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Protecting Hearing at Work with Audiometric Testing

Protecting Hearing at Work with Audiometric Testing

Did you know that noise-induced hearing damage is now the leading non-fatal occupational disease claim in Canada? This growing issue highlights the importance of hearing testing in the workplace. Not only to meet legislative requirements but also to promote safety and prevent serious incidents.

 

What Is Audiometric Testing?

Audiometric testing is a method used to evaluate a person’s hearing ability across various sound frequencies and decibel levels. These tests help to determine if noise exposure (occupational or non-occupational) has impacted hearing. The results can reveal if hearing protection measures are effective.

So, what is an audiometric test? It is a standardized procedure used to assess hearing levels. This test checks a person’s ability to hear pure tones at different frequencies and loudness levels. 

A full audiometric test procedure includes taking a noise exposure history and performing a physical ear exam (audiological examination). It also involves technician-administered hearing tests and a physician review of the data.

CannAmm provides a complete audiometric test definition and procedure, ensuring a detailed and legally compliant approach to protecting employee hearing.

The goal of the assessment is to “determine whether an individual is fit to perform their job without risk to themself or others.”

 

When Is Audiometric Testing Required?

In Canada, and specifically under Alberta OHS audiometric testing requirements, testing is often required upon hiring to establish a baseline. It is also required annually (as annual audiometric testing) and upon job exit. For companies operating across multiple provinces, the strictest provincial standard must be followed.

Wondering how often audiometric testing should be done? That depends on the province and the level of noise exposure in the workplace. However, annual or periodic testing is commonly mandated.

 

On-Site and Mobile Audiometric Testing

CannAmm offers nationwide access to audiometric testing through our extensive location network, ensuring your workforce can be assessed wherever they are across Canada. In addition to our fixed-site capabilities, we’re proud to offer mobile audiometric testing in select areas.

Our mobile hearing testing services bring the clinic directly to your workplace, minimizing downtime and operational disruption. This turnkey solution makes it simple for employers to comply with both provincial and federal occupational health legislation while prioritizing employee safety and regulatory compliance.

 

Benefits Beyond Compliance

While many employers view audiometric testing programs as a legal checkbox, there are deeper safety and productivity benefits. Early detection of hearing loss can:

  • Assess the effectiveness of your noise control program
  • Identify workers at risk of further hearing damage
  • Protects employee health and quality of life
  • Prevent serious incidents in safety-sensitive environments
  • Demonstrates care and commitment

Additionally, the interpretation of audiometric test results provides valuable insights into an individual’s hearing capacity and any limitations that may impact their ability to perform job duties safely and effectively. By identifying specific frequency or decibel losses, health professionals can determine whether a worker may struggle to detect warning alarms, communicate clearly in noisy environments, or operate equipment requiring acute auditory awareness. This information supports informed decisions around task suitability, necessary accommodations, and the implementation of hearing conservation measures – all of which are essential to maintaining a safe and productive workplace.

 

Training and Certification

Only certified professionals should administer audiometric exams. CannAmm ensures that all technicians are trained through approved programs that meet or exceed recognized occupational health and safety standards. Our technicians operate under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals, such as physicians, audiologists, or occupational health nurses, to ensure accurate, compliant, and reliable testing.

In addition to maintaining high clinical standards, our team adheres to all applicable regulatory requirements and best practices for occupational hearing conservation. This ensures employers can trust the results and confidently use them to support safe work placement decisions, legislative compliance, and proactive health monitoring.

 

Audiometric Testing Process at CannAmm

Our standard test takes 20–30 minutes and includes five key steps:

  1. Consent to release clinical history
  2. Noise exposure history review and ear exam
  3. Six frequencies and various decibel levels are used to test hearing
  4. Physician review of history and test results
  5. Confidential reporting to the employer’s authorized representative

The audiogram with physician review is a turnkey choice for employers interested in complying with legislation. Additional benefits are hiring or transferring employees between provinces, and maintaining medical records confidentially for the required length of time. 

 

Legislative Compliance Made Easy

  • OHS-qualified technicians trained by an agency acceptable to the province in which testing is performed (where required)
  • Easy to combine with drug and alcohol testing or fitness testing
  • Record retention is maintained in accordance with OHS requirements, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Ministry of Labour by province, whichever is greatest

CannAmm helps you stay compliant with legislation across Canada. Whether you’re a national company or based in one province, our services ensure proper record retention, legislative alignment, and seamless worker transfers between provinces. See all federal and provincial exposure limits, along with each province/territory’s legislated testing requirements

Audiometric testing is good for everyone. It safeguards workers, boosts safety culture, and shows that your company takes noise exposure seriously.

 

Ready to Learn More?

Still have questions? Download our datasheet or contact CannAmm today. We’ll help you implement a compliant and effective hearing conservation program tailored to your needs.

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