After the Audiogram Evaluation
The employer must fit or refit any employee showing an STS with adequate hearing protectors, show the employee how to use them, and require the employee to wear them.
Employers must notify employees within 21 days after the determination that their audiometric test results show an STS.
Some employees with an STS may need further testing if the professional determines that:
- test results are questionable; or
- they have an ear problem thought to be caused or aggravated by wearing hearing protectors.
If the suspected medical problem is not thought to be related to wearing hearing protection, the employer must advise the employee to see a physician.
If subsequent audiometric tests show that the STS identified on a previous audiogram is not persistent, employees whose exposure to noise is less than a TWA of 90 dB may stop wearing hearing protectors.
The employer may substitute an annual audiogram for the original baseline audiogram if the professional supervising the audiometric program determines that the employee's STS is persistent.
The employer must retain the original baseline audiogram, however, for the length of the employee's employment. This substitution will ensure that the same shift is not repeatedly identified. The professional also may decide to revise the baseline audiogram if the employee's hearing improves. This will ensure that the baseline reflects actual hearing thresholds to the extent possible.
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6-5. How long must the employer keep the results of a baseline audiogram?
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