FAQ

3 minute pointers that might assist

What is audiometric testing?

Audiometric testing, also known as Pure Tone Audiometry is the first step in an audiological test battery. The Australian Standard AS 1269:4 (2014) is based on International Standards and is the reference for all WHS regulations in Australia regarding the prevention of hearing loss at work.

Most people understand that an audiometric (hearing) test essentially involves a candidate sitting out of view of the audiometer/audiometrist's hand movements- and responding to 'beep' tones- especially when they are only faintly audible.

Audiometric testing methodology is designed to be a reliable indicator of a worker's hearing threshold levels (HTL).

Establishing HTL prior to commencing employment or shortly after is an important baseline measurement. From this baseline, routine monitoring of a worker's hearing over the course of employment at a noisy workplace is now law. This allows for the early awareness or detection of potential hearing loss.

Audiometric testing refers to mandatory screening for all workers in noisy workplaces as an awareness and prevention measure against Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). While NIHL (hearing damage to the cochlear nerve) is permanent, it is also overwhelmingly preventable. Hence the reason for specific WHS regulation around hearing screening and audiometric testing of noise-affected workers.

Audiometric screening for early signs of hearing loss should not be confused with the atypical screening done via tablet computer at a hearing aid clinic- more on this under 'who should conduct testing'.

An import part of the Audiometric Testing standards AS 1269:4 which WHS regulations are based on is that screening results must be discussed with the worker.

An experienced audiometrist will distinguish between hearing loss that is indicated by long term noise exposure vs medical conditions vs wax blockages- and not be afraid to answer questions on the relationship between hearing health, audiological case history, how hearing PPE works and safety in noise.

Who needs to be tested?

The simple rule is- if you are working around or in noise over a certain intensity (85dBA) or if you have to wear hearing PPE for your job- then you are required by law to have your hearing routinely assessed.

If you are not employee, but are a regular visitor or contractor to a noisy workplace, then you are also obliged to have your hearing assessed through audiometric testing.

There is a simple rule of thumb to define 'what is noisy': if you are less than a metre away from the other person and you have to shout to have a conversation due to background noise, you are highly likely to meet the criteria for being a noisy workplace.

In cases where you are not quite sure, or if there are only some tasks or areas of the workplaces that are noisy, a noise survey or noise assessment guided by Part 1 of AS 1269:0 (Occupational Noise Management) will clearly define whether a worker or role is considered 'noise affected' under WHS legislation.

People exposed to intermittent noise (especially if over 100 dBA) or with varying tasks can be assessed for average exposure over an 8hr equivalent by using a noise dosimeter. Noise dosimeter or total noise exposure results can form conclusive data in a noise assessment report that determines whether a worker is considered to be 'noise affected'.

Another broad definition of who needs to be routinely tested is simply: if an employer frequently requires their staff to wear hearing protection PPE to protect from the risk of noise related hearing loss- then these workers need to undergo routine audiometric testing. This is stated under the introductory notes of Clause 58 of NSW WHS Regulation 2017 "Audiometric testing requirements".

Who should conduct testing?

You may have heard of 'free hearing tests' or been whistled in by hearing clinics to sit a free screening test for hearing loss. There are also 'online hearing tests' where there is no control over audio quality or audible distractions like background noise.

These tests are generally aimed at the hearing impaired and are not considered valid under the Australian Standard or by WHS legislation.

The Australian Standard (AS 1269:4) specifies how to conduct and who should conduct audiometric testing.

Pure Tone Audiometry is a specialised skill and requires months of training and years of experience to be able to effectively and efficiently identify reliable vs unreliable test results, false positives, false negatives, and malingerers that can skew results and trigger costly referals and retests.

LIkewise, an experienced audiometrist will be able to communicate to people who are NESB or even those with suspected hearing loss, how to respond correctly during audiometric testing.

Put simply, the Australian Standard recommends audiometric testing be conducted by someone qualified and competent.

Hearing and Noise at Work only uses qualified and competent persons to conduct testing- we are happy to provide credentials and experience- but it shows in our knowledge and expertise when you engage our services.

If you are looking for qualified and competent persons, certified Audiologists and Audiometrists who are members of the Australian College of Audiology (ACAUD) are a good start.

Also, someone with a QP (qualiified practioner number) issued by a professional body is proof of continuing professional competency in the field of hearing health, hearing rehabilitation and audiological assessment.