By Industrial Hearing Services

10/22/2010 Audiometric testing determines whether an employee’s hearing is stable or getting worse over time. Upon hiring an employee it is important to establish a baseline audiogram. This will provide a reference point for future audiograms. Those who are exposed to noise above 85 dBA averaged over an eight-hour day must have baseline audiograms within six months of their first exposure. Employees must be re-tested at least annually if they are still exposed above the 85 dBA limit. The results of each employee’s annual audiogram must be compared to the baseline audiogram to determine if the employee’s hearing has changed. If the comparison indicates a change in an employee’s hearing - (This is called a standard threshold shift STS) the employee must be notified within 21 days of the finding. The employer must either accept the test results or retest the employee within 30 days. Any employee who has a standard threshold shift and who is not using hearing protectors must be fitted with them, trained to use them, and required to use them. Any employee who has a standard threshold shift and has been wearing hearing protectors must be refitted and retrained. Only a certified Audiometric Technician, Audiologist, Otolaryngologist, or physician can perform an audiometric test. Learn more here: www.indhearing.com