Why is on-site hearing screening important?
Roughly 1 in 6 Australian adults have a hearing loss, with noise induced hearing loss noted as the #1 preventable cause for hearing impairment (Australian Government, 2010). Noise induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. If left unmonitored or inappropriately managed, noise induced hearing loss can significantly impact a person’s: social relationships, job prospects, income, confidence, wellbeing as well as other well-researched hidden effects including accelerated cognitive decline. At Urban Well, we are seeing clients experiencing significant hearing problems that require hearing aids younger than ever before. Our aim is to help organisations get on top of this problem, to reduce this statistic, which could lead to costly impacts to you and the economy.
In many at-risk workplaces there are legislative requirements to perform hearing screening and noise testing regularly.
Noise induced hearing loss can result from working in industries such as: manufacturing, mining, construction, hospitality, machinery operations, truck driving and labouring. In fact, 65% of workers compensation claims for hearing loss come from manufacturing, construction, transport and storage industries (Australian Government, 2010).
Does my business need On-site Hearing screening?
Workers exposed to excessive workplace noise should have their hearing screened prior to or within 3 months of starting their role, then every 2 years thereafter.
An on-site assessment is useful to determine:
– Who in your workplace is exposed to ‘excessive’ noise.
Note: the National Standard for Occupational Noise [NOHSC: 1007(2000)] sets the maximum daily exposure at an 8 hr equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq,8h) of 85dB A and for peak noise, a C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LC,peak) of 140dB C.
– Identify potential noise sources and how these can be controlled
– Help with the selection of appropriate PPE to safeguard the hearing of your employees
If your workplace has not had a noise assessment, it is advised that this happens as soon as possible. Otherwise, routine noise assessments should take place every 5 years to monitor changes in noise exposure.
On-site hearing screening Package Inclusions
All testing is undertaken by our Masters qualified in-house Audiologist, utilising calibrated and high-quality equipment.
Our on-site hearing screening package includes:
– Noise surveys
– Noise dosimetry
– Hearing screening
– Verbal explanation and reporting of individual results and recommendations
– Hearing conservation training
– An environmental controls report to reduce noise risk on-site
– PPE selection and compliance
(optional add on: custom noise earplugs for employees)
All testing complies with AS 1269 standards, WHS and OHS regulations and the Code of Practice for Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work.
Reports from our testing can be provided to the employee and/or employer.