Mobile hearing test (audiometry) facility

QOH has a large mobile medical facility ("Medivan") for conducting screening hearing tests on-site in Sydney and surrounding areas. This eight metre portable medical centre is purpose fitted-out with a professional sound proof booth and modern computerised testing equipment.

We bring the Medivan to your site for hearing tests, or other medical services such as vision tests, flu vaccinations, medicals or health promotion sessions e.g cholesterol tests, blood pressure checks, and skin checks.

We provide computerised printouts of hearing test results and can also provide summary reports of all tests. These can be provided in a file for reviewing on a PC such as in Excel format. A sample report is attached for viewing at the bottom of this page. For quotations and enquiries please see the link below here.

Enquiry for Hearing Tests, Noise Measurement or other services

The WorkCover Code of Practice for Noise Management

Information on Noise Management Services (Hearing Conservation) and Occupational Hygiene

Noise and hearing loss:
When the ears are exposed to a very loud noise or prolonged moderately loud noise the sensitive inner ear can be damaged causing noise-induced hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss is common, affecting thousands of Australians every year.

What constitutes a loud noise?
Noise, or sound intensity, is measured in decibels. Normal conversation occurs at about 60 decibels. Anything over 120 decibels can cause hearing loss. Examples of noises that reach 120 decibels or above include fireworks, gunshots, and jet engines. Roughly you can expect noise to be damaging if:

you must shout to be heard

your ears hurt

you have ringing in the ears

you have trouble hearing for some time after hearing loud noise.

The only way to be sure is to do noise measurements. These must be done using properly calibrated equipment that is designed for the purpose. This is a specialised area. Send an email for more information.

How does a loud noise cause hearing loss?
Loud noises can cause damage to the hair cells in the inner ear and to the auditory nerve. This is called sensorineural hearing loss or nerve deafness. Sensorineural hearing loss also can be caused by infections, old age, head injuries, some medications, birth abnormalities, tumors, problems with blood circulation or high blood pressure, and stroke.)

Hearing loss can happen from brief intense noises such as an a gunshot. It can also happen from continuous loud noises such as in a loud workplace. Such hearing loss can be immediate or may come on over years.

Immediate hearing loss often has associated ringing in the ears called tinnitus. Tinnitus can also sound like roaring, buzzing, or even like having a freight train inside your head, often occurs with prolonged noise exposure damage, as well. It can be very distressing and has been known to lead to suicide. Thankfully there are new treatments available.

Prolonged exposure to noise can actually change the structure of the hair cells in the inner ear, causing hearing loss.

Hearing loss from noise can be permanent or temporary. If the hearing loss is temporary, hearing usually recovers within 16 hours of noise exposure.

Noises that cause hearing loss
Hearing loss can occur after a one-off exposure to a loud noise or repeated exposure to loud noise. Exposure to loud noises can occur at work, at home, or during recreation. Some noisy activities that can cause hearing loss are:

Hobbies and pastimes:

shooting

motorcycles

model airplanes

Home activities:

lawn mowing

leaf blowing

power tool use

Work duties:

woodworking with machines

using chainsaws

abrasive blasting

construction work

work around aircraft engines

Preventing noise-induced hearing loss
Before you are exposed to loud noise either temporarily or over a longer period, always use ear plugs or muffs. Ear plugs, which fit into the outer ear canal, and ear muffs, which fit over the entire outside of the ear, reduce the intensity of the noise that hits the eardrum. Properly fitted ear plugs and ear muffs can reduce noise by 15 to 30 or more decibels.

For more information on workplace hearing tests or noise measurement:

Enquiry for Hearing Tests, Noise Measurement or other services

or contact:

glenda.fendick@qoh.com.au

Glenda Fendick
Phone: 02 98977699