Home
---------------------------------------
 Audiometry
---------------------------------------
 Audiometry results & report Why choose HSMC
 The audiometry routine
Audiometry re-tests
 Additional audiometry info.
Age related hearing loss
---------------------------------------
 Noise surveys
---------------------------------------
 Fire risk assessment
---------------------------------------
 Health and safety training
--------------------------------------- Risk assessment & audits
---------------------------------------
 Policies and procedures
---------------------------------------
 Free stuff
---------------------------------------
 About hsmc
---------------------------------------

Mobile audiometry trailer

HSMC offers a professional purpose-built mobile
audiometry studio giving
us a controlled standard environment in which to
conduct the hearing tests.

------------------------------
From April 2008 the Noise
Regulations are extended
to musicians. HSMC can
conduct hearing tests for
orchestras, bands and
school music rooms.
-----------------------------

"Feedback on the audiometry is very positive here at Bristol - particularly complimentary of your expertise and diplomacy".
Andy Evans, H&S Manager,
DS Smith, Bristol

"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"
HSE Officer, ROM Limited,
Crumlin, Newport

HSMC Audiometry / Hearing Testing

Audiometry is basically a posh way of saying hearing testing. Many people will have undergone this to measure their hearing ability at some point in their life, most likely while at school and the basic principles of audiometry are the same, minus the lollipop afterwards. HSMC offer a high quality audiometry service to help employers achieve compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. We offer a true 24 hour service, working whatever shift patterns are needed to fit in with your employees, including nights and weekends.

Audiometry has become more critical recently with the update to the noise regulations requiring anyone exposed to noise levels of 85dB(A) or more to be provided with 'health surveillance', a slightly Orwellian way of saying 'audiometry'. The audiometry process requires attendees to wear a set of headphones through which a series sounds at differing pitches and volumes are played. They indicate whether they can hear the sound or not allowing the technician conducting the test to identify any loss in hearing. HSMC will undertake this for you, providing a practical, plain-English detailed employer's report.

Amplivox PC850 Audiometer

Components of audiometry
Each audiometry appointment takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, undertaken with the latest laptop-controlled audiometers, a noise-reducing audiometry booth and noise-reducing headphones to give the maximum sound reduction. The test comprises six steps:

• A pre-test questionnaire to determine any physical factors which may affect an individual's hearing, such as diseases, any sports or hobbies which may impair hearing, etc.
  
  
• This is followed by a visual (otoscopic) examination of the ear to ensure the canal is clear and to examine the ear drum looking for signs of damage or infection.
  
  
• Then there is the hearing test itself where the attendee wears the headphones and we measure the limit of their hearing at each frequency.
  
  
• The audiometry results are then reviewed with the attendee, explaining their meaning and the impact on their noise exposures.
  
  
• If the client requires, those attending the hearing tests can be given instruction on the correct use of the hearing protection they are using at work.
  
  
• A post-testing employer's report provided to the client including all the results for each person and also a summary section of who scored which category of result and notes on any individuals who require further referral.

The benefits of these tests improve with repetition - in the first year the tests will identify the state of people's hearing including any noise induced hearing loss. Subsequent years bring further improvements as we can then compare the audiometry results from the previous hearing test against the current one allowing a picture to be built up which will show any change in hearing ability over time.

Audiometry reports

One of HSMC's strengths is that we offer a complete competency package in noise risk management. Noise is a multi-disciplinary risk, including both occupational health and traditional 'health and safety'. By encompassing all noise risk issues from noise measurement, noise reduction strategies, selection and use of hearing protection, noise training and hearing testing, our audiometry reports give clients a substantial level information and excellent value. Our audiometry reports can be helpful as part of the workplace noise management systems, verifying some procedures and recommended updates to others where useful.

Both audiometry technicians have completed courses on industrial audiometry approved by the British Society of Audiology in the UK. In addition to this our main tester, spotting an opportunity for some expenses-based fecklessness, has also obtained audiometry qualifications in the USA. He is also a member of the British Society of Audiology and oversees all HSMC audiometry and produces or approves all completed employer's reports.

Noise measurement

Noise measurement and noise risk assessment go hand-in-hand with audiometry and HSMC can undertake this for you providing average noise exposures, personal dose monitoring and octave band analysis. See our noise section for more details.

Top