Differences Between Audiometric Testing & Industrial Hearing Tests

Audiometry is an internationally recognized method used to test human hearing. Both clinical and industrial hearing tests use audiometry. Government departments regulate clinical and industrial audiometry practices. These departments exist to protect employees from hazardous noise exposure resulting in permanent hearing loss, and to protect consumers seeking treatment for hearing loss.

Audiometry

• Audiometric testing uses audiometer equipment to test someone's hearing. During a hearing test you listen for beeps or tones while hooked up to the audiometer. The audiometer is calibrated to present specific frequencies at specific volume levels. The test results are documented on an audiogram. This testing is the same in both clinical and industrial settings.

Industrial

• The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires industries with occupational noise exposure to provide hearing protection, hearing tests and hearing loss documentation for employees exposed to high noise levels. Industrial hearing tests, if done according to OSHA standards, must follow precise protocol including appropriate type of audiometer used, tone presentation order and acceptable soundproof room conditions.

Considerations

• Although clinical audiometry should follow governing agencies standards, OSHA does not audit these hearing test records. Clinical audiometric testing has a larger margin for error and is only as accurate as the clinician performing your hearing test is competent.

Benefits

• Clinical audiometry provides a more detailed assessment of your hearing loss. In a clinical setting, clinicians test your ability to understand speech, your ability to hear with background noise and the potential benefit from hearing aids.

Expert Insight

• Industrial tests are concerned with your baseline hearing level. This hearing threshold is measured using tones. Industries look for significant shifts or changes in your hearing threshold during employment. According to OSHA, significant threshold shifts documented during your time of employment are deemed workplace related.