Audiometric testing helps monitor a worker’s hearing and identify changes that may be associated with exposure to hazardous workplace noise.
Since 29 July 2025, Queensland employers and other persons conducting a business or undertaking must provide audiometric testing when a worker is required to wear hearing protection because workplace noise exceeds the applicable exposure standard.
Which Workers Require Audiometric Testing?
Mandatory testing applies when both of the following conditions are met:
- The worker is exposed to noise exceeding the workplace exposure standard.
- The business requires the worker to wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, to manage the risk of hearing loss.
- Providing hearing protection as a general precaution does not automatically trigger the requirement. The business should first establish whether worker exposure exceeds the relevant standard and whether hearing protection is required as a control measure.
In Queensland, the workplace noise exposure standard is:
- An eight-hour equivalent continuous noise level of 85 dB(A)
- A peak noise level of 140 dB(C)
When Must Testing Be Completed?
For workers who commence the relevant work on or after 29 July 2025, audiometric testing must be provided:
- Within three months of commencing the work
- At least once every two years thereafter
Workers who commenced the relevant work before 29 July 2025 must receive their first test before 29 July 2027, followed by testing at least every two years. WorkSafe Queensland recommends prioritising an earlier baseline test where an existing worker has not previously been tested.
Some higher-risk workers may benefit from more frequent monitoring, depending on their exposure, hearing results and workplace circumstances.
Why Is a Noise Assessment Important?
Audiometric testing requirements depend on actual workplace noise exposure, not simply whether a workplace appears loud.
A professional workplace noise assessment can help identify:
- Which workers may be exposed to hazardous noise
- The machinery, equipment or tasks contributing to exposure
- Whether existing noise controls are effective
- Which workers may require hearing protection and audiometric testing
WorkSafe Queensland advises that a competent person should conduct the assessment where a workplace has multiple or variable noise sources or workers move between different noisy areas.
What Does Audiometric Testing Involve?
Audiometric testing is a painless, non-invasive hearing assessment that measures the quietest sounds a person can hear across different frequencies. The test evaluates each ear separately and establishes hearing threshold levels that can be compared with future results.
Testing should be completed by a suitably trained and experienced person using procedures consistent with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 Occupational noise management – Auditory assessment.
Arrange Workplace Audiometric Testing
Onsite Testing provides professional mobile audiometric testing for workplaces across South East Queensland, regional Queensland and remote locations by arrangement.
Our mobile testing units allow hearing assessments to be completed at your workplace, helping minimise employee travel and operational disruption. Testing programs can be arranged around your workforce, shifts, locations and ongoing monitoring requirements.
Call 07 3282 7082 or enquire online to request a free, no-obligation quote.
