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There have never been better audiometer options for occupational hearing testing than what’s available now. Despite the advances in technology, there are still quick verification tasks that will help ensure that your testing equipment is performing the way it should every day of testing.
One thing that makes SHOEBOX Audiometry unique is that it has been optimized for hearing testing outside of a sound-proof booth. However, that doesn’t mean that any location will be acceptable for testing. OSHA provides detailed guidelines for how to test outside of a booth as long as you stay within the prescribed sound levels, or Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels (MPANLs).
Hearing testing is only one component of an occupational Hearing Conservation Program. Other OSHA-mandated components include noise assessment and monitoring, provision of hearing protection, employee training programs, and records management. This guide will cover the specific OSHA requirements for compliant audiometric testing including testing environments, test frequencies and levels, required equipment, calibration, testing processes, scheduling, audiological review, actioning hearing shifts, providing notifications to employees, and more.
There are various people involved in most occupational hearing testing programs. This guide will cover the role that each plays. What’s the difference between a program manager and a professional supervisor? What are the responsibilities of the test administrator and the HSE/EHS? When do you involve your medical director (if you have one) or audiological reviewers? Even your employees play a critical part.
Employers have several options in how to conduct testing as part of a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). These include sending staff to clinics, or bringing mobile clinics on site. Many forward-thinking employers are opting to manage their programs in-house by leveraging boothless, automated audiometry. While there are pros and cons to each, one option offers cost savings benefits, and greater flexibility around testing schedules.
We've helped hundreds of companies bring their occupational hearing testing programs in-house. And we’ve helped a similar number of service providers add mobile hearing testing to their toolbox. Here are some of the lessons we’ve learned in that time.
