If employees regularly work around loud machinery, engines, power tools, or equipment, hearing protection may not be the only consideration. Depending on their noise exposure, employers may also need to provide regular hearing testing.
Audiometric testing helps employers establish an employee’s baseline hearing and monitor for changes over time. Because occupational hearing loss can develop gradually, testing can be an important part of a workplace hearing conservation program.
When Is Audiometric Testing Required?
For employers covered by OSHA’s general industry noise standard, a hearing conservation program is required when employee noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA. Audiometric testing must be made available at no cost to employees whose exposure reaches that level.
Employers should not rely on whether a workplace simply sounds loud. How loud the noise is and how long employees are exposed both matter. If employees regularly work around significant noise, employers should evaluate their actual exposure.
What Hearing Testing Is Required?
For covered employees, OSHA generally requires a baseline audiogram within six months of the employee’s first exposure at or above the action level. A different timeline applies when a mobile test van is used. After the baseline is established, another audiogram is required at least annually.
The annual test is compared with the employee’s baseline to identify significant changes in hearing. If a change is identified, employers may need to notify the employee, review hearing protection, provide additional training, or arrange further evaluation.
Which Alaska Employers Should Pay Attention?
There is no single list of Alaska employers that automatically need audiometric testing. The key question is the employee’s actual workplace noise exposure and which occupational safety standard applies.
If employees work around loud machinery, vehicles, equipment, or power tools, employers should understand their noise exposure before hearing problems develop. Audiometric testing can be part of a broader approach to occupational health services in Alaska.
Be Prepared Before Hearing Problems Develop
Hearing conservation is easier to manage when employers understand workplace noise exposure and have a testing process in place. Knowing which employees are exposed and whether testing is required can help employers respond before hearing changes become a larger concern.
MedPhysicals Plus provides audiology testing for Alaska employers, including baseline hearing exams.
With locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Soldotna, and Juneau, MedPhysicals Plus helps Alaska employers manage their occupational health testing needs.
Need help with employee hearing testing?
Call (907) 561-7587, email admin@medphysicalsplus.com, or visit medphysicalsplus.com.