Workcover Hearing Test

Who is entitled to WorkCover testing?

All workers employed in a prescribed workplace must receive a baseline audiometric hearing test (within 12 months of employment) regardless of the type or amount of hearing protection worn.

Prescribed workplaces cover those where workers are subject to (or likely to be subject to) a daily noise dose of 90dB(A) and above in an eight-hour period. A workplace will also be considered a prescribed workplace if noise exposure peaks at 140dB(lin). This is roughly equivalent to the noise of a blast or siren going off close to a worker.

From agriculture to mining, construction to carpentry and oil/gas extraction, there are many settings where hearing loss is a considerable risk factor. This leads to 4,700 claims made on average each year for noise-induced hearing loss. Protect your health and safety, and the health and safety of your team, by organising regular workplace hearing tests to protect hearing now and in the future.

PLEASE NOTE: Western Australia legislation differs from other Australian states. WorkCover testers must be WorkCover WA approved audiometric officers. Hearing and Audiology is proud to be an accredited provider of WorkCover WA audiometric testing.

WorkCover tests we offer

Our clinics specialise in offering comprehensive hearing tests in consultation with WorkCover. This range of tests includes:

• Baseline and subsequent air conduction testing (30 minutes)
• Full audiological assessment (60 minutes)
• Subsequent full audiological assessment (60 minutes)

For more information about our hearing healthcare services, please call (08) 9388 8003 or book online using our convenient form. We conduct WorkCover tests at our Perth based clinics, located in Subiaco and Duncraig, as well as at our Geraldton clinic.

Baseline vs. Subsequent Assessment: What’s the difference?

Damage to hearing can occur in different ways, which makes it crucial for tests to be scheduled regularly. Damage may result in the loss of ability to hear high-pitched sounds, muffled conversations, or even tinnitus – a physical condition resulting in ringing, buzzing or whistling sounds without an external physical noise.

Learn more about Tinnitus here

Learn more about workplace hearing tests below.

Baseline Hearing Test

A baseline hearing test will establish an employee’s baseline hearing or overall percentage of hearing loss. This first audiometric test will provide a benchmark for future tests to determine the level of hearing loss attributed to workplace conditions and any possible compensation that may be owed.

Subsequent Assessment

Follow-up hearing tests may be requested by employee’s via a request in writing. However, many employer’s organise annual, or more frequent, audiometric testing to monitor potential hearing loss on a worksite and manage the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and potential compensation claims.  

Signs of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

• Inability to hear high-pitched sounds
• Muffled or distorted speech
• Tinnitus (ringing, whistling or buzzing in the ear)
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Requiring frequent repetition of words and sentences
• Trouble hearing background noise
• Irritability in noisy environments
• Headaches

These symptoms may last minutes, hours or even days after an employee leaves a worksite. However, even if you or your staff report an improvement in their hearing over time, damage occurring to the fragile structures of the inner ear can lead to progressive damage and, if left long enough, permanent hearing damage.

How much do WorkCover hearing tests cost?

It is the employer’s responsibility to arrange and cover the cost of WorkCover hearing tests for all relevant employees. This includes the baseline and subsequent air conduction test as well as any follow-up tests for the duration of employment.

This is compulsory under the Worker’s Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 which requires employers to provide WorkCover hearing tests (as governed by WorkCover WA).

How to prepare for a WorkCover hearing test

Your accredited WorkCover testing audiologist will walk you through the testing requirements and explain follow-up procedures and protocols. However, you should avoid being exposed to prolonged noises above 80dB for 16 hours prior to your appointment (for example, a hair dryer or garbage disposal unit). Prolonged exposure to loud noises before your test may interfere with results and necessitate further testing.

Why choose us? 

At Hearing and Audiology, our experienced team of experts has over 35 years of experience providing ongoing support and rehabilitation for those suffering with hearing loss issues both in and out of work settings. 

We also offer: 

• State-of-the-art hearing solutions 
• Free hearing services to veterans and pensioners 
• Accurate diagnostics to precisely diagnose hearing loss issues 
• Perfectly fitting hearing aids for comfort and satisfaction 
• Personalised services including follow-up care

Organise your WorkCover hearing test with Perth’s hearing and audiologist specialists

Noise induced hearing loss is an irreversible condition that can disrupt the professional and personal lives of your employees. Although the majority of work-related hearing damage occurs over time, you can minimise the risk of injury and compensation claims with regular hearing tests through an accredited WorkCover partner.

To arrange a test, or to speak to Perth’s trusted specialists in hearing since 1985, call us directly on (08) 9388 8003 for more information or make a booking online using our secure booking form.