What Is Industrial Hearing Screening And Who Needs It

Since changes in hearing ability may develop gradually without leaving any bruises, it may be challenging for employers and employees to notice them without proper tests. Therefore, some organisations conduct regular industrial hearing tests to detect hearing changes at an early stage and provide a safer workplace for employees. However, industrial hearing tests are not required for all workplaces, but may be required when employees are exposed to excessive workplace noise.

What Is An Industrial Hearing Test?

An industrial hearing test is a specialised medical assessment used to monitor employees’ hearing health over time. When employees are exposed to excessive noise for a long time, their hearing ability may be impacted. During the air conduction test, the employee may wear headphones to reduce the impact of external noise. Then, a competent professional may play pure tones at different frequencies and volumes through headphones. The employee may indicate when they hear a sound, allowing the professionals to assess their hearing ability.

Organisations may perform audiometry tests at an early stage of employment and periodically to monitor the employees’ hearing ability over time. By reviewing them properly, organisations may detect hearing changes or damage early.

Who May Need An Industrial Hearing Test?

In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) states that permissible noise exposure is an equivalent sound pressure level of 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour workday and a peak sound pressure level exceeding 140 dB(C). Organisations with workers exposed to excessive noise may need to implement certain WSH practices established by MOM.

Workers in industries such as construction, maritime, manufacturing, aviation, chemical, and logistics may be exposed to excessive workplace noise. Therefore, workers who are exposed to excessive noise may be required to undergo industrial hearing tests, depending on their work activities and noise exposure. Organisations may check requirements for audiometry tests on the MOM website for detailed and updated information.

What Factors Can Influence A Hearing Concern?

When implementing relevant WSH activities for workplace noise-related issues, organisations may consider relevant influencing factors.

Noise Level and Intensity

The noise level at the workplace is an important factor. Organisations may assess if workplace noise exposure is within the applicable permissible exposure limits. However, the intensity may vary depending on the area where the employee has to work. Employees working near louder noise sources may have different noise exposure from employees working further away from the noise sources.

Duration of Exposure

The amount of time an employee needs to spend around noise sources may influence the impact of noise. Employees working around noisy equipment for several hours may be exposed to excessive noise for a longer period than those working in the same workplace area for a shorter period.

Frequency of Exposure

Some employees may have to work in a noisy environment as part of their daily work routine, while others may only have to visit occasionally. Although both types of employees may be exposed to excessive noise, the potential impact of excessive noise on their hearing ability may vary.

Work Activities and Equipment

Some equipment may produce louder noises than other machines or tools at the workplace. Employees who have to work near machines that produce louder noises may be exposed to higher noise levels compared to other employees working near quieter tools. Depending on each employee’s responsibilities and work activities, the exposure to excessive noise may vary.

Enhance Your Workplace Hearing Health Support With QES Consultancy

Industrial hearing screening plays an important role in helping organisations detect changes in employees’ hearing health.