At Compcare Urgent Care in Minnesota we offer audiogram testing for businesses of all sizes throughout Minnesota. Noise, or unwanted sound, is one of the most widespread occupational health problems. It is a result of many industrial processes. Exposure to high levels of noise causes hearing loss and may cause other harmful health effects. The extent of damage depends on the intensity of the noise and the duration of the exposure. Noise-induced hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Temporary hearing loss results from short-term exposures to noise, with normal hearing returning after a period of rest. Generally, prolonged exposure to high noise levels over a period of time gradually causes permanent damage. OSHA’s hearing conservation program is designed to protect workers from hearing impairment.
Audiometric testing monitors an employee’s hearing over time. It also provides an opportunity for employers to educate employees about their hearing and the need to protect it. The employer must establish and maintain an audiometric testing program. The important elements of the program include baseline audiograms, annual audiograms, training, and follow up procedures.
The hearing conservation program requires employers to monitor noise exposure levels in a way that accurately identifies employees exposed to noise at or above 85 decibels (dB) averaged over 8 working hours, or an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The exposure measurement must include all continuous, intermittent, and impulsive noise within an 80 dB to 130 dB range and must be taken during a typical work situation. Employers must repeat monitoring whenever changes in production, process, or controls increase noise exposure.
Whether your Minnesota business requires annual audiogram hearing testing, repeat testing, or some combination, Compcare Urgent Care offers comprehensive testing for industrial noise exposures. Our occupational audiologist can determine work-related hearing loss. Our mobile unit can service your business on-site and conduct up to 6 audiograms simultaneously. Digital resulting, standard threshold shift (STS) evaluation and audiology evaluations are included.