Occupational Hearing Assessments
A full range of audiological assessments for occupational, medico-legal and regulatory purposes.
Pre-employment, workplace monitoring, Workers’ Compensation and CASA audiometric assessments. Northern Beaches Audiology, Dee Why Sydney.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the Workplace
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most prevalent occupational diseases in Australia. Sustained exposure to sound levels above 85 dB(A) — across construction, manufacturing, mining, transport, agriculture and entertainment — causes progressive, irreversible damage to cochlear hair cells. Employers have a legal obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to manage the risk of NIHL. Audiometric surveillance is a key component of an effective hearing conservation programme.
A pre-employment hearing assessment establishes a baseline audiogram for a prospective employee entering a noise-exposed role. This baseline is essential for distinguishing pre-existing hearing loss from any loss subsequently attributable to employment. Assessments are conducted in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 and a formal written report is provided.
Periodic audiometric monitoring — typically annually or biennially for noise-exposed workers — enables early detection of noise-induced threshold shift before significant loss has occurred. Early detection allows timely intervention, including review of hearing protection adequacy and engineering noise controls. We supply data in the format required for your records.
Diagnostic audiological assessments for Workers’ Compensation claims, including formal audiometric evaluation and a written medico-legal report documenting hearing thresholds and their relationship to occupational noise exposure. Assessments follow the relevant state Workers’ Compensation guidelines.
Audiometric testing to the hearing standard required for NSW Police Force pre-employment entry, with formal documentation provided for submission to the police medical unit.
Audiometric assessments to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) hearing standards for the relevant medical class. We can liaise with designated aviation medical examiners (DAMEs) as required to facilitate certification.
Occupational Audiology — Common Questions
Under Australian WHS legislation, employers have a duty to minimise the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. For workers regularly exposed to noise above 85 dB(A), audiometric testing — including a baseline assessment and periodic monitoring — is a standard component of a hearing conservation programme.
A pre-employment assessment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes a case history discussion, otoscopic examination and pure-tone audiometry. A written report is provided promptly following the assessment.
A significant threshold shift — typically 15 dB or more at two or more frequencies compared to the baseline audiogram — requires investigation. This may prompt a review of hearing protection adequacy, engineering noise controls and medical assessment to determine whether the shift is occupational in origin.
Arrange Occupational Audiometry
Pre-employment assessments, workplace monitoring, Workers’ Compensation and regulatory audiometry. Contact us to discuss your requirements.