Audiometry has been a legal
requirement in the work environment in South Africa for many years .The
training of persons who will have the abilities to perform the
audiometry (hearing tests) and interpret the findings has occurred
since 1970 .Since the 1970’s the training and education has constantly
been required to change due changes in legislation, assessment criteria
for hearing loss and methods of managing the hearing loss. Today the
must comply with Unit Standard 252126.
Occutech has trained and educated audiometric technicians since 1990
and was the first accredited training provider. Occutech’s training
complies and exceeds the requirements of the Unit Standard.
From 2001 all employees who may be exposed to noise in their work
environment have been required to undergo hearing tests. The
legislation requires hearing tests to be performed by a competent and
registered audiometric technician using calibrated equipment. The
initial hearing test (the first test) is a Baseline. This comprises of
two hearing tests done on same day with a time interval between tests.
If the result is acceptable this test will be used throughout the
employees work life to determine the percentage (%) hearing loss.
Hearing testing in a sound booth used for Audiometry
Every 6 months to a year retesting is required. If the retest compared
to the Baseline is greater than 10% the employee must undergo a full
audiometry examination by an Audiologist. If this examination confirms
the 10 % hearing loss the employee is reported to the Workman
Compensation Commissioner.