Hearing testing is essential for workers exposed to hazardous workplace noise, including people in industry, mining, construction, manufacturing, workshops, transport, warehousing and the trades. Regular workplace hearing tests, also known as audiometric testing, help identify early signs of noise-induced hearing loss before it becomes permanent.
Fit Test Victoria provides professional hearing testing across Victoria helping employers monitor worker hearing health, assess the impact of noisy work environments and support their workplace health and safety obligations.
For teams exposed to machinery, power tools, heavy equipment, impact noise, engines, compressors or high-noise industrial environments, routine occupational hearing testing provides a clear baseline and ongoing record of each worker’s hearing. Combined with the right hearing protection, training and noise control measures, regular hearing tests help businesses protect their people, reduce long-term risk and take hearing safety seriously before damage is done.
In Australia, Hearing Testing Is Commonly Linked To
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Hearing conservation programs
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Occupational noise management
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WHS regulations
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Mining compliance
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Pre-employment medicals
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Annual worker health surveillance
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PPE programs
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AS/NZS occupational noise standards
An audiometry test checks how well a person can hear and helps identify the type and level of hearing loss, if any. The test is painless, non-invasive, and conducted by a registered nurse.
Before testing begins, the ear canal and eardrum are checked with an otoscope to make sure there is no wax, blockage, or foreign object that could affect the results.
The hearing test is completed in our mobile sound-dampening enclosure that we can bring into any work place - it only requires one desk space. The patient wears special ear plugs & headphones and presses a buzzer whenever they hear a sound. A range of pitches are tested in each ear separately, and the results are recorded on an audiogram.
Our hearing tests are AS/NZS 1269 compliant for the booth-less testing method. We'll check the sound levels in the testing are before starting to ensure the ambient noise is acceptable.
If an employee needs hearing protection to reduce their exposure below the standard, you must provide audiometric testing within three months of when they start the relevant work, and at least every two years. You must also provide testing upon a reasonable request by the employee's health and safety representative.
Every industry and in many job roles, workers can be exposed to loud, repetitive noise resulting from machines and impact of materials.
Regular hearing testing is commonly required where workers are exposed to:
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Power tools
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Heavy machinery
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Aircraft engines
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Compressors
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Grinding/cutting equipment
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Industrial presses
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Explosive blasting
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Chainsaws
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Pneumatic tools
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Manufacturing equipment
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High-volume engines
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Turbines
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(many more)