Workplace Hearing Tests
Workplace Audiometric Testing
Bodycare provides workplace hearing tests to businesses and organisations across Australia as part of our health surveillance programs.
Workplace audiometric testing is a specialised service that helps to identify noise-induced hearing loss in employees by conducting hearing tests in a controlled environment. The testing program is designed to establish a baseline of hearing ability for employees and monitor any changes in their hearing over time. This approach helps identify any signs of hearing damage, which, if left unchecked, can lead to permanent hearing loss.
One in four Australian workers suffers from tinnitus, commonly known as ‘ringing in the ears,’ says a Curtin University survey. This ringing or buzzing sound in the ear is one of the early signs of noise-induced hearing loss, often caused by prolonged exposure to high noise levels at work.
Such hearing loss can have significant implications for employees’ quality of life, productivity, and workplace safety, which makes it crucial for employers to take preventative measures, including workplace audiometric testing.
What types of hearing tests will be given to employees?
The hearing test that our Allied Health Practitioners will conduct on employees is Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA).
PTA involves presenting a range of different sounds at different frequencies and volumes to each ear separately. The sounds are presented through headphones, and the employee indicates each time they hear a sound by pressing a button or raising their hand. The Allied Health Practitioner records the responses to determine the employee’s hearing threshold levels, which are the softest sounds the employee can hear at each frequency.
The results of the PTA can be plotted on an audiogram, a graph showing the employee’s hearing ability at different frequencies. This helps to identify any hearing loss and determine its type and severity.
What are the benefits of on-site hearing tests for employees?
Workplace hearing tests can offer numerous benefits to employees, such as:
Convenience
On-site hearing tests provide a convenient option for employees, saving them time and money. They can take the test during working hours without taking time off or travelling to an external location.
Early detection
Regular on-site hearing tests enable early detection of hearing loss, allowing for early intervention and prevention of further damage. This means that employees can receive timely treatment, reducing hearing loss severity and preventing further hearing damage.
Improved employee health and well-being
Implementing on-site hearing tests as part of a hearing conservation program can improve employee health and well-being. In addition, a proactive approach to hearing loss prevention can help to reduce employee absenteeism and improve job satisfaction, morale, and productivity.
Compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
On-site hearing tests help employers comply with occupational health and safety regulations, such as the Workplace Health and Safety Act, which requires employers to provide a safe working environment for employees. By implementing regular hearing tests, employers can reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and meet their legal obligations.
Reduced costs
Early detection of hearing loss and prevention measures can significantly reduce the costs associated with hearing loss, such as compensation claims and litigation costs. By identifying hearing loss early and taking appropriate action, employers can save on healthcare costs and improve their bottom line.
Workplace Hearing Test FAQ
Why is regular audiometric testing important?
Noise-induced hearing loss is gradual, and early detection is essential to prevent further hearing damage. Regular audiometric testing is the most effective way to detect any changes in hearing sensitivity over time, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of hearing loss.
Regular audiometric testing also helps employers comply with occupational health and safety regulations. These regulations require employers to provide a safe working environment for employees, including measures to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Regular audiometric testing is a crucial component of these measures, providing a proactive approach to hearing loss prevention, reducing the risk of employee injury and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Regular audiometric testing can also have benefits for employers beyond hearing health and productivity. It can contribute to employee morale, job satisfaction, and productivity. Implementing regular audiometric testing can improve employee satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity.
Who will conduct the on-site hearing exams for employees?
All workplace audiometric tests are conducted by our trained and experienced Audiometric Testing team.
How often should we schedule on-site hearing tests for our employees?
The frequency of on-site hearing tests for employees depends on the level of noise exposure in the workplace and the applicable regulations. However, as a general guideline, the Australian Standards recommend that employees exposed to noise levels at or above 80 decibels should undergo hearing tests at least every two years.
However, if there are any changes in workplace noise exposure or an individual employee’s hearing ability, more frequent hearing tests may be necessary.
How long will the tests take?
On average, workplace hearing tests take about 20 minutes per employee to complete.
What kinds of issues may be detected as part of Bodycare audiometric screening?
Bodycare’s audiometric screening can detect a range of issues related to hearing loss and hearing damage, including:
Noise-induced hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises over time can cause permanent hearing damage. Audiometric screening can detect noise-induced hearing loss by measuring the employee’s hearing threshold levels and comparing them to expected values.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears that is often a symptom of hearing damage. During audiometric screening, individuals will be asked whether or not they have any symptoms of ringing or buzzing in the ears.
Why choose Bodycare?
Bodycare is the preferred choice for workplace audiometric testing because of our commitment to providing a comprehensive and high-quality service. Our Allied Health Practitioners are experienced in conducting hearing tests and are trained in the latest testing methods and technologies. This expertise ensures our test results are accurate and reliable and promotes employee health and well-being.
If 15 or more employees are tested, employers may receive a comprehensive corporate report summarising the overall results and any trends or areas of concern.
Another reason to choose Bodycare is our robust clinical governance framework. We take quality control seriously and have a system of checks and balances that ensures our service delivery’s consistency and accuracy. This includes ongoing training and education for our staff, regular audits of our processes and procedures, and continuous monitoring of our service outcomes.
Bodycare also uses the latest technology and software systems to streamline our service delivery and ensure test results’ efficient and accurate processing.
Where are Bodycare audio testing services available?
Our audiometric testing services are available nationwide.