ABSTRACT
When an employee has been found to have a significant hearing loss, a second audiogram should be performed, preferably within a month. It is very important that this audiogram should be taken in quiet conditions and when the employee has not been subjected to excessive noise levels at work or leisure. This will often need to be on a Monday morning but it is also important that there has been no leisure exposure to loud noise ideally in the 48 hours, but certainly for no more than 16 hours, prior to the test. The audiogram, together with the questionnaire and any other information including the previous audiogram, if one exists, should be obtained by the Occupational Health physician who will arrange to see the employee. It is helpful if the occupational physician is aware of the working conditions and an occasional walk through the plant, noting the noisy areas, will help them to appreciate where people work.
