Audiometric Testing: What It Is And Why You Need It

Audiometric testing is a type of assessment that measures an individual's hearing ability. It is typically conducted in a soundproof room by an audiologist, who uses specialized equipment to determine the softest level of sound a person can hear at different frequencies or pitches.

The results of an audiometric test can be plotted on an audiogram, which is a graph that shows the person's hearing threshold at various pitches. The threshold is the softest level of sound a person can hear. A normal hearing range is between 0 and 20 decibels (dB) for most frequencies. There are several reasons why businesses should consider getting audiometric testing for their employees.

Why audiometric testing is essential

First and foremost, hearing loss is a common workplace injury. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 22 million workers in the United States are exposed to hazardous noise levels on the job. Noise-induced hearing loss can occur gradually over time or as a result of a single loud noise event, such as an explosion.

Employees who are exposed to hazardous noise levels on a regular basis are at risk of developing hearing loss, which can significantly impact their quality of life and ability to communicate. In addition to the personal toll, hearing loss can also lead to reduced productivity, increased accidents, and increased healthcare costs for businesses.

Benefits for employees and your business

By conducting regular audiometric testing, businesses can identify employees who may be at risk of hearing loss and take steps to prevent it. This can include providing hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, or implementing engineering controls to reduce noise levels in the workplace.

Audiometric testing can also help businesses comply with occupational health and safety regulations, as many states and federal agencies have requirements for noise exposure levels and the use of hearing protection in the workplace. In addition to identifying and preventing hearing loss, audiometric testing can also be useful for assessing the effectiveness of hearing protection measures and identifying any changes in an employee's hearing over time.

Help your employees to keep their hearing ability

Another benefit of audiometric testing is that it can help businesses identify employees who may have a hearing impairment that is unrelated to their work environment. This can be important for ensuring that employees are able to effectively communicate with their colleagues and customers, as well as for identifying any accommodations that may be necessary in the workplace. It is really in your best interests to look after your employees hearing abilities because this will allow them to focus more on work and not prevent them from having to attend lots of doctor appointments regarding their ears in the future.

In conclusion 

In conclusion, audiometric testing is a valuable tool for businesses to assess the hearing ability of their employees and prevent hearing loss. It can also help businesses comply with occupational health and safety regulations and identify any hearing impairments that may impact an employee's ability to communicate effectively. By conducting regular audiometric testing, businesses can take proactive steps to protect the hearing of their employees and ensure a safe and healthy workplace.