Occupational audiometry measures hearing for a workplace hearing-conservation program. It creates a baseline and compares later tests so the employer and reviewing professional can identify changes.
Explore Nao Medical's audiometry services for employee hearing tests and workplace hearing conservation. Contact our occupational health team to discuss your workforce's needs.
Confirm when qualifying noise exposure began and which standard applies. Under OSHA 1910.95, a baseline is generally required within six months, with a specific mobile-service exception. Follow the baseline quiet-period instructions and bring earlier hearing results. The baseline lets a qualified reviewer compare later tests. It does not diagnose every ear condition or replace workplace noise controls.
The annual audiogram is compared with the baseline under the applicable program. Ask whether a change needs a repeat test, clinical evaluation or hearing-protector review, and keep a copy of the result. The employer still needs exposure controls and training. Occupational audiometry staff, calibrated equipment and professional review must be confirmed before a group or mobile event is described as compliant.
Tell the clinician about a sudden change, ear pain, drainage, dizziness or other symptoms. Sudden hearing loss needs prompt medical evaluation rather than waiting for an employer’s annual event. A screening change does not establish its cause. Clinical follow-up can be necessary even if the occupational record is also updated.
Occupational audiometry measures hearing for a workplace hearing-conservation program. It creates a baseline and compares later tests so the employer and reviewing professional can identify changes. The test supports a noise-control program; it cannot make a noisy workplace safe by itself. Tell the team whether the appointment is a baseline, annual test, repeat test or assessment of a hearing symptom.
During an audiogram, you respond to tones at different frequencies in each ear. The testing conditions, equipment and review process affect whether results can be compared reliably. OSHA’s general-industry noise standard uses an eight-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA as the hearing-conservation action level. Your employer’s exposure assessment and applicable standard determine enrollment. A phone hearing check or a routine conversational hearing screen is not a substitute for the required occupational audiogram.
The employer must identify workers covered by the program and arrange qualifying testing. Under OSHA 1910.95, the baseline generally must be established within six months of the first exposure at or above the action level. A mobile testing service has a specific exception allowing up to one year, with required hearing-protector use after six months. Annual audiograms then compare hearing with that baseline. Construction, mining and other settings may use different applicable standards.
Confirm the appointment type and send the earlier audiograms if available. The tester checks the history and performs the audiogram under the required conditions. A qualified reviewer compares the result with the baseline and decides whether retesting, clinical evaluation or changes to hearing protection are needed. Ask for your result and an explanation you can understand. Tell the reviewer about noise away from work, ear symptoms and hearing aids.
Before a baseline test under OSHA 1910.95, avoid workplace noise for at least 14 hours or follow the permitted hearing-protector alternative arranged by the employer. Avoid high non-occupational noise during that period too. Ask the testing service about instructions for an annual or repeat test; do not assume every appointment has identical preparation. Bring prior results and report a recent ear infection, blockage or other condition that could affect the measurement.
Keep using the hearing protection and work controls your employer specifies. Testing does not replace reducing harmful noise or ensuring that protection fits and is used correctly. A sudden drop in hearing, especially in one ear, needs prompt medical evaluation rather than waiting for the next employment test. Ear pain, drainage, dizziness or a persistent change also deserves clinical assessment. Occupational screening and diagnosis of an ear condition are separate tasks.
OSHA defines a standard threshold shift using the average change at 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 Hz in either ear compared with baseline. That technical comparison needs qualified review. If the employer identifies a threshold shift, the required notification, hearing-protection review and any clinical referral must follow the applicable standard. Ask what the result means, who will follow up and whether another test is scheduled. A result alone does not establish the cause of hearing loss.
Before arranging Nao audiometry, confirm the clinic or mobile site, calibrated equipment, test environment, qualified testing staff, professional review and reporting pathway. Ask whether your employer’s group can be tested at its workplace or needs a clinic appointment. Employer cost, group scheduling and record retention need agreement. For a new hearing symptom, request clinical care rather than booking only an employer hearing-conservation test.
For OSHA 1910.95, the employer uses the exposure assessment to identify workers at or above the 85 dBA eight-hour action level and arranges the required hearing-conservation testing. Other industries can use different standards. Ask the employer which standard applies to your work and what testing it requires.
A baseline under OSHA 1910.95 requires at least 14 hours without workplace noise, with a permitted hearing-protector alternative. Avoid high noise away from work too. Ask for the instructions that apply to your particular baseline, annual or repeat appointment.
No. Sudden hearing loss needs prompt medical evaluation. Tell the clinician when it started and whether you have other symptoms. The occupational audiogram supports a workplace program; it is not a substitute for urgent assessment of a new hearing problem.
Choose care according to the problem and how urgently you need help. Urgent care assesses non-emergency illnesses and minor injuries.
