Audiology in the Workplace: Protecting Your Employees’ Hearing Health

October is a significant month for hearing health.

We observe National Protect Your Hearing Month and National Audiology Awareness Month to raise awareness about hearing loss prevention and the importance of audiology in the workplace.

Employee hearing health 

Prioritizing employee hearing health is essential as the significance of occupational health continues to grow. MedPhysicals Plus is your trusted partner for employer services and audiology testing, dedicated to supporting businesses across Alaska—Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla.

Employees are exposed to noise levels that can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). With many industries exposed to high noise levels—from construction and manufacturing to mining—it’s essential to implement effective audiology programs to safeguard your workforce.

Approximately 1 in 4 workers exposed to occupational noise experience some form of hearing difficulty​, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Audiology in the workplace

Audiology exams are an important part of occupational health. Employers can take steps to prevent damage before it happens. While hearing loss is permanent, prevention is the key. Here’s how audiology testing can help:

  • Baseline Hearing Exam: This initial hearing test is conducted before an employee is exposed to occupational noise. Establishing a baseline measurement of hearing loss as a pre-employment policy can protect employers from liability in future claims. Employers are required to provide this exam within the first six months of employment.
  • Periodic Hearing Tests: Regular audiometric testing measures hearing loss during an employee’s tenure. If significant hearing loss is detected, the company can take remedial action to prevent further damage. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends annual hearing tests for employees exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels.

Take action with MedPhysicals Plus

MPPs audiology exams are a quick and easy addition to other pre-hire tests, conducted in advanced soundproof rooms that assess hearing abilities at different frequencies across the audible range. This method produces reliable metrics of hearing loss with specific results.

Our audiology testing services help businesses comply with OSHA regulations regarding noise exposure and hearing protection, identify employees at risk of hearing loss, and prevent further damage.

Schedule your audiology appointment with MPP and show your employees that you care!