Using audiometric database analysis results to prevent occupational hearing loss

When audiometric monitoring results for individuals are used to identify employees whose hearing changes indicate inadequate protection from noise exposure, threshold shifts must occur before actions are triggered to increase protection for the affected person. In contrast, when audiometric results for groups of noise-exposed employees are evaluated using audiometric data base analysis (ADBA), the presence of high variability in threshold measurements across the population alerts hearing conservation program (HCP) personnel to program deficiencies before many individuals develop significant threshold shifts. This warning allows HCP personnel to improve the program, thereby preventing hearing loss. Several case histories of successful ADBA applications will be detailed to illustrate how ADBA results can be used to assess program effectiveness for different noise exposure groups, to answer specific questions about hearing protector adequacy, and to set priorities on noise control projects. The preventive benefits from applying the ADBA procedures recommended by ANSI S12 Working Group 12 provide a strong justification for the audiometric phase of the HCP. With more effective programs, reduced employer liability for occupational hearing loss is expected.