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Audiometry for Manufacturing Workers

The Need for Audiometric Testing in Manufacturing

Audiometric testing is an important ingredient in the mix of workplace health solutions for manufacturing environments where workers are routinely exposed to industrial noise. Personal Hearing Protection (PHP) is often employed to mitigate the risk of hearing loss due to noise levels that surpass the exposure standard. Consequently, audiometric testing becomes an important way to detect and manage potential hearing risks among your manufacturing workers.

Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations

Audiometric testing in the manufacturing sector is not only best practice, it is also a requirement under various state Health and Safety regulations. Employ Health recommends annual audiometric testing, especially when workers are exposed to ototoxic agents or experience hand arm vibration (HAV), common in manufacturing settings.

What Does a Manufacturing Workplace Audiometric Test Program Involve?

Audiometric testing should be performed prior to, or within three months of a manufacturing worker starting their role. This initial assessment establishes a baseline, helping to confirm if any significant hearing loss is attributable to previous employment. Such pre-employment testing is important in limiting liability and managing workers’ compensation premiums related to noise-induced hearing loss.

Our Audiometric Test Procedure for Manufacturing Workers

The audiometric test involves presenting a series of tones to the worker, who indicates when they hear each tone. This simple yet effective process involves:

Room Assessment and Setup

An Employ Health workplace health practitioner will conduct an initial sound test in your manufacturing facility to identify suitable testing spaces that adhere to ANZ regulated requirements. Once a room meets these standards, it’s equipped for conducting the audiometric tests.

Conducting the Test

The worker undergoes testing where tones at varying sound levels are presented. We record the lowest level at which the worker can hear, known as the threshold limit. The test covers different frequencies for both ears.

Types of Audiometry Screening Specific to Manufacturing

In manufacturing settings, it's crucial to determine the HTL - the softest sound a worker can hear consistently. This is measured using an audiometer, aiming for an HTL of 20 dB or less across all frequencies for normal hearing.

The audiometry must be performed in a quiet environment. This ensures accuracy in establishing the zero dB hearing threshold level by minimising background noise, which is particularly relevant in the typically noisy manufacturing environment.

Periodic monitoring tests help track any potential hearing changes or risks, ensuring the ongoing safety and health of manufacturing workers.

Why Employ Health

Reliable Service Delivery

Employ Health, with its full-time physiotherapists and proven track record, ensures consistent, high-quality audiometric testing tailored to the specific needs of the manufacturing sector.

Integrated Systems Solution

Our bespoke data management and reporting platform specially configured to meet the unique outcomes and reporting requirements of our manufacturing partners.

Experienced Team

With extensive experience in conducting audiometric screenings across various roles and industries, Employ Health is uniquely positioned to assist manufacturing businesses in identifying and managing workforce health concerns effectively.

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