An Employer's Guide to OSHA Hearing Test Requirements

Understanding OSHA's hearing conservation requirements can help protect your employees and keep your business compliant. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established clear guidelines under 29 CFR 1910.95 to prevent hearing loss in the workplace.

The 85 dB Action Level Rule

When workplace noise reaches 85 decibels (dB) averaged over an 8-hour workday, OSHA requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program. This threshold exists for good reason - approximately 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels each year, putting them at risk for permanent hearing damage.

Baseline Audiogram Requirements

Every employee exposed to noise at or above the action level must receive a baseline audiogram. This initial hearing test serves as a reference point for future comparisons. OSHA requires this baseline test within 6 months of the employee's first exposure to hazardous noise levels.

If you use a mobile testing van service, you have up to 1 year to complete the baseline audiogram. This extended timeframe helps accommodate scheduling challenges that come with mobile services.

Before conducting the baseline test, employees must avoid exposure to workplace noise for at least 14 hours. This quiet period allows their hearing to recover from temporary threshold shifts, providing more accurate baseline measurements.

Annual Testing Requirements

After establishing the baseline, employees need annual audiograms to monitor for any hearing changes. These yearly tests help identify hearing loss early, when intervention can still make a difference.

The annual audiogram must be compared to the baseline to determine if a standard threshold shift has occurred. If an employee shows a significant change in hearing (10 dB or more in either ear at 2000, 3000, or 4000 Hz), you must take specific follow-up actions.

Record Keeping and Documentation

Proper documentation is part of OSHA compliance. You must maintain accurate records of:

• Noise exposure measurements
• Audiometric test records
• Training documentation
• Hearing protection distribution logs

These records must be kept for the duration of employment plus 30 years for medical records, and 2 years for noise exposure measurements.

Training and Employee Education

Employees in your hearing conservation program must receive annual training covering:

• The effects of noise on hearing
• Purpose of audiometric testing
• Proper use and care of hearing protectors
• The purpose and operation of the hearing conservation program

What Makes OCC Hearing Different

Unlike high-volume testing vans that often rely on technicians, we send licensed audiologists or trained hearing instrument specialists to conduct your workplace testing. This approach ensures more accurate evaluations, clear communication, and expert oversight throughout the entire process. We provide concierge-level service with flexible scheduling, on-site screenings, and post-screening support — all customized to your company's workflow.

Our services are fully compliant with both OSHA (29 CFR 1910.95) and MSHA (30 CFR Part 62) regulations. Whether your workplace falls under general industry, construction, or mining, we ensure that all protocols — including baseline comparisons, annual testing, and proper documentation — are followed precisely. We can assist with noise level monitoring and dosimetry when needed.

Beyond compliance testing, every partnership includes built-in access to ongoing hearing wellness resources and exclusive employee benefits.

Getting Started with Compliance

Setting up an OSHA-compliant hearing conservation program involves several steps, but you don't have to handle everything in-house. We can help with audiometric testing, training, and program administration to ensure you meet all requirements while keeping your employees' hearing health a priority.

Ready to protect your workforce and maintain compliance? Reach out to our team to learn more about our industrial testing services and discuss your company's hearing conservation needs.