If your business requires workers to frequently use hearing protection as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard, you must provide hearing tests (also known as audiometric tests) for workers. These should be undertaken well into the work shift so that any temporary hearing loss can be picked up.

The person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must organise and pay for the hearing test.

For new workers, a baseline hearing test must be completed within three months of commencing their employment.

The worker must then get a follow-up monitoring hearing test at least every two years during their employment. It is good practice to conduct a hearing test when the employee ends their employment with the PCBU.

More frequent hearing tests may be required for workers exposed to high, average noise levels throughout their work shift, (e.g., ≥ 100dB(A)).

When temporary or permanent threshold shifts are revealed through audiometric assessments or a worker reports a recent diagnosis of tinnitus, you must review your control measures to determine whether more effective control measures can be implemented so that your workers do not have to rely on personal hearing protectors.

Monitoring hearing with regular audiometric testing is recommended in situations where workers are exposed to any of the ototoxic substances listed in Appendix B where the airborne exposure is greater than 50 per cent of the workplace exposure standard for the substance (without regard to respiratory protection worn), regardless of the noise level ototoxic substances at any level and noise with LAeq,8h greater than 80 dB(A) or LC,peak greater than 135 dB(C), and hand-arm vibration at any level and noise with LAeq,8h greater than 80 dB(A) or LC,peak greater than 135 dB(C).

Who performs a hearing test

A hearing test must be performed by a competent person (e.g., audiologist) having acquired the necessary level of training and experience to perform the test, interpret the results and present them in a manner that enables persons at the workplace to make appropriate decisions.

Hearing tests must be conducted using the procedures outlined in AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 – Occupational Noise Management – Part 4: Auditory assessment.

Record management: hearing test reports, including any updated baseline hearing tests. Workers should be given the results of audiometric testing accompanied by a written explanation of the meaning and implications.

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