Audiometric Testing FAQ’s
Q: What type of audiometers does MHD use?
A: At MHD, we strive to use the most technologically advanced equipment. If you have had audiometric hearing testing completed at your facility or at an urgent care office, you may be familiar with an older looking instrument. Many of the audiometers in use at other companies were designed in the 1950’s and 60’s. Our team uses state-of-the-art Audiometer Systems that utilize iPad’s, noise isolating headsets and an intuitive algorithm-based software that is easy for each test taker to use.
Q: How much space does your truck or trailer require?
A: Our team uses a state-of-the-art Audiometer System while on site at your facility, we no longer use bulky trailers or trucks that take up valuable loading dock space or parking. Our audiometers do not require a stuffy and claustrophobic sound booth; however we do require a medium or large office or boardroom to complete testing. The quieter the space, the quicker testing will go, but most medium to large rooms will work.
Q: How many of my employees can be tested at a time and how long does each test group take to complete an audiogram?
A: Our technicians travel with 4 audiometers and are able to perform 4 tests simultaneously. We typically recommend intervals of 20 minutes for each group of 4 employees and can test approximately 12 employees per hour. If you require additional employees to be tested per group, please contact your account manager for pricing and details.
Q: How long does it take for our audiometric test results to be analyzed for OSHA/MSHA Recordable Standard Threshold Shifts (STS)?
A: If this is your first time performing audiometric hearing testing at your facility, all employee tests will be “baseline” tests. A “baseline” is the first test an employee is given to determine their level of hearing and all future tests will be compared to this “baseline.” If your tests are “baselines”, we should have your OSHA required documentation to you within 5 business days. If your tests are “annuals”, it will take a maximum of 10 business days for our Board-Certified Audiologist to review audiograms and compare them with each employee’s “baseline” test.
Q: Do I need to provide MHD with previous audiograms for my employees?
A: We require each new customer to provide “baseline” audiograms for each employee that is included in your Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) and who has had a “baseline” audiogram. Our team need all “baselines” at least 2 weeks prior to test day so that we have time to upload this information to each employees file in our audiometer system and so that our system is able to properly determine STS’s that require further review by our Board-Certified Audiologist. A member of our operations team will reach out to you by email with a list of items that are required to be completed prior to test day. Please remember that if this information is not provided prior to test day, your test day may need to be rescheduled.
Q: When will my Industrial Hygiene Technician arrive at my facility to perform audiometric testing?
A: Our technicians require 20 to 30 minutes in order to setup and calibrate testing equipment and will arrive at your facility approximately 30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. You, or a member of your team will need to be available to let our technician into your facility and into the test area 30 minutes prior to start time. Please provide a contact phone number for the employee that will be meeting our Industrial Hygiene Technician on test day.
Q: What is the ideal type of room for your Industrial Hygiene Technician to set up in?
A: While our Industrial Hygiene Technicians are able to make most room’s work, the room should have enough space for 5 people with a door and is as quiet as possible. The quieter the room, the more quickly the test will be able to be completed because your employees will be able to focus on the tones being presented by our audiometer and not on extraneous noises present at your facility. While our Shoebox Audiometers can operate and provide valid tests in most conditions, a quieter space is preferred.
Q: What is the ideal type of room for your Industrial Hygiene Technician to set up in?
A: Your baseline audiograms are stored on a cloud server. In order to do a real-time comparison to the baseline test, we need a stable WiFi connection.
Q: In light of the recent spread of COVID-19 and Social Distancing Recommendations by the CDC, what steps do MHD Industrial Hygiene Technicians take while on-site to keep equipment sanitized and help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A: Safety and Sanitary Measures for On-site Audiometric Hearing Testing:
We perform all audiometric hearing testing in an room of your choosing at your facility. We request a room that allows us to comply with social distancing guidelines as closely as possible. This includes a 6 foot space between employees. Due to the need for our technician to work with employees at different points during the test, it will be likely that your employees and our technician will not be able to maintain 6 feet distance during the entire test, however our technician will limit close contact as much as possible.
Sanitize all test areas between testing groups by spraying Lysol or Microban Disinfecting Cleaner on all surfaces touched by employee including iPad, wires, stylus, pens, chairs, desk surfaces and outer portions of headsets and wiping each surface with clean paper towel.
Sanitize headset earphones and headband with isopropyl alcohol wipes.
Implementation of stylus for use by employee instead of finger on iPad screen.
Any employee reporting for testing that is displaying signs of illness will be asked to take their testing at a later date. Retesting will be the responsibility of the employer.
Our technicians wear nitrile gloves at all times and replace them frequently throughout the day.
We give our technicians the option to wear an N95 respirator that has been fitted to their face while working at customer sites. Our technicians are also cleared to wear a surgical mask if they choose.