Do you have a team frequently working in loud environments—such as construction, manufacturing, mining, or aviation? If so, this article is for you.

SafeWork NSW introduced updates to workplace laws from 1 January 2024, changing the requirements for audiometric testing in noisy workplaces. If your workers rely on hearing protection, this is your cue to understand your legal responsibilities and take action to protect your team from hearing loss.

Check this guide out to learn what audiometric testing is, whether your workplace needs one, and what your duties are under Work Health & Safety compliance.

What Is Audiometric Testing in the Workplace? 

Audiometric testing is a painless, non-invasive hearing test. When performed regularly, it helps detect changes in hearing over time.

In a workplace hearing test, each assessment takes up to 10 minutes and is conducted by a trained professional, with the right and left ears tested separately.

During the hearing test, sound frequencies ranging from 500 to 8000 Hz are presented at varying intensities (or loudness levels). The examinee wears headphones and is asked to press a button whenever they hear a sound. The softest sound they can hear at each frequency is measured and recorded.

Do My Employees Need a Workplace Hearing Test?

You must provide audiometric testing if your employees are exposed to noise levels above the legal exposure standard:

  • A continuous noise level of 85 dB(A) over 8 hours, or
  • A peak noise level of 140 dB(C)

This applies to industries such as construction, mining, aviation, and manufacturing, where hazardous noise levels are common. 

There are two types of audiometric testing you may need:

  • A baseline test, which must be conducted within 3 months of starting employment. This establishes the worker’s initial hearing status at the beginning of their role.
  • A follow-up monitoring test, which is required every 2 years after the baseline test. The results are compared with the worker’s previous hearing levels to identify any temporary threshold shifts.

If your employees are regularly exposed to higher noise levels (100 dB and above), audiometric testing should be conducted more frequently.

According to Clause 58 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, if a worker relies on hearing protection to manage noise that exceeds the standard, workplace audiometric testing is mandatory. You — as the PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) — should be organising and funding the hearing tests. 

📆 Key compliance deadlines:

For existing employees (employed before 1 Jan 2024), audiometric testing must be completed before 1 Jan 2026.

In addition, regular workplace hearing tests bring measurable business value:

  • Early detection of hearing loss
  • Prevention of long-term hearing damage
  • Assess the effectiveness of noise controls
  • Reduced employee turnover and absenteeism

By offering audiometric testing and catching signs of hearing loss early, you reduce risk and improve workplace health outcomes, directly related to your team’s productivity. Early prevention of hearing loss also helps cut down your workers comp premiums.

Whether for legal compliance, improved productivity, or reduced workers compensation costs, providing workplace hearing tests isn’t just important — in many cases, it’s compulsory.

What to Expect During and After a Workplace Hearing Test

During the Test

The audiometric testing process is quick and straightforward, taking up to 10 minutes per person to complete. A quiet room, free from loud background noise, is required. If undergoing audiometric testing for the first time, the testing professional will ask the examinee a few questions to understand their history of noise exposure. Otherwise, here are some tips on preparing for your hearing test.

Test Results

A report will be sent to employers shortly after the audiometric testing. Minor changes in hearing—either improvement or decline—may be noted, which is common and usually has no clinical significance.

If a significant threshold shift in hearing is detected from the workplace hearing test, this may indicate a temporary or permanent hearing loss. A retest is required after 16 hours in quiet conditions to confirm whether the loss is permanent. If confirmed, the worker should be referred to a physician to determine the cause of hearing loss and discuss potential treatment options.

After the Test

If hearing loss is detected, you must inform and follow up with the affected employee. Otherwise, the hearing test report must remain strictly confidential.

Where hearing loss is confirmed, employers must review existing noise controls to ensure they are effective and make appropriate adjustments in the workplace to accommodate the worker’s hearing needs. 

Effective Hearing Protection Strategies in the Workplace

Hearing loss can be costly—for your employees and your business. As an employer, you have a duty to ensure that noise levels your employees are exposed to do not exceed the standard, and where possible, to eliminate the risk entirely. Here are a few effective noise controls you can apply in your workplace:

  • Eliminating noise hazards and isolating the noise source during workplace planning
  • Performing workplace noise assessments to evaluate sound levels
  • Providing hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs
  • Reducing the amount of time workers are exposed to high noise levels
  • Offering regular audiometric testing to monitor and protect workers’ hearing health.

Book Audiometric Testing with AusRehab: Workplace Health Tips and Support

AusRehab offers comprehensive pre-employment screening services, including audiometric testing conducted in strict accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 (Occupational Noise Management) standards to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Why not try booking through our new pre-employment booking portal? Enjoy instant scheduling, fast turnaround times, and professional reports delivered within 2–3 business days. We offer multiple testing locations across NSW, with on-site testing available in the Sydney metro area.

Walk us through your hiring process and let us help you make informed, cost-effective hiring decisions.Your trust in us today can help reduce your costs tomorrow. Contact AusRehab to get started.