Hearing Testing
QCL now offers our mobile unit with two sound minimizing booths to help make testing your employees more efficient and will get them back on the job even faster!
Types of Testing
- The first hearing test recorded for any individual
- All other subsequent tests will be compared to the baseline test
- A history is taken prior to testing to determine what medical hearing issues they may have suffered from, exposure the person has had at different jobs, and any recreational exposure.
- It gives the employer the opportunity to see not only how well the employee currently hears for the job they are assigned to do, but also to protect the employer from any future “full responsibility” hearing claims.
- A consultation with the technician at that time will help the employee understand their personal hearing compared to what is considered normal hearing.
- Every 12 months each employee should undergo a hearing test
- The technician will consult with them on how this test compares to their baseline test and any previous annual tests.
- If any concerns arise, the test is sent to our Audiologist for review and the employee may get a letter explaining what problems they may be developing and how to take care of those issues.
- Measures the noise level of any common work area or heavy-duty machinery that workers are exposed to throughout the workday
- NMLT is implemented to see whether employees are required to wear hearing protection when in that area or when using such equipment.
- Should be checked annually or when there has been a change (ex: new equipment)
- QCL offers custom fit molded plugs to help the employees get a more comfortable fit and one they will wear. Some just don’t like foam or plastic plugs, therefore, they don’t wear them.
- A casting is taken of each person’s ears and a plug is made that is custom fit for them and comes in several different attenuation levels, as well as colors.
- They can also be purchased by the employee for their own recreational use, if the employer doesn’t feel they need the plug while at work.
- REQUIRED BY OSHA Regulation 25 Part 1910.95 (k): Employers are required to provide annual training at no cost to all employees on the following:
- The effects of noise on hearing;
- The purpose of hearing protectors, the advantages, disadvantages, and attenuation of various types, and instructions on selection, fitting, use, and care; and
- The purpose of audiometric testing, and an explanation of the test procedures.
- Access to information and training materials.