Is your audiometry test really HSE compliant? Here’s what most employers miss with their health surveillance

Employers have a duty to protect their workforce, including in workplaces where noise exposure presents significant risks. A key part of this responsibility is conducting regular audiometry tests as part of a comprehensive health surveillance program. But are your tests actually HSE compliant and are you, as the employer, confident your provider is meeting the standards?

While occupational health providers perform the tests, the legal duty to ensure HSE compliance sits with you the employer.

We break down what it really takes for an audiometry test to meet HSE standards, common mistakes that undermine compliance and practical guidance to ensure your audiometry health surveillance program protects everyone's hearing health. 

Why audiometry tests are essential for health surveillance

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a permanent and preventable condition caused by prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels. Each year, many workers in industries like construction and manufacturing develop hearing loss because of their work environment. To prevent this, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires employers to include audiometry health surveillance in their safety protocols.

Regular audiometry tests provide essential benefits, such as:

• Monitoring hearing over time: Early signs of hearing damage can be identified before it’s too late.

• Preventing long-term damage: Proper intervention can slow or stop further harm.

• Legal compliance: Conducting HSE audiometry safeguards businesses from enforcement, legal claims or reputational damage.

However, achieving compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes. Employers must meet specific technical requirements if testing is conducted outside of a sound-proof booth and follow strict procedures to ensure their health surveillance program aligns with the HSE’s expectations.

What makes an audiometry test HSE compliant?

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 lays out strict requirements for hearing surveillance, supported by international standards like ISO 8253-1. Here’s what it takes to ensure your audiometry health surveillance complies with these requirements:

1. Follow ISO 8253-1 testing protocols

Every audiometry test must adhere to ISO 8253-1 standards, which outline precise procedures for testing environments and techniques. This ensures results are consistent, accurate and reliable.

2. Control ambient noise levels

Ambient noise can interfere with test accuracy. If background noise is too high, it could produce false indications of hearing loss, undermining the validity of the results. To ensure compliance, ISO 8253-1 requires the use of a Class 1 sound level meter to measure and verify ambient noise levels before every test.

3. Understand maximum permissible ambient noise levels

For accurate testing, ISO 8253-1 specifies maximum permissible ambient noise levels, which vary depending on the type used. Factors like over-ear headphones versus insert earphones, and their specific attenuation characteristics, must be considered to verify compliance.

4. Use certified equipment

Headsets used in audiometry tests must be supported by attenuation data derived in accordance with ISO 4869-1. Unfortunately, many headsets fail to meet this requirement, so equipment verification is critical.

5. Keep accurate records

HSE-compliant health surveillance includes thorough record-keeping and retention periods. Every audiometry test, noise measurement and follow-up action must be documented and stored securely. Employers must also regularly update these records to align with changing conditions or personnel.

Common mistakes employers make in hearing surveillance

Many companies unknowingly compromise their audiometry health surveillance program with these common errors:

• Skipping ambient noise assessments: Conducting tests in unsuitable environments without verifying ambient noise levels can causing inaccurate outcomes, potentially leading to unnecessary costs for referrals and greater frequency of testing.

• Using non-compliant equipment: Most employers don’t realise that not all headsets meets ISO 4869-1 standards.

• Use of uncalibrated equipment: It is essential that audiometric equipment is calibrated in accordance with the relevant part of ISO 389.

These mistakes don’t just affect compliance; they also hinder proactive steps to protect employees’ hearing, leaving them at greater risk.

Why choose Express Medicals for audiometry testing?

Meeting the rigorous requirements for HSE audiometry can seem complicated, but that’s where Express Medicals excels. We deliver professional audiometry health surveillance solutions that fully comply with HSE guidelines and international standards like ISO 8253-1.

• ISO-compliant equipment. All our audiometric devices meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 4869-1, ensuring trustworthy results.

• ISO-Calibrated Equipment. Our audiometric equipment is calibrated in accordance with the relevant part of ISO 389.

• Class 1 sound level monitoring. We use a Class 1 sound level meter at your site location to verify ambient noise measurements before testing, ensuring a controlled and compliant environment.

• Sound-Proof Booths. All 18 of our clinics across the UK are equipped with sound-proof booths that meet relevant compliance standards.

• Tailored to your business. Our health surveillance is customised to address the unique needs of your workplace and workforce.

• Experienced professionals. Our clinical team are experts in implementing HSE audiometry standards seamlessly.

By partnering with Express Medicals, you reduce workplace risks, ensure legal compliance and prioritise the hearing health of your workforce.