Why do certain industries require pre-employment hearing tests?
There are industries where workplace noise volumes are higher than the noise exposure standard such as aviation and construction.
If your prospective workplace requires workers to frequently wear hearing protection equipment (ear muffs or ear plugs) because the noise volume exceeds the noise exposure standard, you will be required to have a hearing test as part of your interview process.
These same workplaces will then require you to have follow-up hearing tests every 2-3 years.
At Sydney Hearing Clinic, your prospective employer will receive a comprehensive audiology report detailing your hearing test results and any other requested information.
What is my prospective employer looking for in a pre-employment hearing test?
Your prospective employer is looking to establish your baseline or true hearing status before you start working in a noisy environment.
They will also be looking for any signs of hearing loss that may impact your ability to hear.
Your employer will also use your baseline hearing test results as a comparison to all follow-up/monitoring hearing tests you will have during your employment.
These comparisons will show any potential hearing loss or damage during your time of employment and exposure to noise.
Why are pre-employment hearing tests important?
Pre-employment hearing tests are crucial to your lifelong hearing health when working is high volume noise industries.
They provide you and your prospective employer with a clear picture of your hearing health at the time of employment, and ensures that any potential hearing loss is detected as soon as possible during bi-annual follow-up hearing tests for the length of your employment.
It is also crucial to your hearing health that you wear all required hearing protection equipment as directed by your employer.
Do I need a referral for a pre-employment hearing test?
Your prospective employer will advise on the necessary steps for making a pre-employment hearing test appointment.
