-pauses. Room noise levels are stored with every hearing test - providing the same documentation a traditional sound booth would.

Real-time room noise monitoring
Standards-compliant testing
Auto-pause if room is too loud
Room levels documented per test

Catch Hearing Changes Before They're Permanent

0 dBshift detection threshold

The system automatically flags meaningful hearing shifts by comparing each annual test against the employee's baseline. Age-related adjustments are applied automatically. Changes are caught immediately - not weeks later when someone reviews paper records. Early detection means early intervention, before hearing loss becomes permanent and recordable.

Real-time shift detection
Automatic age adjustments
Baseline revision tracking
OSHA 300 log flagging support

Backed by Real Audiologists - and Independently Verified

0independent compliance audit

Every hearing test is reviewed by a licensed audiologist within the platform. An independent audit by Scott Ketcham, one of the nation's leading occupational audiologists, validated that Soundtrace's testing methodology meets OSHA and ANSI standards. Dr. Subinoy Das, Soundtrace's Chief Medical Officer, oversees clinical protocols and ensures testing quality across the nationwide audiologist network.

Licensed audiologist review
Scott Ketcham independent audit
Calibration standards met
Dr. Subinoy Das - CMO oversight

Side-by-Side Comparison

How Soundtrace Compares

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

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

Professional Oversight

Audiologist-Supervised Testing at Scale

Every audiogram reviewed by a licensed professional. Nationwide coverage. Clinical protocols overseen by Dr. Subinoy Das, Chief Medical Officer.

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

Financial Impact

Quick Testing Cost Comparison

See the direct testing cost savings at a glance. For a full economic impact analysis including clinic fallback, downtime, and admin costs, use our detailed calculator.

Your Program

350
255,000
$55
$30$150

Current Annual Spend

$19,250

350 employees × $55/test

What's Included with Soundtrace

Audiometric testing platform
Equipment included
Audiologist review
Digital recordkeeping (30-yr retention)
OSHA compliance reporting
Program administration tools

Pricing depends on program size, frequency, and scope. Use the full calculator to see a side-by-side comparison with your current costs.

Compliance Confidence

Audiometric Testing Compliance Checklist

Every audiometric testing requirement under 29 CFR 1910.95 - automatically handled by Soundtrace.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(g)–(h) Audiometric Testing
0%
Baseline audiogram within 6 months of first exposure (1 year with HPD use)
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5)
Annual audiometric testing for all enrolled employees
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(6)
Testing performed by audiologist, physician, or CAOHC technician
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(3)
Audiometer meets ANSI S3.6 specifications and is calibrated
29 CFR 1910.95(h)
Background noise levels do not exceed OSHA Appendix D MPANLs
29 CFR 1910.95 App D
Hearing change determination with age correction option
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(10)
Problem audiograms reviewed by audiologist or physician
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(8)
Employee notification of hearing changes within 21 days
29 CFR 1910.95(g)(9)
Audiometric test records retained for duration of employment
29 CFR 1910.95(m)(2)

Soundtrace automatically handles all 9 testing requirements

Compliant testing - no booth, no van, no hassle

Common Concerns

What EHS Teams Ask Us Most

Switching to in-house audiometric testing is a big decision. Here are the concerns that come up most - and honest answers.

Is boothless testing really OSHA-compliant?

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 for accurate testing, the test auto-pauses. An independent compliance review by Scott Ketcham - former OSHA enforcement leadership - confirmed that Soundtrace's methodology meets OSHA and ANSI standards. Additionally, Soundtrace performed an independent field accuracy study across 6,000+ audiograms and found accuracy levels to be consistent with traditional booth-based testing.

OSHA CompliantStandards-Verified6K+ Audiogram Accuracy StudyReal-Time Room Monitoring

We don't have time to pull employees off the floor.

That's exactly why Soundtrace works. Each test takes about 6 minutes. You test a few employees at a time during shift changes, slow periods, or onboarding - not everyone on the same day. There's no van to coordinate, no clinic appointments, and no pulling your entire crew off the floor. Most clients tell us the operational impact is basically zero compared to mobile van days that disrupt an entire shift.

~6 Min Per TestTest Any ShiftZero Van CoordinationDuring Onboarding

Our team isn't certified - who runs the tests?

Any member of your safety or occupational health team can do it. Soundtrace provides training and certification as the OSHA Professional Supervisor. Training and oversight verification takes about 45 minutes and can be done live virtually. The automated testing system handles the audiometric protocol - your technician manages the process and the employee experience. For organizations that prefer a fully managed approach, Soundtrace's growing network of certified service partners can come to your site and handle everything.

45-Min Virtual TrainingProfessional Supervisor CertAutomated ProtocolService Partner Option

Why does hearing testing matter beyond compliance?

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. By the time a worker notices they can't hear conversations clearly, significant damage has already occurred. Annual testing catches hearing changes early - while the damage is still minimal and intervention (better hearing protection, noise reduction, medical referral) can prevent further loss. Without testing, you won't know until it's a recordable injury and a workers' comp claim.

Hearing Loss Is IrreversibleEarly DetectionPrevents Recordable InjuriesReduces Workers' Comp

What about data security for employee health records?

Soundtrace is SOC 2 Type II certified and HIPAA compliant. All audiometric data - protected health information - is encrypted at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3). We maintain strict role-based access controls, complete audit trails logging every access, and continuous third-party security monitoring through Vanta. Your employees' health data gets the same level of protection as their medical records at a hospital.

SOC 2 Type IIHIPAA CompliantAES-256 EncryptionVanta Monitoring
Validation Study

Field-Validated at 99% Accuracy

We didn't just build a testing system - we proved it works. Our field booth accuracy study compared real-world results against clinical standards and exceeded expectations.

6,000+

Audiograms Compared

Real-world field testing data

300+

Unique Users

Across diverse facilities

300+

Devices Tested

Consistent across hardware

99%

Accuracy Rate

Within ±10dB clinical threshold

What This Means

Better accuracy than most published medical audiometric datasets

±10dB test-retest reliability - the accepted clinical threshold for audiometric accuracy

Validated in real facilities, not controlled lab environments

Consistent results across hundreds of operators with varying experience levels

Study Highlights

Test-Retest Accuracy99%
Clinical Threshold±10 dB
Sample Size6,000+ audiograms
Operator Count300+ users
Device Fleet300+ devices

Common Questions

Audiometric Testing FAQ

Everything you need to know about OSHA audiometric testing requirements, boothless testing compliance, and how Soundtrace works.

Showing 16 results

OSHA Compliance

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.
OSHA Compliance

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.
OSHA Compliance

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.
OSHA Compliance

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.
Boothless Testing

How does the Invisible Booth™ actually work?

A Class II calibrated microphone built into the testing system continuously monitors ambient noise during every audiogram. It measures both A-weighted (dBA) and octave-band levels. If room noise exceeds the maximum permissible ambient noise levels specified in OSHA Appendix D (which references ANSI S3.1), the test automatically pauses until conditions improve. The actual room noise levels are stored with every audiogram.
Boothless Testing

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.
Boothless Testing

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 FDA-registered audiometer meets all of these specifications, with calibration tracking built into the platform.
Scheduling

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.
Scheduling

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.
Scheduling

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.
Clinical & Hearing Changes

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.
Clinical & Hearing Changes

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.
Clinical & Hearing Changes

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.
Platform & Cost

How does Soundtrace compare to mobile van testing?

Mobile vans give you 1–2 days per year with limited flexibility. Soundtrace gives you always-available testing. No scheduling constraints, no setup time, no missed employees waiting months. Results are immediate (not weeks later), records are digital (not paper), and the cost is predictable per-employee pricing instead of van rental plus per-test plus travel fees.
Platform & Cost

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.
Platform & Cost

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.

Ready to Simplify Audiometric Testing?

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