Frequently Asked Questions

Audiometric testing, also known as Pure Tone Audiometry, is the first step in an audiological test battery. The Australian Standard AS1269.4 (based on International Standards) is the reference for all WHS regulations in Australia regarding the prevention of hearing loss at work. Most people understand that an audiometric (hearing) test essentially involves a candidate sitting out of view of the audiometer and responding to "beep" tones — especially when they are only faintly audible. Audiometric testing methodology is designed to be a reliable indicator of a worker's Hearing Threshold Levels (HTL). Establishing HTL prior to commencing employment, or shortly after, is an important baseline measurement. From this baseline, routine monitoring over the course of employment at a noisy workplace is now law. This allows for early awareness or detection of potential Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Audiometric testing refers to mandatory screening for all workers in noisy workplaces as an awareness and prevention measure against NIHL. While NIHL (hearing damage to the cochlear nerve) is permanent, it is also overwhelmingly preventable — hence the specific WHS regulation around audiometric testing of noise-affected workers. An important part of the AS1269.4 standard is that screening results must be discussed with the worker. An experienced audiometrist will distinguish between hearing loss from long-term noise exposure versus medical conditions versus wax blockages — and be able to answer questions on hearing health, audiological case history, how hearing PPE works and safety in noise.

Yes. Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and associated Regulations, employers must provide audiometric testing for workers who are frequently required to use personal hearing protection because workplace noise exceeds the action level. All Australian states and territories have equivalent legislation. NSW: As of 1 January 2024, amendments to Section 58 of the NSW WHS Regulation 2017 introduced specific Hearing Test Requirements for NSW workers in noise-exposed roles. QLD: The WorkSafe QLD Code of Practice — Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (2021) includes specific requirements for audiometric testing of noise-affected workers. SA: Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) and WHS Regulations 2012 (SA), employers must provide health monitoring for noise-affected workers. SafeWork SA Guidelines for Noise and Hearing Conservation and the SafeWork SA Fact Sheet — Audiometric Testing (2025) provide further guidance. WHS guidelines for working safely around noise are based in the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice for Noise Management and the Protection of Hearing at Work.

The simple rule is: if you are working around or in noise over a certain intensity (85 dBA) or if you have to wear hearing PPE for your job — you are required by law to have your hearing routinely assessed. If you are not an employee but are a regular visitor or contractor to a noisy workplace, you are also obliged to have your hearing assessed through audiometric testing. There is a simple rule of thumb to define "what is noisy": if you are less than a metre away from another person and have to shout to have a conversation due to background noise, you are highly likely to meet the criteria for being in a noisy workplace. In cases where you are not quite sure, or if only some tasks or areas of the workplace are noisy, a noise survey or noise assessment guided by Part 1 of AS1269.0 (Occupational Noise Management) will clearly define whether a worker or role is considered "noise affected" under WHS legislation. People exposed to intermittent noise (especially over 100 dBA) or with varying tasks can be assessed for average exposure over an 8hr equivalent using a noise dosimeter. Another broad definition: if an employer frequently requires their staff to wear hearing protection PPE to protect from the risk of noise related hearing loss — those workers need to undergo routine audiometric testing.

You may have heard of "free hearing tests" at hearing clinics or online hearing tests — these are generally aimed at the hearing impaired and are not considered valid under the Australian Standard or WHS legislation. AS1269.4 specifies how to conduct testing and who should conduct it. Pure Tone Audiometry is a specialised skill requiring months of training and years of experience to effectively identify reliable versus unreliable results, false positives, false negatives, and malingerers. An experienced audiometrist will also be able to communicate with people who are from non-English speaking backgrounds or those with suspected hearing loss, and explain how to respond correctly during testing. Put simply, the Australian Standard recommends audiometric testing be conducted by someone qualified and competent. Certified Audiologists and Audiometrists who are members of the Australian College of Audiology (ACAUD) are a good start. A QP (qualified practitioner number) from a professional body provides proof of continuing professional competency. Hearing and Noise at Work only uses qualified and competent persons to conduct testing. We are happy to provide credentials and experience — but it shows in our knowledge and expertise when you engage our services.

A baseline test must be conducted within 3 months of a worker commencing work in a noise-exposed role. Follow-up monitoring tests are required at a minimum of every 2 years, though annual testing is best practice and strongly recommended under AS1269.4.

Yes. Hearing and Noise at Work operates a fully mobile service. Our custom fitted mobile clinic — a dual booth pantech truck, giving double the service capacity — comes directly to your site. Your workers stay on site: minimal downtime and no off-site medical appointments or travel time to clinics. We service NSW, QLD and SA including 24/7 sites, remote and regional areas. Contact us to discuss your location.

Any workplace where noise exposure regularly exceeds 85 dBA LAeq,8h. This commonly includes Mining, Civil, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Agriculture, Food Processing, Local Government and Waste industries. If in doubt, a noise assessment will confirm whether your site triggers the obligation.

Approximately 10–15 minutes per person using our QR code sign-on and dual booth setup. A team of 20 can typically be tested in a half-day. Same-day results and reporting are included.

Yes, if they are regularly exposed to noise at your site. The obligation is based on noise exposure, not employment type. You are responsible for workers under your management or direction.

We identify significant threshold shifts (STS) in our reports, per AS1269.4 criteria. An important part of the Standard is that screening results must be discussed with the worker on the day. An experienced audiometrist will distinguish between hearing loss from long-term noise exposure versus medical conditions versus wax blockages — and provide clear guidance on hearing health, audiological case history, how hearing PPE works and safety in noise. Workers with detected hearing changes are flagged in our site summary report, and we provide recommendations — which may include referral for further audiological assessment, a review of noise controls, or more frequent monitoring.

Records must be kept for the duration of the worker's employment plus 30 years after their last date of employment. This reflects the long latency of noise-induced hearing loss claims. Our QR code-based sign-on and reporting system ensures your records are audit-ready.

We deploy the same instruments used by audiologists and ENT specialists globally: — Audiometers by Oscilla (Denmark) — the industry standard for audiometric assessment — and portable audiological testing equipment from MedRx USA for more in-depth assessment. — Sound Level Meters by Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK, Denmark) — Class 1 instruments for all site calibrations, certifications and noise assessments. — Otoscopes by Vorotek — the Voroscope is an Australian dual lens otoscope used by ENT Specialists and Audiologists throughout the world. All equipment is NATA-traceable and calibrated to Australian standards.

Call us on 1300 414 260 or email info@hearingatwork.com.au to discuss your requirements. You can also submit a Quick RFQ / EOI via our contact page. We provide transparent, per-head pricing based on the number of workers, your location, and the services required. Looking forward to assisting.