What is occupational hearing testing?

Jessica Dimmick

Au.D.

Hearing Doctors of Illinois in Macomb

Occupational hearing testing is workplace-based audiometric screening conducted to monitor employees' hearing health in noisy work environments and ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations. These tests, typically performed annually, establish baseline hearing levels for new employees and track any hearing changes over time to detect noise-induced hearing loss early. Occupational hearing testing is required by OSHA for workers exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels over an 8-hour workday and helps employers identify when additional hearing protection measures or job modifications may be needed to prevent further hearing damage.