Interview the client:

• • • Check if the candidate has been exposed to any loud noise or music in the last 16 hours. As a general rule of thumb if the exposure time is longer than 30 minutes and/or is very loud (e.g. angle grinder) then it is appropriate to defer the test.

    • If noise exposure has been declared: Ask candidate what the source of noise was, if hearing protection was worn and if they were required to raise their voice in order to be heard.

    • Check if the candidate has flown or ridden a motorcycle in the last 16 hours.

    • If candidate has flown within past 24 hours - ask if their ears have equalised "popped".

    • Ask if the candidate has any problems with their ears, ringing or other sounds in their ears.

    • Ask if the candidate has a cold or any other condition which may impact their hearing.

Perform otoscopy and document any irregularities

• • • occlusion (e.g. which ear, level of occlusion estimated in % - if > 75% defer testing and send for syringing)

    • tympanosclerosis (scarring)

    • perforations

    • otitis externa

    • otitis media

    • exotosis

    • tympanostomy tube (grommet)

    • foreign body

Refer to the link below to learn more:

• • • Otoscopy Pathologies

Explain the test:

• • • "The idea of this test is to determine the softest/quietest sound you are able to hear. I will put the headphones on and test each ear separately. You will hear a series of short noises, like beeps, whistles or tones. Each time you hear a noise I want you to press the response button, even if the noise is very soft. Do you have any questions?"

Perform the audiometry

• • • start at 1000Hz

    • progress through 1500Hz, 2000Hz, 3000Hz, 4000Hz, 6000Hz, 8000Hz

    • retest 1000Hz and provided within 5dB then progress to 500; if >5dB retest 1500Hz-8000Hz

    • test 500Hz

    • test opposite ear

Document audiometry and provide audiogram (Audiogram template is located on the desktop).

Record client details on spreadsheet if they are a WorkCover Audio.

If Workcover ensure Form 18 and 406 are signed. (You must have accreditation to perform WorkCover Audios).

Adhere the WorkCover audiometry procedures.

WorkCover WA stipulates all WorkCover hearing test results must be lodged within one month of testing. However, leniency is given to Pre-Employment Medicals where lodgement of results must occur within 3 months of audiometric testing, once confirmation of employment is received.

The link to the lodgement site is below:

• • https://online.workcover.wa.gov.au/

Once lodged please document lodgement in Nookal in the client's file.