Why You Can’t Afford to Neglect Workplace Hearing Tests
By Simon Holt, CEO, Mobile Screening Australia
Protecting employee health and safety isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s a commitment to wellbeing, productivity, and a positive workplace culture. One area often underestimated is hearing protection, even though noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common and preventable workplace injuries in Australia.
That’s why regular workplace hearing tests—also known as workplace audiometric screening—should be a critical part of every organisation’s health and safety strategy.
The Legal Responsibility: What the Law Requires
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, employers are required to provide and maintain a safe work environment. This includes managing risks associated with hazardous noise.
Each state and territory in Australia has its own Work Health and Safety Regulations—most based on the model WHS Regulations developed by Safe Work Australia. Across these jurisdictions, the requirement for audiometric testing is well established.
Employers must provide audiometric testing:
- Within 3 months of a worker starting in a noisy role, and
- At least every 2 years thereafter.
Is Your Workplace At Risk?
Quite possibly. According to Safe Work Australia, 28–32% of Australian workers are regularly exposed to loud noise.
Sectors such as construction, logistics, manufacturing, aviation, agriculture, and mining are at particularly high risk. But even office environments with machinery or ongoing background noise may exceed safe thresholds.
The Lasting Impact of Hearing Damage
Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible and can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty understanding conversations
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
- Fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, and even depression
Exposure to noise above 85 decibels—equivalent to a lawn mower—can cause permanent damage over time. Louder sounds or prolonged exposure increase the risk dramatically.
The Case for Workplace Audiometric Screening
Regular workplace audiometric screening is one of the most effective tools to protect your workers and demonstrate your commitment to safety.
Key benefits include:
- Legal compliance with WHS regulations in every state and territory
- Early detection of hearing loss and monitoring over time
- Verification that hearing protection is effective
- Fewer compensation claims and improved health outcomes
- Reinforcement of your organisation’s reputation for safety leadership
Mobile Screening Makes It Simple
At Mobile Screening Australia, we provide on-site workplace hearing tests across the country. Our mobile units are fully equipped with sound-controlled booths and calibrated audiometry equipment, and our trained professionals ensure smooth, disruption-free testing at your site.
We also offer:
- Noise level assessments to identify risk areas
- Compliant reporting for your WHS documentation
- Ongoing test scheduling so you never miss a retest deadline.
Learn more about our workplace hearing test services.
Don’t Leave It Too Late
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent—but entirely preventable.
By implementing regular workplace hearing tests, you’re doing more than meeting your legal obligations. You’re protecting your people, your productivity, and your organisation’s future.
Let Mobile Screening help you stay compliant and safeguard what matters most—your workforce.
