Audiometric Testing

An Introduction to hearing

An everyday definition of noise is "loud unwanted sound.” What is noise to one personmay be entertainment to another. From a legal standpoint the definition of noise is different. Legally noise is exposure to sounds exceeding an average of 90dB (decibels) of noise for eight hours per day. A TWA (time weighted average) of 90dB equals the current maximum legal noise exposure. The exposure level is currently being reviewed and NIOSH is recommending that the TWA is reduced to 85 dB for all workers.

What happens when hearing loss occurs?

Noise erodes the small hair cells inside the cochlea of the human hearing organ. It is a very gradual process, and not a very noticeable one in the early stages. The damage that occurs on a daily basis is at first a temporary hearing damage. With repeated noise exposure the temporary damage turns into a permanent damage. At this stage the damage is irreversible.

What this means for your company and employees

Trouble. Audiometric evaluation is crucial to the success of hearing loss prevention in that it is the only way to determine whether on-the-job hearing loss is being prevented. Because this loss is gradual and is not accompanied by pain, the affected will not notice the change until a larger more substantial shift has accumulated. However, the results of audiometric testing can trigger changes in the hearing loss prevention program more promptly, initiating protective measures and motivation to prevent further hearing loss.

By both OSHA and MSHA regulations, it is REQUIRED that all employees, prior to beginning work and throughout his/her career, participate in a hearing examination not only to protect themselves from potential damage, but also to protect you as an employer from having to pay the price. It is essential that you are aware of your employee's exposure over the course of their work day and have the necessary documentation to show their hearing protection is adequate. We would be happy to do a noise map of your facility and or monitor your employee's exposure to provide proper documentation for OSHA or MSHA,

This is where The Safety Consortium comes in. Our company is COHC certified and carries state-of-the-art sound booths as well as electronic response audiometers prepared for you and your employees to meet these regulations. Our program offers the available tools necessary to maintain a successful prevention program for your company. We have hearing booths here at our facility in Salt Lake City or we will bring a booth to your workplace at your convenience. We will be happy to discuss travel throughout Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, or Colorado.

Please contact us today for more information about this necessary program and how we will be able to serve you. Pricing is $65 per person and we are available to come to you with our mobile testing facility or we can set up a session in our offices.

Remember hearing loss is permanent, make sure to take the necessary steps to protect you and your employees.