Industrial Hearing Screening

How does industrial hearing screening work?

Industrial hearing screening involves audiometric tests to assess the hearing sensitivity of individuals working in noisy environments. The process helps identify any changes in hearing over time and identifies if an employee is at risk of developing hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure. Here's how industrial hearing screening works:

• Baseline audiogram:when an employee begins working in a noisy environment, a baseline audiogram is conducted. This initial test establishes the individual's baseline hearing sensitivity across various frequencies.
• Audiometric testing:for individuals working in such environments, periodic audiometric testing is conducted at regular intervals, often annually. Employees must wear headphones and respond to a series of tones at different frequencies and volumes.
• Pure-tone testing:pure-tone testing is commonly used in industrial hearing screening. The individual signals when they hear a pure tone at various frequencies, which allows the audiologist or technician to create an audiogram—a graphical representation of the person's hearing thresholds.
• Analysing results:the audiogram results are analysed to identify any shifts in hearing sensitivity compared to the baseline. A shift may indicate that the employee is at risk of hearing loss or issues. Industrial audiologists or trained technicians interpret the results and decide upon the appropriate course of action.
• Intervention:different countries have established action levels that trigger specific interventions based on the degree of hearing loss. If an employee's audiogram results show a significant shift, the employer may take corrective measures, such as providing hearing protection devices, implementing engineering controls, or reevaluating the employee's exposure to noise.
• Follow-up evaluations: in case an employee's hearing test indicates a problem, they may be referred for further evaluation by an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. This additional assessment can help determine the extent of hearing loss and appropriate measures for rehabilitation or accommodation.

What conditions can industrial hearing screening diagnose?

Industrial hearing screening primarily focuses on detecting hearing loss related to occupational noise exposure. It is not a diagnostic tool for specific medical conditions but helps identify changes in hearing sensitivity. Conditions associated with industrial hearing screening include:

• Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL): NIHLis a primary concern caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises in the workplace.
• Tinnitus:tinnitus refers to ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears that may be associated with excessive noise exposure.
• Audiometric notches:specific patterns on an audiogram, such as the "4 kHz notch," can indicate noise-induced damage.
• Conductive hearing loss:hearing loss due to problems in the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear can be identified through industrial hearing screening.
• Sensorineural hearing loss:damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve associated with noise exposure, can also be identified through industrial hearing screening.

It's important to note that while industrial hearing screening can identify signs of hearing loss, a detailed medical evaluation is needed to diagnose specific medical conditions and determine appropriate treatments.

What results can I expect after an industrial hearing screening?

Upon arriving at D&S Audiology for industrial hearing screening, individuals at risk of industrial hearing loss can expect a detailed evaluation of their hearing health. The process begins with a baseline audiogram, where the individual wears headphones and responds to various tones at different frequencies.

Subsequent annual screenings help monitor any changes in hearing sensitivity over time. Our team of professional audiologists will carefully analyse the results and examine shifts in hearing thresholds that may indicate potential hearing loss. Depending on the findings, our audiologist will plan appropriate interventions, including providing hearing protection devices, implementing engineering controls, or further evaluation by a medical professional.

Throughout the screening, our audiologist will educate the individual about the risks of noise exposure in the workplace. The screening process aims to not only identify potential hearing issues early but also to provide recommendations for preserving and protecting the individual's hearing health in an occupational setting.

How many sessions of industrial hearing screening are needed?

The number of sessions needed for industrial hearing screening usually involves an initial baseline audiogram when an individual begins working in a noisy environment. Then, our audiologist will conduct subsequent sessions at regular intervals, often annually, to monitor changes in the employee’s hearing sensitivity over time. Each industrial hearing screening session lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes, during which the individual wears headphones and responds to various tones.

While the frequency of sessions may vary based on workplace policies and regulatory requirements, regular screenings are a crucial component of a comprehensive hearing conservation program in industrial settings.

If you have concerns or doubts about industrial hearing loss, please schedule an appointment with D&S Audiology for a detailed examination. Our audiologist will assess your hearing health and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.