Audiometry home
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 Audiometry routine & reports
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 Types of hearing loss
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 Audiometry Q & A
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 Noise surveys / assessment
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 Noise training
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 About hsmc



Employer's report
Audiometry equipment
Out of hours service
Noise law / regulations

Audiometry result categories

Category 1
Good hearing, audiometry result is within limts for the attendee's age.

Category 2
OK. Some losses but not excessive yet for the person's age. Be careful to protect against future loss.

Category 3
Losses are below the range expected for the attendee's age.

Category 4
Only assigned on second or subsequent audiometric tests. Results show a repid deterioration over a known time.

Customer feedback:

"I just wanted to say that I've been impressed with the whole process"
Customer Services Manager, Warwick District Council


"We were very pleased with the way the audiometry was carried out and with the efficiency and self sufficiency."
Health and Safety Manager, Grayton Engineering


"HSMC has done a great job"
Roger Warrender, VT Airside Services HSE Manager, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports


"You're great you are!"
Fiona Andrews
BAS Components

"Thank you for the professional audiometry service you provided.
All members of staff found it very informative and the more apprehensive members of staff complimented you on the relaxed nature of the testing and your expertise".
Sarah Woodward, HSE Manager, ROM Ltd.

Audiometry routine and employer's report

Audiometry is undertaken according to a strict routine bordering on mania and we allow for between 15 and 20 minutes per test. Depending on the shifts being worked we normally aim for between 25 (days only) and 70 (days and nights) per day, while for large jobs, (500+) we can supply two units and double the number of appointments per day.

	STEP 1: Pre-test questionnaire This helps us to identify any factors which may have an impact on the audiometry results such as, infections, any accidents, any past medical problems with their hearing and importantly, whether they are suffering from the humble cold or not.
	STEP 2: Otoscopic examination Using an otoscope, we check for wax build-up, any inflammation of the ear canal, foreign objects stuck down there, damage to the ear drum, etc.

STEP 3: Hearing test
This consists of the subject wearing a set of (faintly ridiculous-looking) headphones and a series of sounds being played (known as 'pure tone audiometry'). The sounds vary in pitch and volume, finding the quietest noises which can be heard across the frequency range.

STEP 4: Review of audiometry results
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have classification criteria for audiometry results so all hearing tests are then assessed against these to categorise the results. They are then printed and discussed with all attendees before they leave the audiometry studio. This is important as it ensures they understand the hearing test results and the real-life meaning for them. This is a valuable part of the test and can greatly improve compliance with the requirements to wear hearing protection.

Where audiometric testing has been undertaken previously the most recent results are compared against the previous figures to determine if any changes have occurred during the intervening time.

STEP 5: Employer's audiometry report
An audiometry report will be generated for the employer giving the results of the hearing tests, including:

• An explanation of the assessment criteria - its no good us saying people are "Category 2" without telling you, in English, what that means.
  
  
• A summary of all employees who attended the hearing tests - who scored what result.
  
  
• Detailed explanation, by individual, of all Category 3 and 4 results (the two lowest) and any referrals, clearly highlighting any concerns and recommendations for follow-up action.
  
  
• Copies of any letters given to employees explaining their audiometry results.
  
  
• And finally, a copy of the actual audiometry result for each employee. The individual results may be presented graphically or as tabular data. Graphically, audiometry results are presented for both ears, in a similar manner to those shown here:

There is a limit to what can be diagnosed with audiometry screening programmes and their main aim is to identify people who may be experiencing a problem. Where the results warrant it these individuals are then referred to their G.P. for further testing to determine the exact cause of the loss.

Hearing Testing Equipment

HSMC uses laptop-controlled audiometers for fast accurate results with both noise reducing booths and noise-reducing headphones. We have trailer-mounted mobile testing studios which can be parked on site, or portable booths which can be erected on site in a meeting room or office as an alternative if required. We also use noise-excluding audio-cups in which the audiometry headphones sit, thereby achieving the maximum ambient sound attenuation and thus ensuring accurate results

Out of Hours Service
HSMC offers a complete 24 hour service and will undertake the audiometry at the times that suit you, including evenings, nights, bank holidays and weekends. Normally there is no extra charge for this.

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