What is Audiometry Testing?
In an Occupational Health setting, audiometry testing is a key component of hearing conservation programs designed to protect employees from work-related hearing loss due to exposure to hazardous noise levels. This type of testing monitors workers’ hearing ability over time and helps employers meet regulatory requirements for protecting employee hearing.
Regulatory Guidelines
In Australia and New Zealand, audiometry testing in occupational settings is governed by specific regulatory guidelines aimed at protecting workers from noise-induced hearing loss. These guidelines are part of broader occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, which mandate hearing conservation programs in industries where employees are exposed to hazardous noise levels. The primary standards for audiometry testing are outlined in AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 - Occupational Noise Management – Auditory Assessment.
The AS/NZS 1269.4 standard specifies guidelines for conducting hearing tests, establishing baselines, and monitoring workers’ hearing. Employers are responsible for identifying and ensuring that workers exposed to hazardous noise levels are regularly tested and provided with adequate hearing protection. Compliance with these guidelines is essential for protecting worker health and avoiding legal and regulatory penalties.
Why would a Repeat Audiometry be required following a Baseline / Periodic Assessment?
Repeat audiometry test can be required following a baseline or periodic test under the Australian and New Zealand hearing conservation guidelines. This typically happens for the following reasons:
Following Baseline Audiometry
Reasons a repeat test might be required after a baseline test are:
Inconsistent or Unreliable Results: If the baseline test results show irregularities or don't align with the worker's reported hearing ability, a repeat test ensures accuracy.
Environmental Factors: Excessive background noise during testing could lead to inaccurate results, requiring a repeat test in a quieter environment.
Temporary Hearing Conditions: Issues like ear infections, earwax buildup, or recent noise exposure can temporarily affect hearing, so a repeat test may be needed after these conditions resolve.
Equipment or Testing Errors: Malfunctioning equipment or errors in test administration (e.g., improper headphone placement) may necessitate a retest for accurate results.
Medical Concerns: If the baseline test reveals unusually poor hearing unrelated to noise exposure, a repeat test helps verify the findings and assess the need for medical or audiological referral.
Establishing a Reliable Baseline: To ensure future hearing tests are compared to a valid starting point, a repeat test is needed if the baseline result is questionable.
Following Periodic Audiometry
Reasons a repeat test might be required after a periodic test are:
Threshold Shift (Most common): A significant change in hearing thresholds (10 dB or more) at key frequencies (usually 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, and 4000 Hz) compared to the worker’s baseline audiogram. The repeat test should confirm if the shift is permanent or temporary.
Inconsistent or Unreliable Results: If the baseline test results show irregularities or don't align with the worker's reported hearing ability, a repeat test ensures accuracy.
Environmental Factors: Excessive background noise during testing could lead to inaccurate results, requiring a repeat test in a quieter environment.
Temporary Hearing Conditions: Issues like ear infections, earwax buildup, or recent noise exposure can temporarily affect hearing, so a repeat test may be needed after these conditions resolve.
Equipment or Testing Errors: Malfunctioning equipment or errors in test administration (e.g., improper headphone placement) may necessitate a retest for accurate results.
Progressive Hearing Loss: Gradual deterioration in hearing when compared with previous tests may prompt a repeat test to monitor and confirm the trend.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with the AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 standards can lead to legal penalties, including fines, prosecutions, and compensation claims from workers who suffer noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Employers may face increased insurance premiums, costly remediation, and negative regulatory scrutiny. Workers' health is at risk, with potential permanent hearing damage, reduced productivity, and safety hazards. Additionally, non-compliance can harm a company's reputation, lead to negative publicity, and undermine trust among employees and stakeholders. Ultimately, it reflects a failure to meet moral and ethical responsibilities to protect worker well-being.
Employers in Australia and New Zealand face penalties for non-compliance with audiometry and workplace noise standards from regulatory authorities responsible for enforcing occupational health and safety laws. These include:
Australia
Safe Work Australia sets national guidelines, but enforcement is carried out by state and territory regulators, such as:
WorkSafe Victoria
NSW SafeWork
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland WorkSafe QLD
WorkSafe Western Australia
These bodies can issue fines, prosecution, and improvement or prohibition notices for breaches of workplace safety laws.
New Zealand
WorkSafe New Zealand is the main regulatory authority responsible for enforcing workplace safety laws, including compliance with noise exposure and hearing conservation standards. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including fines and legal action.
Conclusion
In an Occupational Health setting, audiometry health surveillance is crucial for protecting workers from noise-induced hearing loss, a common occupational hazard. Regular testing helps detect early signs of hearing damage, allowing for timely interventions such as noise control measures or improved hearing protection. It also ensures compliance with safety regulations, reducing legal and financial risks for employers. Ultimately, audiometry surveillance promotes a safer, healthier work environment while safeguarding the long-term hearing health of employees.