MONITOR AND PROTECT EMPLOYEE'S HEARING

 

Employees that are exposed to noisy environments are required to have a hearing test done at least once a year. In many noise intensive environments it is pivotal that these tests are accurate, yet do not take up too much time. I can accommodate your schedule.

I begin each hearing test with an ear canal examination. It’s important to know what medical conditions might be present that may influence the test results. I follow with a few health questions.

Using PC-based state of the art audiometer, I test employees for hearing thresholds and complete OSHA audiograms forms for each one. Employers get copies of those forms (in print or as PDF) at the completion of my visit.

All I need for hearing tests is a quiet room with a table, two chairs and power. To measure and record noise levels I need access to the work environments where I will use a noise dosimeter.

Audiometric testing is commonly used in industries where an employee is exposed to loud noises in which hearing loss or impairment could occur. According to OSHA’s hearing conservation program, employers must monitor noise exposure levels for those exposed to noise at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over 8 working hours.

Safe Listening Times per Week at Different Decibels

dB Times per Week
137+ dB 0 seconds (instant injury)
130 dB 1 second per week
120 dB 12 seconds per week
110 dB 2.5 minutes per week
105 dB 8 minutes per week
100 dB 20 minutes per week
95 dB 1.25 hours per week
92 dB 2.5 hours a week
89 dB 5 hours a week
86 dB 10 hours a week