Industrial and Audiometric Tests For Hearing Damage.
Taking a hearing test will necessarily form a part of the claims process for noise induced hearing loss. Different methods exist and seeking advice for hearing damage will require undertaking the requisite procedures.
Audiometry is an internationally recognized method used to test human hearing. Both clinical and industrial hearing tests use audiometry which are regulated to protect employees from hazardous noise exposure resulting in permanent industrial deafness, and to protect consumers seeking treatment for hearing loss.
Audiometric testing requires that you listen for beeps or tones while hooked up to an audiometer calibrated to reproduce specific frequencies at specific volume levels. This testing is the same in both clinical and industrial settings and the results are documented on an audiogram.
Clinical audiometric testing has a larger margin for error and is only as accurate as the clinician performing your hearing test is competent. However, clinical audiometry provides a more detailed assessment of your hearing loss in a clinical setting, and tests your ability to understand speech, your ability to hear with background noise and the potential benefit from hearing aids.
Industrial hearing tests are designed for occupational noise exposure when assessing the provision of hearing protection, and will document for employee exposure to high noise levels. Industrial hearing tests, if carried out according to standards, must follow precise protocols including appropriate type of audiometer used, tone presentation order and acceptable soundproof room conditions.
Industrial tests are concerned with your baseline hearing level. This hearing threshold is measured using tones, which look for significant shifts or changes in your hearing threshold during employment.
Significant threshold shifts documented during your time of employment are deemed workplace related and are central to any hearing loss compensation you may be advised to claim.