Understanding the Audiometric Testing Process and Results

By Isaac Patturajan, MAIOH | Member, Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists

Published: March 2026

Audiometric testing is the cornerstone of occupational hearing conservation in Australia. For employers managing a workforce exposed to noise—whether in manufacturing, construction, mining, hospitality, or defence—understanding the audiometric testing process is essential for compliance with work health and safety (WHS) legislation and for protecting your employees’ long-term hearing health.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire audiometric testing journey: from preparing your workplace and workforce, through the actual test procedure, to interpreting results and managing outcomes. With over 15 years of occupational hygiene experience and more than 4,000 audiometric assessments conducted across Australian workplaces, I’ve seen the full spectrum of testing scenarios—and I’ve learned what questions keep WHS managers awake at night. This guide addresses those questions head-on.

Overview: What the Audiometric Testing Process Involves

Audiometric testing is a systematic, evidence-based assessment of an individual’s hearing sensitivity across a range of frequencies. In the occupational context, it serves three critical purposes: establishing a baseline hearing level before noise exposure begins, monitoring for hearing loss during employment, and detecting significant changes that trigger intervention.

The process is governed in Australia by the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1269.4:2014, which sets out the technical requirements for occupational audiometry. This standard ensures consistency, reliability, and defensibility of results across all workplaces and all states and territories.

At its core, audiometric testing measures hearing thresholds—the quietest sound a person can hear—across frequencies from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz (and sometimes beyond). These frequencies span the range where noise-induced hearing loss is most prevalent and where speech communication occurs. The result is plotted on a graph called an audiogram, which becomes the primary document you’ll review, understand, and retain in your hearing conservation program.

The entire process, from pre-test preparation to final report delivery, typically takes 4–6 weeks for a large workplace cohort, depending on the number of workers, availability of testing resources, and whether mobile audiometric testing services are used to bring the equipment to your site.

Before the Test: Preparing Your Workplace and Workforce

Success in audiometric testing begins long before the test booth. Preparation is not just a procedural nicety—it directly affects the validity and reliability of results. Poor preparation leads to unreliable data, retesting, delays, and wasted money.

Notification and Informed Consent

Employees must be informed well in advance of testing dates. Provide at least two weeks’ notice, including the reason for testing, what the process involves, where testing will occur, how long it will take, and what will happen with their results. This notice should explain that hearing testing is part of your hearing conservation program and is a condition of employment in noise-exposed roles.

Written consent is mandatory. Employees should understand that results are confidential, will be used to assess hearing health and compliance, and will be retained according to legal requirements. Some states require explicit written consent before testing; others require consent only for review of results. Ensure your approach meets the requirements in your jurisdiction and the requirements of your workplace privacy policies.

Pre-Test Instructions to Workers

Instruct workers to:

Avoid loud noise exposure for 14 hours before the test. This allows the ear to recover from temporary threshold shift (TTS), which can skew results. If a worker has been in noisy areas just before testing, results may appear worse than their true baseline.
Remove hearing protection at least 30 minutes before testing. If workers have been wearing earplugs, the acoustic effect can create an artificial occlusion (blockage effect) that falsely improves low-frequency thresholds.
Avoid earwax impaction. While this cannot always be controlled, inform workers that excessive earwax may require removal before testing to ensure valid results. Have contact details for a local GP or audiologist if earwax removal is needed.
Arrive in a calm state, without fatigue. Stress and fatigue can affect concentration and cooperation during testing, leading to unreliable results.

Medical Clearance and Occupational Health Assessments

For workers in safety-critical roles (e.g., pilots, divers, heavy equipment operators, drivers), ensure audiometric testing is coordinated with occupational health assessments. Some workers may have pre-existing hearing loss, ear disease, or tinnitus that should be documented and considered contextually when reviewing results.

Workers should be asked to disclose any recent ear infection, head injury, loud noise exposure outside of work (concerts, hunting, recreational vehicles), or hearing aid use, as these can affect test reliability.

The Testing Environment: Sound Booth Requirements and Equipment Standards

The environment in which testing occurs is critical. Ambient noise, equipment quality, and testing protocols all affect result reliability.

Sound Booth Specifications

A proper audiometric sound booth must meet stringent acoustic isolation requirements under AS/NZS 1269.4:2014. The booth is a small, typically single-occupancy enclosed space that isolates the worker from external noise while allowing the audiometrist to observe and communicate via intercom.

The booth must achieve background noise levels below:

250 Hz: 44 dB HL
500 Hz: 29 dB HL
1000 Hz: 20 dB HL
2000 Hz: 24 dB HL
3000 Hz: 30 dB HL
4000 Hz: 23 dB HL
6000 Hz: 28 dB HL
8000 Hz: 35 dB HL

These limits ensure that the booth’s background noise does not interfere with measurement of normal hearing thresholds. Many modern portable booths used in mobile audiometric testing exceed these requirements.

Audiometric Equipment

Audiometers must be calibrated annually to the IEC 60645-1 standard. Calibration is a formal process conducted by an independent testing authority, producing a calibration certificate that should be provided as part of your testing report. Never use an audiometer that lacks current calibration certification.

Equipment typically includes:

Pure-tone audiometer: Generates tones across the required frequency range with precise control of sound level (measured in dB HL—hearing level).
Transducers (headphones or bone conduction): Deliver the sound to the worker’s ears. Headphones are standard for occupational testing; bone conduction is used in diagnostic settings if there is evidence of conductive hearing loss.
Response button: Allows the worker to indicate when they hear the tone.
Calibration coupler and sound level meter: Used by calibration authorities to verify that output levels are accurate.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During an Audiometric Test

Understanding the test procedure helps explain what to expect to your workers and ensures they understand the process.

Pre-Test Acclimation (5–10 minutes)

The worker enters the booth and is given time to acclimatise to the controlled environment. The audiometrist explains the procedure, confirms pre-test instructions have been followed, and establishes rapport. Any concerns or questions are addressed. The worker is instructed to listen carefully and press the button as soon as they hear any sound, no matter how faint.

Pure Tone Audiometry (15–30 minutes)

The audiometrist presents tones at different frequencies and intensities, typically in a descending pattern (starting loud, becoming progressively quieter) until the worker can no longer hear them. This is the threshold—the quietest level at which the worker can detect the tone 50% of the time.

Testing typically occurs at:

250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, 4000 Hz, 6000 Hz, 8000 Hz

Each ear is tested separately using the same headphones, inserted carefully to ensure proper fit and acoustic seal. The entire frequency range is typically tested in both ears, then the procedure may be repeated to confirm reliability (a second run of all frequencies).

The worker must remain attentive and cooperative throughout. The audiometrist monitors for signs of fatigue, hearing difficulty, or physical discomfort (pressure in the ears, headphone discomfort) and adjusts as needed.

Additional Tests (if indicated)

Depending on the results and the worker’s history, the audiometrist may conduct:

Bone conduction testing: If air conduction thresholds suggest conductive hearing loss (e.g., from cerumen impaction or middle ear disease), bone conduction testing can differentiate between conductive and sensorineural components.
Speech discrimination testing: Assesses the worker’s ability to understand spoken words at comfortable listening levels. This is useful in diagnostic or referral contexts.
Impedance testing: Checks middle ear function and eardrum integrity. Useful if otoscopy (visual inspection) or other findings suggest middle ear pathology.

Post-Test Discussion (5–10 minutes)

After testing, the audiometrist discusses the results with the worker in lay terms. Key points covered include:

Whether results are better, worse, or stable compared to previous tests (if baseline exists)
What the thresholds mean in practical terms (e.g., “slight high-frequency loss typical of age and noise exposure”)
Whether referral for medical review is recommended
Advice on hearing protection, workplace noise management, and prevention of further loss

The worker should feel informed and reassured—not alarmed. If results suggest significant loss or a threshold shift, explain in simple terms what this means and what steps will follow.

Understanding the Audiogram: How to Read Your Workers’ Results

The audiogram is a graph with frequency (Hz) on the x-axis and hearing level (dB HL) on the y-axis. The y-axis is inverted: 0 dB HL (normal hearing) is at the top, and increasingly impaired thresholds go downward (increasing dB values).

Frequency Range and the “Speech Banana”

The x-axis ranges from 250 Hz (low frequency) to 8000 Hz (high frequency). Within this range, the frequencies most critical for speech intelligibility—roughly 500–3000 Hz—form a region called the “speech banana.” Workers with hearing loss within this range experience difficulty understanding conversation, especially in noisy environments.

High-frequency loss (affecting 4000, 6000, 8000 Hz) is the classic signature of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Workers with this pattern often report that they can “hear” conversation but cannot understand clearly, especially consonants (which concentrate in high frequencies).

Normal Hearing and Typical Loss Patterns

Normal hearing thresholds lie between –10 dB HL and 20 dB HL across all frequencies. Thresholds of 0–20 dB HL are considered normal; 21–40 dB HL is mild hearing loss; 41–60 dB HL is moderate; 61–80 dB HL is moderately severe; 81+ dB HL is severe or profound.

Age-related loss (presbycusis) typically shows a gradual decline across all frequencies, with greater loss in the highs.

Noise-induced loss shows a characteristic dip at 4000 Hz (the “notch”), with relative preservation of hearing at 250–2000 Hz and 8000 Hz. This is highly recognizable and diagnostic of noise exposure.

Cerumen impaction or serous otitis media (fluid in the middle ear) causes an across-the-board elevation of thresholds, worse at low frequencies, with an air-bone gap on bone conduction testing (if conducted).

Reading the Symbols

Audiograms use standard symbols:

O (circle): Right ear air conduction
X (cross): Left ear air conduction
[: Right ear bone conduction
]: Left ear bone conduction

Lines connect the symbols across frequencies, creating a visual representation of the hearing curve. A relatively flat line suggests even hearing across frequencies; a sloping line suggests greater loss at high frequencies.

Baseline Tests vs. Monitoring Tests: What’s the Difference?

The context of a test—whether it is a first-time assessment (baseline) or a follow-up (monitoring)—determines how results are interpreted and what actions are triggered.

Baseline Audiogram

The baseline is the reference point against which all future tests are compared. Typically, it should be conducted before or within 6 months of first noise exposure. For workers already in post before an audiometric program is established, a baseline conducted within the first year of the program is acceptable.

The baseline establishes the worker’s hearing status before occupational noise exposure (or, more realistically, before structured monitoring began). Even if a worker has pre-existing hearing loss unrelated to work, the baseline documents the status at a specific point in time and allows comparison with future tests.

Because the baseline is so important, it is often repeated if results are questionable—for example, if the worker’s cooperation was poor, if background noise was inadequate, or if the worker reports that results did not feel accurate.

Monitoring Audiograms

Annual or biennial follow-up tests compare current thresholds to the baseline, measuring change over time. Even small changes at specific frequencies can signal early noise-induced loss or other ear pathology and prompt investigation or intervention before hearing damage becomes permanent or severe.

Monitoring tests are interpreted primarily by looking at change (shift) rather than absolute thresholds. A worker with a baseline of 20 dB HL who shifts to 35 dB HL at 4000 Hz has experienced a 15 dB shift, which may be significant depending on the number of frequencies affected and the time elapsed.

Significant Threshold Shift (STS): What It Means and What to Do

A significant threshold shift (STS) is a change in hearing thresholds that triggers regulatory action and requires employer response. Understanding STS definitions and responding appropriately is a core responsibility for WHS managers.

Technical Definition of STS

Under AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 and most Australian state WHS legislation, an STS is typically defined as:

A change of 10 dB HL or more at any frequency (250–8000 Hz), or
A change of 10 dB HL or more averaged across 2000, 3000, and 6000 Hz (the high-frequency average)

An STS of 25 dB HL or greater is considered notifiable under many state regulations (e.g., NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) and must be reported to relevant authorities and the worker.

Causes of STS

Not all STS indicates new hearing damage. Possible causes include:

Noise exposure: The expected cause in occupational settings. If a worker has experienced inadequate noise control or excessive exposure, NIHL is likely.
Temporary threshold shift (TTS): Reversible hearing loss from recent loud noise exposure (e.g., work in the past 24 hours). This is why pre-test acclimation is critical.
Cerumen impaction: Earwax accumulation blocking the ear canal. Easily reversed by cerumen removal.
Serous otitis media: Fluid in the middle ear, often from upper respiratory infection. Usually resolves spontaneously.
Otosclerosis: A degenerative bone disease affecting the middle ear. Progressive and may require surgical intervention.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Abrupt loss (often in one ear) of unknown cause. Requires immediate medical evaluation.
Medication side effects: Some antibiotics, chemotherapy, and high-dose aspirin are ototoxic and can cause hearing loss.
Non-occupational noise exposure: Recreational shooting, hunting, loud hobbies, or concerts.

Employer Response to STS

When an STS is detected, your obligations include:

Notify the worker promptly in writing. Explain the shift in lay terms and what it means for their health. Provide information about next steps.
Arrange medical referral. The worker should be assessed by an occupational medicine physician or audiologist to determine the cause and recommend interventions.
Review noise exposure and controls. Conduct a noise assessment to determine whether the worker’s exposure exceeds safe levels and whether controls are adequate. Look for failures in use of hearing protection, maintenance of machinery, or engineering controls.
Implement corrective actions. Depending on the cause, actions might include: retesting to rule out TTS or test error; cerumen removal; review of hearing protection fit and use; increased monitoring; adjustment of work rotation to reduce noise exposure; or medical investigation of non-occupational causes.
Document all actions. Keep records of the STS notification, medical referrals, investigations, and corrective measures implemented. This documentation protects your workplace in the event of a workers’ compensation claim or WHS regulator inquiry.
Report to regulators if required. Depending on your state and the severity of the STS, you may be required to report to Safe Work Australia or your state regulator (e.g., SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Queensland).

False Positives and Test Variability

Not every STS indicates true hearing damage. Normal test variability (typically ±5–10 dB depending on test reliability) means that some shifts are within expected measurement error. The audiometrist should comment on test reliability in the report, noting any factors that may have affected accuracy.

If an initial STS is found, requesting a retest 4–12 weeks later is reasonable to confirm the shift and rule out temporary effects. A persistent shift on retesting is more concerning and warrants investigation; a retest returning to baseline suggests the initial shift was a temporary effect or measurement artifact.

The Audiometric Test Report: What Employers Receive

After testing, the audiometrist prepares a formal audiometric test report. This document is your primary tool for understanding results, managing risk, and demonstrating due diligence in your hearing conservation program.

Essential Report Components

A professional audiometric report should include:

Worker and employer details: Name, ID, date of birth, job title, noise exposure classification.
Test date and location: When and where testing was conducted.
Audiometrist credentials: Name, qualifications, registration (if applicable).
Equipment details: Make and model of audiometer, last calibration date and laboratory, serial numbers.
Pre-test otoscopy: Visual inspection findings (e.g., “cerumen impaction, bilateral”; “normal”; “hyperemia of EAC”—external auditory canal).
Test type: Air conduction, bone conduction, speech discrimination, impedance testing, or combination.
Audiogram: Graphical representation of thresholds at each frequency and ear.
Numerical threshold table: Exact dB HL values at each frequency.
Comparison to baseline (if applicable): Shift in dB at each frequency; identification of any STS.
Test reliability assessment: Comments on the worker’s cooperation, alertness, and consistency. Indicators might include “good,” “fair,” “poor,” with notation of any reliability concerns.
Clinical interpretation: Summary of findings in plain language (e.g., “normal hearing sensitivity”; “mild high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss consistent with age and noise exposure”; “significant threshold shift detected at 4000 Hz—recommend medical referral”).
Recommendations: Any suggestions for follow-up, medical referral, or actions by the employer.

Red Flags in Reports

As you review reports, be alert to:

Outdated equipment calibration: Calibration should be current (within 12 months). Use only reports from current calibrations.
Poor test reliability: If the audiometrist notes unreliable results (inconsistent responses, lack of cooperation, fatigue), request a retest. Unreliable results are not defensible for STS determination.
Unaddressed pre-test factors: If a worker came from a noisy environment or has cerumen impaction noted on otoscopy, ask whether the report accounts for these factors in its interpretation.
Missing key elements: A report missing calibration details, otoscopy findings, or test reliability commentary is incomplete. Request a revised report if critical information is absent.
Vague recommendations: “Monitor” or “refer as indicated” is too vague. Clear recommendations should include who to refer to, what timeframe, and what specific concerns prompted the recommendation.

Referrals and Follow-Up: When Further Action Is Required

Audiometric testing is rarely the end of the process. Many results trigger subsequent actions: medical referral, repeated testing, investigation, or intervention.

Medical Referral Criteria

Medical referral is recommended when:

STS is detected (10 dB shift at any frequency, or notifiable STS of 25 dB HL).
Unexplained sudden hearing loss is present (abrupt threshold shift in one ear).
Asymmetrical hearing loss exists (significant difference between ears not explained by age or prior exposure).
Conductive hearing loss is suggested (air-bone gap on bone conduction testing, or cerumen impaction noted on otoscopy).
Abnormal otoscopy findings are present (inflammation, ear discharge, perforation, etc.).
Complaint of tinnitus or vertigo is reported in conjunction with hearing loss.
Baseline or first test shows hearing loss in a young worker with no significant occupational noise exposure history (suggests non-occupational cause or genetic predisposition).

Who to Refer To

Medical referrals should go to:

Occupational physician: First choice for workers in occupational settings. They understand the workplace context, can investigate occupational causes, and can advise on fitness for duty and noise exposure management.
General practitioner (GP): Acceptable if an occupational physician is unavailable. The GP can assess for common causes (cerumen, infection, medication side effects) and refer to a specialist if needed.
Audiologist: For diagnostic audiometry, hearing aid assessment, or auditory rehabilitation. Audiologists are qualified to provide detailed hearing assessment and management advice.
ENT specialist (Otolaryngologist): For cases suggestive of middle ear disease, sudden hearing loss, or suspected ototoxicity or genetic conditions.

Clearly communicate to the referring physician what prompted referral and provide the audiometric report and baseline comparison for context.

Retest Protocols

Retesting is recommended in these scenarios:

Initial STS to confirm shift: Retest 4–12 weeks after initial detection to determine if the shift is persistent (true) or temporary (measurement artifact, TTS, or cerumen impaction).
Poor test reliability: If the audiometrist noted unreliable results, retest once the worker is well-rested and cooperative.
Recent noise exposure: If testing occurred immediately after loud noise exposure, retest after the worker has had 14 hours of quiet acclimation.
Suspected cerumen impaction: After cerumen removal, retest to confirm improvement.
Anomalous results: If results are inconsistent with the worker’s history or complaints (e.g., worker reports difficulty hearing but testing shows normal thresholds), retest to verify.

Record Keeping: What You Must Keep and For How Long

Audiometric records are legal documents in occupational health. Retention requirements vary by state, but generally are lengthy, reflecting the long latency of hearing loss and the potential for workers’ compensation claims years after exposure ceases.

State-Specific Retention Requirements

Minimum retention periods by state are:

NSW: Life of employment plus 30 years.
Queensland: 30 years from the date of test.
Western Australia: 7 years from the date of test; however, prudent practice favors 30 years given potential latency of claims.
Victoria: 30 years from the date of test (under state occupational health and safety regulations).
South Australia: 30 years from the date of test.
Tasmania: 30 years from the date of test.
ACT: 30 years from the date of test.
NT: 7 years minimum; 30 years recommended.

When in doubt, retain for 30 years. This timeframe covers the typical latency of noise-induced hearing loss claims and protects your workplace.

What Records to Keep

Maintain:

Original audiometric reports (both baseline and monitoring).
Audiometer calibration certificates (current and historical).
Worker notifications and consent forms.
STS notifications and related correspondence.
Medical referral letters and responses.
Noise exposure assessments and measurements relevant to the worker’s role.
Hearing protection records (type issued, fit testing results if applicable).
Training records on hearing protection use and workplace noise awareness.
Investigation records following STS or other findings.

Storage and Security

Audiometric records contain health information covered by privacy legislation. Storage must be:

Secure: Locked storage (physical or encrypted digital) to prevent unauthorized access.
Confidential: Access limited to those with a legitimate need (occupational health, WHS, medical staff) and the worker themselves.
Retrievable: Organized in a manner that allows quick retrieval if the worker requests their records or if a regulator inquires.
Backed up (if digital): Redundant storage to prevent loss due to hardware failure or disaster.

Consider working with your IT department to ensure digital records (scanned reports, electronic databases) are appropriately secured and backed up. Some organizations use specialized occupational health management systems that provide audit trails and access controls.

How Mobile Testing Simplifies the Process for Large Workforces

For large employers or multi-site organizations, coordinating audiometric testing across multiple locations is logistically challenging. Mobile audiometric testing services bring equipment and qualified audiometrists to your workplace, eliminating the need for workers to travel to a fixed clinic.

Advantages of Mobile Testing

Convenience: Testing occurs at your site during work hours, minimizing travel time and disruption to production.
Improved compliance: Workers are more likely to complete testing if it is convenient. Higher participation rates improve the reliability of your hearing conservation program.
Operational continuity: Large workforces can be tested rapidly. A mobile service can test 80–120 workers in a week, whereas fixed clinics might require weeks or months to accommodate the same cohort.
Cost efficiency: Per-test costs are often lower when testing is batched at your site versus distributed across multiple clinic visits.
Contextual assessment: The audiometrist works in your environment, understands your noise exposures, can observe workplace practices, and can provide site-specific advice.

Scheduling and Logistics

Plan mobile testing as follows:

Identify scope: Which workers require testing? (Those in noise-exposed roles; all workers as per program; new hires, etc.) Provide an accurate headcount to the testing provider.
Schedule advance notice: Give workers at least 2 weeks’ notice of testing dates. Provide instructions as discussed in the “Before the Test” section.
Designate a test area: Identify a quiet space where the mobile booth can be located (e.g., first aid room, HR office, meeting room). The space should be protected from high ambient noise and should allow privacy for workers entering and exiting.
Coordinate scheduling: Work with the testing provider and your workforce to establish a schedule that minimizes disruption. Consider shift patterns; ensure workers can complete testing during their shifts without excessive lost time.
Prepare worker lists: Provide the testing provider with a list of workers requiring testing, including names, employee IDs, job titles, and noise exposure classifications. This aids in scheduling and data management.
Arrange medical history forms: Provide workers with health history questionnaires to complete before testing. This accelerates the pre-test interview and ensures important medical or occupational history is captured.

Post-Testing

After mobile testing is complete, expect:

Individual reports within 2 weeks: Each worker receives a copy of their audiogram and summary report.
Employer summary report within 3 weeks: A consolidated report summarizing testing statistics, STS findings, recommendations, and compliance notes.
Database provision: Many mobile providers offer data storage and comparison across years, facilitating trend analysis and STS detection.

Review the audiometric testing costs and typical service agreements to understand what is included and what to expect in terms of reporting and follow-up support.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Audiometric Testing Process

How long does an audiometric test typically take?

A standard occupational audiometric test takes 20–45 minutes per person, depending on their cooperation, hearing status, and the thoroughness of the assessment. This includes the quiet acclimation period, the actual test in the sound booth, and result documentation. Additional testing (bone conduction, speech discrimination, impedance) adds 10–15 minutes.

What is a significant threshold shift (STS) in audiometry?

A significant threshold shift is a change in hearing thresholds of 10 dB or more at any test frequency (averaging 2000, 3000, and 6000 Hz) when compared to the baseline test. An STS of 25 dB HL is considered notifiable under many Australian workplace regulations and triggers referral and investigation. STS may indicate noise-induced hearing damage, but other causes (cerumen impaction, middle ear disease, ototoxic medication, non-occupational noise exposure) must be ruled out.

How often should employees undergo audiometric testing?

Annual or biennial monitoring is standard for workers exposed to noise above the 85 dB(A) exposure standard, according to AS/NZS 1269.4:2014. Baseline testing must occur before or within 6 months of first noise exposure, with follow-up monitoring at least every 2 years. Some organizations test annually for noise-exposed cohorts and every 2–3 years for lower-exposure workers. Your WHS audiometric testing requirements will specify frequency based on your risk assessment.

What qualifications must an audiometrist have?

Audiometrists conducting occupational audiometry in Australia should hold tertiary qualifications in audiology or hearing science (minimum Bachelor’s degree). Many are registered with the National Board of Health and Care Professions (AHPRA) under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. Ideally, they hold membership with the Audiological Society of Australia and New Zealand (ASANZ) or equivalent professional body. Verify credentials when selecting a testing provider; your testing service should provide evidence of qualifications and current registration.

How long must audiometric test records be kept?

Record retention varies by state. NSW requires retention for the life of employment plus 30 years. Queensland requires 30 years from the date of the test. WA requires 7 years minimum (though 30 years is recommended). Generally, it is prudent to maintain records for a minimum of 30 years to cover potential latency in hearing loss claims and to support your workplace’s due diligence defense in the event of a workers’ compensation claim.

Can a worker dispute their test results?

Yes. If a worker believes their results are inaccurate, they can request a retest. Reasons for disputing results might include concerns about the test environment, equipment, or their own state during testing (fatigue, stress, illness). Requesting a retest within 4–12 weeks is reasonable. If the retest shows similar results, the original test is likely accurate. If the retest differs substantially, the original results may have been affected by temporary factors.

What happens if a worker fails to attend audiometric testing?

Attendance at occupational audiometric testing should be a condition of employment for workers in noise-exposed roles. If a worker fails to attend, document the missed appointment and reschedule. If the worker continues to avoid testing without reasonable justification (medical contraindication, refusal), this may constitute a failure to comply with workplace health and safety obligations and could result in disciplinary action in accordance with your enterprise agreement and workplace policies. Ensure the worker understands the requirement and the reasons for testing before escalating to disciplinary measures.

What is the role of hearing protection in light of audiometric testing results?

Audiometric testing alone does not prevent hearing loss; it only detects it after the fact. Effective hearing conservation combines engineering controls (noise reduction at source), administrative controls (job rotation, limiting exposure time), and personal protective equipment (correctly fitted and consistently used hearing protection). If audiometric testing reveals STS or excessive baseline hearing loss, review the adequacy of all three control levels. Ensure workers understand proper use of hearing protection, that protection is regularly inspected and replaced, and that fit testing is conducted for custom or critical-fit devices. Testing results should inform your review of your overall hearing conservation program.

Are there any medical conditions that contraindicate audiometric testing?

Very few absolute contraindications exist. Ear infection with discharge, perforated eardrum, or recent head injury might warrant postponement until the condition resolves. Otherwise, most workers can be tested safely. Inform the audiometrist of any medical concerns (ear surgery, balance problems, severe anxiety); they can adapt the procedure accordingly. A worker’s refusal to participate, if unreasonable and not based on genuine medical grounds, does not contraindicate testing—it represents a compliance issue for the employer to manage.

What should a worker do if they experience hearing loss outside the workplace?

Occupational audiometric testing measures total hearing loss, regardless of cause. If a worker experiences sudden hearing loss, has significant hearing loss not explained by age and occupational exposure, or has asymmetrical loss, prompt medical evaluation is warranted. The worker should inform their GP or audiologist about their occupational noise exposure so the clinician can differentiate occupational from non-occupational causes. If hearing loss appears to be caused by non-occupational noise exposure (hobbies, recreational activities, prior military service, or genetic predisposition), this should be documented in the worker’s audiometric file for context when interpreting future tests.

Key Takeaways for WHS Managers

Audiometric testing is not a one-off compliance event—it is an ongoing component of your hearing conservation strategy. Success requires:

Clear communication with workers before testing so they understand the purpose, process, and what to expect.
Proper pre-test preparation (14 hours quiet acclimation, removal of hearing protection, informed consent) to ensure reliable results.
Selection of qualified, credentialed audiometrists and properly equipped and maintained audiometric services.
Thorough review of results, understanding of audiogram symbols and patterns, and recognition of red flags warranting medical referral or investigation.
Prompt response to significant findings (STS, medical abnormalities, cerumen impaction) with medical referral, investigation, and corrective action.
Secure, long-term record retention (minimum 30 years) to support due diligence defense and facilitate trend analysis over time.
Integration of testing data into broader hearing conservation efforts, ensuring that results inform decisions about noise control, hearing protection, and workforce education.

When managed well, audiometric testing is a powerful tool for protecting your workers’ hearing and demonstrating that your organization takes occupational health seriously.

For questions about audiometric testing requirements specific to your workplace or role, consult the WHS audiometric testing requirements relevant to your state and industry, or contact a qualified occupational health professional for site-specific advice.