An audiometric test measures how well you hear. It's quick and painless. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and your employer may require this test each year. Follow through with it. You can't "fail" a hearing test. The test results just help your employer know whether more hearing protection is required.
What to expect
You may be tested in a clinic or in a mobile testing van. The test lasts only a few minutes and is easy to do. An audiologist (hearing specialist) will give you headphones and seat you in a soundproof room. The audiologist will then play tones at many pitches and volumes. When you hear the tones, you press a button or raise your hand.
Your test results
The test result is a graph called an audiogram. It shows how well you hear. The result of your first hearing test will be your baseline. Future tests will be compared to your baseline to see whether your hearing has changed. If your test shows a change from your baseline, you may be tested more often. It could mean that you and your employer need to change the type of protection you usually wear.
Online Medical Reviewer: Ashutosh Kacker MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 10/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Need Help? We're Here for You
Our Member Services team is here to help you understand your benefits, find care, or resolve concerns.
1-800-510-9132
Call NC Quitline
Need support to quit smoking, vaping, or to quit other nicotine products? You can receive support including medicines free of charge:
1-800-784-8669
Schedule Transportation
Need transportation to a doctor's office, pharmacy, or other covered healthcare service? Contact us to arrange your ride.
1-800-510-9132
Provider Directory
Need to find a provider like a Primary Care Physician, Specialist, OB/GYN, or a Psychiatrist?
Provider DirectoryRelated Articles
Coping with Ménière’s Disease: Other Things You Can Do
Take care of your body and your emotions. Also talk to your friends and family. The more they know about Meniere's disease, the easier it will be for them to understand what you're going through and to offer help when they can.
Ears and airplane travel, earwax, and ear cleaning
Detailed information on ears and airplane travel, ear wax, and ear cleaning.
Adjusting to Having a Hearing Aid: New Ways to Hear
It's not easy to focus on a conversation when there's a lot of background noise. That's where aural rehab can help. With this training, you'll improve your hearing by learning new listening techniques. Read on to learn more.
Dysarthria: Improving Speech
Dysarthria is a speech problem caused by a lack of control over the muscles in the face and mouth. Clearer, smoother speech is the goal of rehabilitation.
