Introduction: Hearing Protection in Australian Workplaces

Hearing loss is one of the most common occupational health issues in Australia, yet it remains preventable. Every year, thousands of Australian workers are exposed to excessive noise in their workplaces—from the rumble of mining operations in Queensland’s Mount Isa to the deafening roar of metalworking in manufacturing facilities across New South Wales and Victoria.

The challenge for WHS managers and operations leaders is simple but critical: Do you know if your workplace is legally required to provide audiometric testing?

Under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, employers have a duty of care to identify hazards and manage risks, including noise-related hearing loss. For many industries—particularly those with high-noise environments—this duty translates into a specific legal requirement: audiometric testing must be provided to workers who are frequently required to wear hearing protection equipment (HPE) due to noise exceeding the standard exposure limit.

This pillar page provides industry-specific guidance to help you understand:

• Which industries have a legal obligation for audiometric testing
• What the noise exposure standard actually means
• Specific noise levels and sources in your sector
• How to implement testing across your workforce
• Mobile testing solutions for remote, FIFO, and distributed operations

Whether you manage a mining operation in the Northern Territory, a construction site in Western Australia, or a food processing plant in Victoria, this guide will clarify your obligations and help you protect your workers’ hearing health.

Legal Obligation: When Audiometric Testing Is Mandatory

Audiometric testing is not required in all workplaces. However, under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work, employers must provide audiometric testing when:

• Workers are frequently required to use hearing protection equipment (HPE) due to noise exposure
• The workplace noise level regularly exceeds the exposure standard
• The noise hazard cannot be reasonably eliminated or minimized through other control measures

The key phrase is “frequently required to use HPE.” This is not a one-off or occasional exposure; it means workers routinely need hearing protection as part of their normal work duties. If your workplace meets this criterion, audiometric testing transitions from a best-practice recommendation to a legal compliance requirement.

Understanding the Noise Exposure Standard: 85 dB(A) TWA

Australian workplace noise exposure is governed by a clear standard: LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) Time-Weighted Average (TWA) over 8 hours, with a peak exposure limit of 140 dB(C).

What does this mean in plain English?

• LAeq,8h: This is the equivalent continuous sound level over an 8-hour working day. It accounts for variations in noise throughout the day—sometimes louder, sometimes quieter—and averages them out.
• 85 dB(A): This is the action level. If workers are exposed to an average of 85 decibels or above over an 8-hour shift, hearing protection and audiometric testing become necessary.
• 140 dB(C): This is the peak exposure limit. Instantaneous loud sounds—such as explosions, gunshots, or metal-on-metal impacts—must not exceed 140 decibels, regardless of the average.

To put this in perspective: normal conversation is around 60 dB(A), a busy office is 70 dB(A), and a lawnmower is 90 dB(A). At 85 dB(A), sound becomes occupationally hazardous over an 8-hour shift. Every 3 dB increase doubles the sound energy, which is why noise control becomes progressively more critical as levels rise.

If your workplace noise regularly exceeds 85 dB(A), workers must wear hearing protection, and you must provide audiometric testing to monitor for early signs of hearing damage.

Mining & Resources: The Highest-Obligation Industry

The mining and resources sector has the highest prevalence of noise-exposed workers in Australia. Whether underground, on the surface, or in processing plants, mining operations generate consistent, high-level noise that frequently exceeds 85 dB(A).

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Drill rig operations (surface): 95–105 dB(A) — Percussion drills and compressors
• Underground drilling: 100–110 dB(A) — Confined space amplification
• Blasting and explosives: 130–150 dB(C) peak — Peak exposure limits regularly approached or exceeded
• Ore crushing and grinding mills: 90–100 dB(A) — Continuous processing noise
• Conveyor systems and stackers: 85–95 dB(A) — Material handling and transfer
• Haul trucks and loaders: 85–95 dB(A) — Mobile plant operations
• Processing plant machinery: 88–105 dB(A) — Flotation cells, crushers, screen decks

At facilities like Glencore’s Mount Isa operations or BHP Billiton’s iron ore mines in the Pilbara, workers are exposed to noise levels that consistently trigger the need for hearing protection equipment and audiometric testing.

Mining-Specific Compliance Considerations

FIFO Workforce: Many Australian mining operations, particularly in Queensland (Mackay region, Townsville), Northern Territory, and Western Australia, employ Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) or drive-in-drive-out (DIDO) workers. These mobile workforces require flexible audiometric testing scheduling—baseline testing before deployment, then periodic testing during or between roster cycles. Mobile audiometric testing eliminates the need for workers to travel off-site.

State-Specific Requirements: Queensland and New South Wales have additional mining safety regulations. Queensland’s Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) expects comprehensive hearing conservation programs, including baseline and annual audiometry for all noise-exposed workers. NSW mining operations must comply with both WHS legislation and additional provisions under the Mining Act 1992.

Underground vs. Surface Operations: Underground mining presents unique challenges. Confined spaces amplify noise, and ventilation systems add to the acoustic environment. Underground workers often experience slightly higher average exposures and may require more frequent testing intervals.

Key Mining Locations Requiring Audiometric Testing:

• Mount Isa, Queensland (copper, gold, silver)
• Mackay region, Queensland (coal mining)
• Newcastle, New South Wales (coal mining and port operations)
• Pilbara, Western Australia (iron ore)
• Orange and Cobar, New South Wales (copper and gold)

Construction: Demolition, Heavy Machinery, and Site-Based Testing Logistics

Construction sites are inherently noisy. From demolition equipment to concrete cutting, pile driving, and compaction, construction workers face routine exposure to noise levels well above 85 dB(A).

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Pneumatic drills and breakers: 100–110 dB(A) — Hand-held impact tools
• Concrete saws and grinders: 100–110 dB(A) — Cutting and finishing operations
• Chainsaws: 110–115 dB(A) — Demolition and site clearance
• Impact pile drivers: 95–110 dB(A) — Deep foundation work
• Vibratory rollers and compactors: 85–95 dB(A) — Ground compaction
• Excavators and backhoes: 80–90 dB(A) — Earthmoving operations
• Power tools (grinders, angle grinders): 90–105 dB(A) — Cutting and polishing
• Concrete pumps: 85–95 dB(A) — Continuous concrete placement

Construction-Specific Compliance Challenges

Managing Contractor Testing: Construction sites employ numerous sub-contractors—scaffolders, demolition crews, concreters, electricians, plumbers. Each trades worker may spend only weeks or months on a single site. WHS managers must coordinate audiometric baseline testing for new contractors and ensure continuity of hearing health monitoring across multiple employers. Mobile audiometric testing at the site gates simplifies this coordination.

Site-Based Mobile Testing: Rather than require workers to leave site for testing, mobile audiometric testing vehicles can be scheduled on-site during roster changeovers or at the start of major work phases. This minimizes downtime and ensures compliance without disrupting productivity.

State Requirements: NSW and Victoria have specific construction safety regulations. WorkSafe Victoria requires audiometry for workers exposed to noise levels above 85 dB(A), with baseline testing at the start of employment and annual follow-up testing. Queensland follows similar provisions under the WHS Act.

Seasonal Variation: Construction noise exposure can be cyclical. A demolition phase might require HPE for all site workers; once the building frame is erected and façade works begin, noise levels may drop. Comprehensive hearing health monitoring must account for these phases.

Manufacturing: Factory Machinery, CNC Operations, and Shift Worker Scheduling

Manufacturing environments—particularly heavy manufacturing, metalworking, and food processing—consistently exceed 85 dB(A). Large workforces, multiple shift patterns, and continuous production cycles create unique scheduling challenges for audiometric testing.

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Metal stamping and pressing: 100–110 dB(A) — Impact machinery
• CNC machining centers: 90–105 dB(A) — Cutting and coolant circulation
• Grinding and abrasive operations: 95–110 dB(A) — Metal finishing
• Welding shops: 85–95 dB(A) — Arcs and fume extraction
• Conveyor systems: 85–95 dB(A) — Material transport and sorting
• Compressors and pneumatics: 85–100 dB(A) — Air supply systems
• Industrial fans and blowers: 85–95 dB(A) — Ventilation and cooling
• Forklift warning systems and dock alarms: 90–100 dB(A) peak — Mobile plant and alert signals

Manufacturing-Specific Compliance Considerations

Large Workforce Scheduling: A BlueScope Steel facility or similar major manufacturer might employ 500+ production workers across three or four shift rotations. Coordinating baseline and annual audiometry requires strategic scheduling to minimize production impact. Mobile audiometric testing units operating during shift changes or maintenance windows ensure all workers receive testing without halting production.

Shift Worker Considerations: Night-shift and rotating-shift workers often face barriers to attending off-site medical appointments. On-site mobile testing removes this barrier, ensuring equity of access to health monitoring across all shift groups.

Hearing Protector Fit Testing: Many manufacturers now integrate audiometric testing with hearing protector fit-testing programs. This comprehensive approach ensures workers are fitted with appropriate HPE and baseline hearing thresholds are established before exposure.

Food Processing Plants (Dairy, Meat, Canning): While often overlooked, food processing facilities—particularly meat processing plants, canning operations, and automated dairy processing—generate sustained noise levels of 90–105 dB(A). The industry has historically underestimated hearing hazards; however, WHS regulatory focus is increasing. A meat processing facility with conveyor lines, automated cutting equipment, and cooling systems easily exceeds 85 dB(A) across the production floor.

Agriculture: Tractors, Chainsaws, and Often-Overlooked Compliance

Agricultural work is frequently overlooked in hearing health discussions, yet farming operations involve sustained exposure to high-noise machinery. Tractors, chainsaws, and grain-handling equipment all exceed 85 dB(A). The challenge in agriculture is that many operations involve small teams, are geographically dispersed, and are seasonal—making audiometric testing logistics more complex.

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Farm tractors (open cab): 85–95 dB(A) — Engine noise and machinery
• Chainsaws: 110–115 dB(A) — Tree felling and land clearing
• Grain augers and conveyors: 85–100 dB(A) — Grain handling and storage
• Harvesters (combine harvesters): 90–100 dB(A) — Threshing and collection
• Shearing equipment (mechanical shears): 85–95 dB(A) — Wool processing
• Stationary grinders and mills: 90–105 dB(A) — Feed processing

Agricultural Compliance Challenges

Seasonal Workforce: Many agricultural operations employ seasonal or contract workers during harvest periods. These workers may not be on payroll long enough for traditional annual testing. Baseline testing at the start of a contract period and exit testing at conclusion help establish exposure history.

Geographic Dispersion: Small farming operations across regional NSW, Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia are scattered across vast distances. Centralized audiometric testing would require excessive travel time. Mobile audiometric testing brings testing to the farm or regional agricultural hub, ensuring accessibility.

Compliance Awareness Gap: Agricultural employers often lack formal WHS structures compared to large mining or manufacturing operations. However, Australian WHS legislation applies equally. If an agricultural worker is regularly exposed to noise exceeding 85 dB(A), audiometric testing is not optional—it is a legal duty of care.

Transport & Logistics: Loading Docks, Forklifts, and Warehouse Environments

Transport and logistics operations involve sustained noise from mechanical handling equipment, vehicle engines, and warning systems. Loading dock operations and large warehouse facilities often exceed 85 dB(A).

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Forklift engines and reversing alarms: 85–95 dB(A) — Materials handling
• Loading dock conveyors and sorters: 85–100 dB(A) — Package handling
• Hydraulic systems and lifting equipment: 85–95 dB(A) — Compressed air and fluid systems
• Diesel engines (trucks, stationary generators): 85–100 dB(A) — Vehicle and power systems
• Vehicle horns and audible alarms: 90–100 dB(A) peak — Safety signals
• Automated packing and wrapping machinery: 85–95 dB(A) — Continuous processing

Logistics-Specific Compliance Considerations

Depot-Based Testing Scheduling: A large logistics operation might operate multiple depots across a region. Mobile audiometric testing can be scheduled as a circuit—visiting each depot on a rotating basis, ensuring all workers receive baseline and annual testing without requiring workers to travel far from their normal work location.

Third-Party Contractors: Many logistics operations rely on owner-driver contractors or dispatch sub-contractors. Clear audiometric testing protocols ensure consistent monitoring across all noise-exposed personnel, whether direct employees or contractors.

Food Processing & Packaging: Canning, Bottling, and Meat Processing

Food processing and packaging operations are among the highest-noise industrial environments, yet this sector has historically underestimated hearing hazards. Canning facilities, bottling lines, and meat processing plants generate sustained noise of 90–110 dB(A).

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Canning lines (impact and crimping): 95–110 dB(A) — Metal-to-metal impacts
• Bottle washing and capping machinery: 90–105 dB(A) — High-speed automated processing
• Meat cutting and grinding equipment: 90–105 dB(A) — Powered cutting tools
• Industrial refrigeration compressors: 85–100 dB(A) — Cooling system noise
• Conveyor belts and sorters: 85–100 dB(A) — Material transport
• Hydraulic presses and stamping machinery: 95–110 dB(A) — Impact operations

Food Processing Compliance Context

A major dairy processing plant or meat processing facility in Victoria or Queensland might employ 200+ workers in production areas consistently exposed to 95+ dB(A). Audiometric testing is not discretionary; it is a WHS compliance mandate. The challenge is integrating testing into fast-paced production environments. Mobile on-site audiometry, conducted during meal breaks or shift transitions, ensures compliance without disrupting throughput.

Defence & Emergency Services: Firearms, Explosions, and Peak Exposure Hazards

Defence personnel, police, and emergency services face unique noise hazards: firearms, explosions, sirens, and aircraft engines all generate peak exposures far exceeding the 140 dB(C) limit or sustained noise well above 85 dB(A).

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Firearms (rifle, pistol, shotgun): 150–190 dB(C) peak — Instantaneous impulse noise
• Explosions and detonations: 160–190 dB(C) peak — Training and operational
• Aircraft engines and runways: 100–130 dB(A) — Military aviation operations
• Sirens and alarms: 90–110 dB(A) peak — Emergency response vehicles
• Helicopter rotors: 95–120 dB(A) — Transport and observation

Defence & Emergency-Specific Testing Considerations

Baseline audiometry is critical for defence and emergency service personnel. Firearms training and operational deployment expose workers to impulse noise far exceeding safe limits. Establishing a pre-exposure baseline allows medical professionals to detect even small hearing shifts, potentially preventing permanent damage. Annual or biennial audiometry for combat-exposed personnel is standard best practice and increasingly a regulatory requirement across Australian Defence Force and state emergency services.

Entertainment: Music, Events, and the Emerging Compliance Frontier

Nightclub staff, concert crew, DJs, and arena workers face emerging recognition of hearing hazards. While entertainment venues are not traditionally classified as industrial workplaces, the noise exposure is genuine and sustained. Nightclub sound systems routinely operate at 95–110 dB(A); concert venues and festival grounds can exceed 120 dB(A).

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Nightclub sound systems: 95–110 dB(A) — Sustained background exposure
• Live band performances: 100–120 dB(A) — Close proximity to amplified instruments
• DJ equipment and PA systems: 100–115 dB(A) — Audio mixing and reinforcement
• Concert and arena sound reinforcement: 100–130 dB(A) — Large-scale events
• Festival grounds and outdoor events: 90–120 dB(A) — Variable depending on setup

Entertainment Industry Compliance Status

The entertainment sector is on the regulatory frontier. WHS legislation applies to all workplaces, including entertainment venues. An employee working 40 hours per week in a nightclub environment (95–105 dB(A)) is exposed to potentially harmful noise levels that trigger the need for hearing protection and monitoring. Progressive venue operators are implementing audiometric testing programs to protect staff and manage legal liability. This sector represents a growing market for audiometric testing services.

Oil & Gas: Drilling, Processing, and Complex Testing Logistics

Oil and gas operations—onshore and offshore—involve sustained exposure to high noise levels from drilling equipment, processing machinery, and compressor stations. Testing offshore platforms or remote onshore facilities presents unique logistical challenges.

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Drill rig operations: 95–110 dB(A) — Percussion and rotary drilling
• Compressor stations: 100–115 dB(A) — Gas compression and treatment
• Processing plant machinery: 95–110 dB(A) — Oil and gas separation
• Wellhead equipment and venting: 90–105 dB(A) — High-pressure gas release
• Heavy equipment (dozers, loaders): 85–95 dB(A) — Earthworks and construction

Onshore vs. Offshore Testing Complexity

Onshore oil and gas operations follow standard Australian WHS requirements. Offshore installations operating in Australian waters must comply with both the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 and WHS legislation. Offshore FIFO workforces make on-platform mobile audiometric testing essential. Coordinating testing with offshore rotation schedules requires experienced providers familiar with isolation and logistics constraints.

Utilities & Infrastructure: Power Stations, Water Treatment, and Civil Works

Utilities and infrastructure operations—power generation, water treatment, and major civil works—generate sustained noise from mechanical and electrical equipment.

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• Power station turbines and generators: 100–120 dB(A) — Continuous operation
• Water treatment pumps and blowers: 85–100 dB(A) — Aeration and circulation
• Major civil works (tunneling, pile driving): 95–110 dB(A) — Deep underground and underwater construction
• Transformer substations: 80–95 dB(A) — Electromagnetic hum and cooling fans
• Cooling towers and ventilation: 85–100 dB(A) — Large-scale mechanical cooling

Healthcare: MRI Scanners, Surgical Environments, and Growing WHS Awareness

Healthcare workplaces are not typically classified as high-noise environments. However, specific areas—particularly MRI scanning facilities and neonatal intensive care units—generate sustained noise levels that can exceed occupational exposure standards.

Typical Noise Sources and Exposure Levels

• MRI scanners: 90–100 dB(A) — Magnetic field switching and resonance
• NICU incubators and monitors: 80–90 dB(A) — Continuous alarm monitoring
• Surgical suction and electrocautery: 85–95 dB(A) — Operating theatre equipment
• Mechanical ventilators: 80–90 dB(A) — ICU support systems

Healthcare Sector Emerging Compliance Trend

Healthcare employers are increasingly recognizing occupational hearing loss risk among clinical staff. MRI technicians, theatre nurses, and NICU staff in high-volume facilities may accumulate significant noise exposure. Progressive healthcare organizations are implementing baseline audiometry for staff in high-noise areas, protecting staff health and managing institutional liability.

Quick Reference: Industry Summary Table

Implementing Audiometric Testing Across Your Workforce

Once you have established that your workplace falls within a mandatory testing category, implementation requires a structured approach:

1. Noise Assessment and Hazard Mapping

Before testing, identify which workers are “frequently required to use HPE.” Conduct noise dosimetry across different work areas and roles. Document which positions exceed 85 dB(A) TWA and how many workers occupy those roles. This assessment forms the foundation of your audiometric testing scope.

2. Establish a Baseline Testing Program

All workers identified as noise-exposed must receive baseline audiometry within their first month of employment (or within 3 months of commencing noise-exposed duties). This baseline establishes their pre-exposure hearing threshold and enables detection of any subsequent deterioration.

3. Schedule Ongoing Periodic Testing

Annual audiometry is the standard for most industries. Some high-exposure sectors (mining, defence) may require testing every 18–24 months or more frequently if early changes are detected. Establish a testing schedule that aligns with your operational calendar to minimize production disruption.

4. Leverage Mobile On-Site Testing

Mobile audiometric testing brings certified audiologists and audiometrists to your workplace, eliminating the need for workers to travel off-site. This approach is particularly valuable for:

• FIFO and regional operations
• Multi-shift facilities where scheduling is complex
• Large workforces requiring efficient batch testing
• Contractor-heavy environments (construction, temporary labour)
• Remote and rural operations (agriculture, forestry)

5. Create a Hearing Health Record System

Maintain confidential, secure records of all audiometric testing results. Track test dates, thresholds, and any notifiable changes (typically, a shift of 10 dB or more at any frequency, or a 15 dB average shift across frequencies). Use records to identify early warning signs and adjust control measures if needed.

6. Integrate with Hearing Protection and Training

Audiometric testing is one part of a comprehensive hearing conservation program. Ensure workers have:

• Appropriate hearing protection equipment (HPE) fitted and available
• Fit-testing to confirm effective seal and attenuation
• Regular training on HPE use, care, and replacement
• Clear workplace communication about hearing health risks

7. Document and Review Annually

Review your hearing conservation program annually. Assess testing uptake, analyze trends in audiometric results, and adjust your noise control strategy if deterioration is detected. This review demonstrates due diligence and supports your legal defence should a hearing loss claim emerge.

How Anitech Serves Australian Industries: National Mobile Coverage and Sector Expertise

Anitech is the leading provider of mobile on-site audiometric testing across Australia, specializing in hard-to-reach industries and geographically dispersed workforces.

National Mobile Coverage

Our certified audiologists and audiometrists operate mobile audiometric testing units across all Australian states and territories. Whether your operation is based in:

• Regional Queensland mining hubs (Mackay, Townsville, Mount Isa)
• Northern Territory operations (Darwin, Alice Springs)
• Western Australian remote sites (Pilbara, Kimberley)
• NSW coastal and inland industrial centers (Newcastle, Orange, Cobar)
• Victorian manufacturing and food processing clusters
• South Australian agricultural and mining regions

…we bring certified audiometric testing to you, eliminating travel barriers and ensuring all workers are tested without interrupting operations.

FIFO and Remote Workforce Expertise

Our team understands the unique demands of FIFO and remote operations. We coordinate testing around roster cycles, conduct baseline testing at pre-deployment, and manage testing frequency in line with operational rosters. For multi-site operations, we schedule a circuit of visits, ensuring all locations receive regular coverage.

Contractor and Transient Worker Management

Construction sites, temporary labour pools, and contractor-heavy operations require flexible, rapid-turnaround testing. Anitech provides baseline testing for new contractors and exit testing for those departing, ensuring continuity of hearing health monitoring across all workers regardless of employment tenure.

Industry-Specific Protocols

Our team has deep experience in:

• Audiometric testing for the mining industry — including underground exposure assessment and FIFO scheduling
• Audiometric testing for construction — managing multiple sub-contractors and site-based coordination
• Audiometric testing for manufacturing — large workforce scheduling and shift worker accommodation
• Remote and regional audiometric testing — bringing testing to dispersed agricultural, forestry, and regional operations

Compliance and Confidentiality

All testing is conducted by certified professionals, using calibrated equipment, in compliance with Australian standards and WHS legislation. Results are maintained in secure, confidential records. We provide you with summary reports suitable for WHS compliance documentation while protecting individual worker privacy.

Regulatory Context: The Safe Work Australia Code of Practice

All audiometric testing must be conducted in accordance with the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work. This Code specifies:

• Exposure standard: LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) TWA, with 140 dB(C) peak limit
• When testing is required: workers frequently required to use HPE due to noise exceeding the standard
• Testing methodology: audiometric testing must be performed by qualified health professionals, using calibrated equipment
• Testing frequency: baseline testing, then at least annually (more frequently if changes detected or high-risk occupation)
• Record-keeping: confidential records must be maintained for each worker
• Audiometric notifiable change: a 10 dB shift at any frequency, or 15 dB average shift, should trigger investigation and review of control measures

State and territory variations exist. Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia each have industry-specific guidance. Consult with your relevant regulatory body (WorkSafe, SafeWork NSW, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland) for jurisdiction-specific requirements applicable to your operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is audiometric testing mandatory for all workplaces?

No. Audiometric testing is mandatory only when workers are frequently required to use hearing protection equipment (HPE) due to noise exceeding 85 dB(A) TWA over an 8-hour shift. If your workplace noise is consistently below this level, testing is not a legal requirement, though it may be a best-practice health initiative.

2. What noise level triggers the need for hearing protection and testing?

The legal exposure standard is LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) TWA over 8 hours. If workers are regularly exposed to noise at or above this level, they must wear hearing protection, and you must provide audiometric testing. For peak exposures, the limit is 140 dB(C).

3. How often should audiometric testing be conducted?

Annual testing is the standard for most noise-exposed workers. Baseline testing must be conducted within the first month of noise-exposed employment. Some high-exposure occupations (mining, defence, high-noise manufacturing) may require more frequent testing or biennial intervals depending on risk assessment and previous results.

4. Who should conduct audiometric testing?

Audiometric testing must be performed by a qualified health professional—typically an audiologist or audiometrist trained in occupational audiometry. The professional must use calibrated equipment and conduct testing in accordance with the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice.

5. Can audiometric testing be conducted at the workplace, or must workers travel off-site?

Testing can be conducted on-site using mobile audiometric units. Mobile testing is increasingly standard practice, particularly for FIFO operations, large workforces, and remote or regional facilities. On-site testing eliminates travel barriers and ensures all workers participate without production disruption.

6. What does a “notifiable change” in audiometry mean, and what should I do if one is detected?

A notifiable change typically refers to a shift of 10 dB or more at any frequency, or a 15 dB average shift across frequencies, compared to the worker’s baseline audiogram. If detected, you should investigate whether control measures are effective, whether the worker’s exposure has changed, and whether additional interventions (e.g., different HPE, job rotation) are needed. Document the change and your response.

7. Are audiometric testing results confidential?

Yes. Individual audiometric results are confidential health information and must be maintained in secure, confidential records. You should provide results only to the worker, their nominated health professional, and (with appropriate consent) relevant regulatory authorities. Summary data for workplace health reporting should not disclose individual results.

8. What is the cost of audiometric testing, and how does mobile testing compare to clinic-based testing?

Costs vary depending on location, travel distance, and number of workers. Mobile testing is often more cost-effective than clinic-based testing for large workforces or remote sites because it eliminates worker travel time and production disruption. For organizations with 20+ noise-exposed workers, mobile testing typically offers better value and higher participation rates.

9. How do I know if my industry requires audiometric testing?

Conduct a noise assessment of your workplace. Identify areas where workers are regularly exposed to noise at or above 85 dB(A) TWA. If such areas exist, workers in those areas are “frequently required to use HPE,” and audiometric testing is mandatory. Consult the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice and your state-based regulator (WorkSafe, SafeWork NSW, etc.) for industry-specific guidance.

10. What is the difference between 85 dB(A) and 140 dB(C)?

85 dB(A) (A-weighted, 8-hour time-weighted average) is the exposure standard for sustained noise. 140 dB(C) (C-weighted peak) is the limit for instantaneous loud sounds—explosions, gunshots, or impact noises. Both limits apply; both require hearing protection and testing.

For More Detailed Industry Guidance, Explore These Resources

• Read our complete guide to workplace audiometric testing for comprehensive best-practice information
• Review WHS audiometric testing requirements for detailed regulatory obligations
• Discover mobile on-site audiometric testing options for your workforce
• Explore sector-specific guidance for audiometric testing for the mining industry
• Learn about audiometric testing for construction and managing contractor testing
• Understand audiometric testing for manufacturing and large-scale workforce scheduling
• Find solutions for remote and regional audiometric testing across dispersed operations

Ready to Ensure Compliance and Protect Your Workforce’s Hearing?

Book your audiometric testing program today. Whether you operate a mining site in Mount Isa, a construction project in Sydney, a manufacturing facility in Melbourne, or an agricultural operation across regional Australia, Anitech brings certified audiometric testing to your location.

Schedule a consultation or book testing now — our team will work with you to understand your specific industry, workforce size, and operational requirements, then design a tailored testing program that meets legal obligations and fits your operational schedule.

Call us today or submit a booking enquiry — let’s protect Australian workers’ hearing together.