NOTE: This is just a partial resourse to a compliant hearing test. Local OSHA offices have many resourses and information available free of charge. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at BWA and we will gladly answer any questions or concerns you have.
Performing a compliant Hearing test
7 steps to a compliant hearing test
This resourse is intended as a guide and should not be used to replace the OSHA regulations
RESOURCES
Step 1:
Prior to performing any test, a daily calibration check MUST be peformed. Either using a person with a known threshold or a bio acoustic simulator. The daily test should be compaired to a baseline to make sure there are no changes of 10 dB or more on ANY frequency. A listeing check for click or pops in the headphones should be made as well. This daily calibration check must be entered into a log.
The test subject should fill out a questionaire prior to the test being performed
A visual inspectiion of both ears should be done to check for problems or blockages in the ear which may effect the test results.
A basic explination of the test to the patient, and instructions on what is required to complete the test. Make sure the subject places the headphones on correctly. (Red is right left is Blue).
LEGAL
Bruce Waring
& Associates
Specialty Medical Instrumentation
PROUD MEMBER
Serving the Hearing Healthcare Industry since 1992
Once the subject has completetd the test, check the results to look for obvious descrepencies. Save and print the test( if using a automatic) and then briefly discuss the results with the subject. Make sure they ( and you) sign the completed audiogram. The audiogram should have the following information on it.
i) Subject name and ID
ii) Company informaton. ( job description etc.)
iii) Current audiogram
iv) Audiometer make and serial number
v) Calibration date of audiometer
vii)Booth noise levels and certification date
Step 5:
Begin the test. If you are using a automatic audiometer, be sure to watch the responses for the first 2 frequencies to make sure the test is going correctly. (most new automatic audiometers will start at 1000hz , then 500hz then return to 1000hz and confirm the initial 1000hz threshold was correct.)
