AUDIOMETRY IN INDUSTRY

Pure tone audiometry is the most common method of screening for hearin g loss. The test itself is straightforward and the equipment readily a vailable, so it forms part of the hearing conservation programmes of m any industries. Whilst the test itself is straighforward, because of i ndividual variability in response, interpretation of the results may b e difficult. There has therefore been considerable debate on the role of audiometry in hearing conservation. The last official publication d ealing with audiometry was a Health and Safety Executive discussion do cument 'Audiometry in Industry' published in 1978: no current recommen dations are available. This article is a critical review of the advice given in that document, which aims to clarify the role that audiometr y may play in the conservation of hearing. It was concluded that audio metry in the individual may perform poorly in strict cost benefit term s when used serially to detect a deterioration in hearing of an indivi dual, but as the only form of biological monitoring it should be avail able to all employees who are advised to wear hearing protection al wo rk. A distinction between audiometry in the individual and group audio metry is then made: the analysis of the hearing of a group may be usef ul in assessing risk to hearing. Graphical methods of analysis are sho wn, and more formal methods of statistical analysis discussed.