Hearing assessments
Audiometry
Regular hearing checks catch the early signs of noise damage so you can act before it worsens, and meet your duties under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
Occupational audiometry
Protecting hearing at work
Hearing checks can spot the early signs of damage, so steps can be taken at work to stop it getting worse. Where needed, the employee can be referred for medical advice. These checks are health surveillance, not a medical diagnosis.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to protect workers from harmful noise, reducing exposure so far as is reasonably practicable and acting once noise reaches defined levels.
When you're responsible
Noise action levels
The Regulations set three daily exposure thresholds, each triggering specific employer duties.
Provide information, instruction and training, make hearing protection available on request, and offer health surveillance where there is a risk.
Hearing protection becomes mandatory, hearing protection zones must be marked, and audiometric health surveillance is required.
Must not be exceeded, taking account of hearing protection. If it is, reduce exposure immediately.
What's involved?
The audiometry process
After a short hearing questionnaire and a quick check of the ears, the employee takes a hearing test using an audiometer. The results are explained to them and a summary is sent to the employer. Where an audiogram falls into a warning or referral category, the case is escalated to our OH Physician for review in line with HSE guidelines, and a GP referral is advised if needed.
Testing takes place in our soundproof booth at Nuffield House in Rochdale, or at your workplace where a quiet room with low background noise is available.
Testing guidelines
How often should testing happen?
We follow the HSE-recommended schedule for audiometric surveillance.
More frequent testing may be needed if hearing worsens or noise exposure increases.
After the assessment
How we report results
Every audiogram is categorised clearly so you know what, if anything, needs to happen next.
Acceptable hearing
Hearing is normal for the employee's age and no action is needed right now.
Mild impairment
Hearing loss is a little more than expected for their age. No referral yet, but we inform the employee and discuss ways to protect their hearing.
Poor hearing / referral
A significant loss, a marked difference between the ears, or a rapid decline since the last test. The employee is informed, the case is escalated to our OH Physician for review in line with HSE guidelines, and a GP referral is advised where appropriate.
Health. Training. Wellbeing.
Book audiometry for your team
Testing in our soundproof booth or on-site, with an annual recall so hearing checks never slip.