Audiometric testing is a painless non-invasive hearing test that measures the hearing threshold level of each ear. It measures a person’s ability to hear different sounds, pitches and frequencies.
During the procedure, the person tested is usually seated and required to wear headphones. The person is asked to press a button every time they hear a sound through the headphones.
Results of testing can be used to identify any changes in hearing levels over time.
Testing should be undertaken by a qualified person in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 Occupational noise management – auditory assessment.
From January 1, 2024, Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017 mandates persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) will be required to provide audiometric testing to workers who are required to frequently wear hearing protection at work.
Exposure to hazardous noise in the workplace can lead to occupational health issues such as temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus and communication difficulties.
Hearing loss is typically painless and workers may not be aware if they have been impacted by workplace noise.
Damage to hearing can occur gradually when exposed to excessive noise over a long period of time or can occur immediately after exposure to a loud noise source for a relatively short period of time.
The occurrence of hearing loss can be temporary, where hearing may be restored after time away from the noise source.
However, with continued exposure to hazardous noise, the ability of the ear to recover diminishes and hearing loss can become permanent.
The amount of hearing loss that occurs depends on several factors such as how loud the noise is, the duration of exposure, the frequency, pitch, and the varying susceptibility of individuals.
Further information on noise induced hearing loss can be found on the Safe Work Australia website.
A PCBU’s duty to provide audiometric testing Under clause 58 of the WHS Regulation a PCBU audiometric testing must be provided by a PCBU:
The Konekt team will contact your worker to coordinate their audiometry assessment. Konekt will provide them with the location, time and date of their audiometry assessment upon their agreement via SMS and email. If they have any questions, they can contact our friendly staff on 1300 566 358.
Bring a form of photo identification (e.g. driver’s licence, passport) to the assessment. This is a mandatory requirement.
Avoid excessive noise for 16 hours prior to the assessment (i.e. noise above 80dB or louder than general talking volume). If this is not adhered to, this portion of the assessment may need to be rescheduled.
Bring glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids if these are required.
If your worker do need to reschedule or cancel their appointment, please advise Konekt on 1300 566 358 as soon as possible.
Failing to advise us outside of 4 hours of a Konekt appointment and outside of 24 hours of a non-Konekt appointment may result in the full cost of the missed appointment being passed to the referring company.
After the audiometry test is completed, Konekt will provide the worker and the PCBU with a copy of the audiometry assessment.
It is the responsibility of the PCBU to keep confidential records of the worker’s baseline and follow-up audiometry tests.