When Is Audiometric Testing Required in NSW?
A clear guide for NSW employers on when audiometric testing is legally required, what triggers the obligation, and how to set up a compliant hearing surveillance program.
The Legal Trigger for Audiometric Testing in NSW
Audiometric testing is required in NSW when workers are exposed to noise that exceeds specific thresholds defined in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW). This is not optional or discretionary. If the noise exposure levels at your workplace meet the trigger, audiometric testing becomes a legal obligation for the employer.
The regulation sits under the broader Work Health and Safety Act 2011, which requires persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to manage risks to health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable. Noise-induced hearing loss is a well-established occupational health risk, and audiometric testing is the primary tool for monitoring whether workers' hearing is being affected by workplace noise.
The specific provisions are found in Part 4.1 of the WHS Regulation 2017, which deals with noise. Regulation 58 addresses health monitoring, including audiometric testing, for workers exposed to hazardous noise levels.
Noise Exposure Thresholds
The WHS Regulation 2017 sets two exposure standards for noise in the workplace. If either standard is exceeded or is at risk of being exceeded, the employer must implement noise control measures and may be required to provide audiometric testing.
LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A)
This is the eight-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level. It represents the average noise exposure over a standard eight-hour working day. If a worker's daily noise exposure reaches or exceeds 85 dB(A) averaged over eight hours, the exposure standard is exceeded. This is the primary trigger for audiometric testing obligations.
LC,peak of 140 dB(C)
This is the peak C-weighted sound pressure level. It captures sudden, high-intensity noise events such as hammering, gunshots, explosive fastening, or impact tools. A single peak exceeding 140 dB(C) triggers the exposure standard, regardless of what the average daily exposure is. This threshold addresses the risk of acute hearing damage from impulse noise.
Practical context: Normal conversation is approximately 60 dB(A). A circular saw at one metre produces approximately 100 dB(A). A jackhammer at one metre produces approximately 110 dB(A). The 85 dB(A) threshold is commonly exceeded in construction, manufacturing, mining, transport, entertainment, and hospitality venues with amplified music.
Baseline Audiometry vs Monitoring Audiometry
Audiometric testing in the workplace falls into two categories, and both serve different purposes in a hearing conservation program.
Baseline Audiometry
A baseline audiometric test is conducted before the worker begins noise-exposed work or as soon as practicable after starting. It establishes the worker's hearing levels at the point of entry. This baseline becomes the reference point against which all future monitoring results are compared. Without a baseline, it is impossible to determine whether any hearing loss detected later is work-related or pre-existing. Baseline audiometry is commonly included in pre-employment assessments for noise-exposed roles.
Monitoring Audiometry
Monitoring audiometric tests are conducted at regular intervals after the baseline to track any changes in hearing over time. The WHS Regulation 2017 requires monitoring to be carried out within two years of the baseline and at least every two years after that. More frequent testing may be warranted if a worker shows early signs of hearing shift or if noise exposure levels are particularly high.
Both types of test must be conducted by a qualified audiometric testing provider. The test involves the worker sitting in a quiet environment, usually a sound-treated booth, and responding to tones played at different frequencies and volumes through headphones. The result is an audiogram that plots the worker's hearing thresholds across the speech-frequency range.
Employer Obligations Under the WHS Regulation 2017
When noise exposure at your workplace triggers the audiometric testing requirement, several specific obligations apply to the employer.
Identify noise-exposed workers
Conduct noise assessments to determine which workers are exposed at or above the exposure standard. This typically requires noise monitoring conducted by a competent person using calibrated equipment. The assessment should identify specific tasks, areas, and roles where exposure exceeds 85 dB(A) LAeq,8h or 140 dB(C) peak.
Provide audiometric testing at no cost to the worker
The employer must provide audiometric testing to noise-exposed workers. The cost is borne by the employer - the worker cannot be asked to pay. Testing must be conducted during work hours or the worker must be compensated for the time spent.
Ensure testing is conducted by a qualified provider
Audiometric testing must be conducted by or under the supervision of an audiologist, audiometrist, or a person with relevant qualifications and training. The testing environment must meet the requirements for ambient noise levels to ensure accurate results.
Maintain records for 30 years
Under Regulation 61 of the WHS Regulation 2017, health monitoring records, including audiometric results, must be kept for at least 30 years after the record is made. This reflects the long latency of noise-induced hearing loss - a worker may not develop symptoms until years or decades after the exposure occurred.
Act on results
If audiometric testing reveals a significant hearing shift in a worker, the employer must investigate the cause, review and improve noise control measures, and consider whether the worker should continue in the noise-exposed role. Simply testing and filing the results is not compliance - the employer must act on the information obtained.
Industries Where Audiometric Testing Is Most Common
While the obligation is based on noise exposure levels rather than industry, certain sectors consistently trigger the requirement due to the nature of the work.
Construction
Power tools, concrete cutting, demolition, pile driving, and heavy machinery routinely exceed 85 dB(A). Construction is one of the highest-risk industries for noise-induced hearing loss.
Manufacturing
Press machines, conveyor systems, packaging lines, welding, and grinding all contribute to sustained noise exposure above the threshold in many manufacturing environments.
Mining and Quarrying
Drilling, blasting, crushing, and heavy vehicle operation produce noise levels well above the exposure standard. Mining is subject to additional sector-specific regulations in most states.
Transport and Logistics
Drivers of heavy vehicles, forklift operators in warehouses, and workers in distribution centres with sustained mechanical noise exposure may reach the 85 dB(A) threshold over an eight-hour shift.
Audiometry as Part of Pre-Employment Screening
For roles with known noise exposure, audiometric testing should be included in the pre-employment assessment. This serves two purposes. First, it establishes the baseline against which all future monitoring will be compared. Second, it identifies candidates who already have significant hearing loss that may affect their fitness for the role or their ability to work safely in a noisy environment.
Including audiometry at the pre-employment stage is significantly more cost-effective than attempting to establish a baseline after the worker has already been exposed. Once exposure has occurred, it becomes difficult to distinguish between pre-existing loss and occupational loss, which creates complications in workers compensation claims.
If you need to set up a hearing surveillance program or include audiometry in your pre-employment screening, contact us to discuss your requirements. We deliver audiometric testing as part of our pre-employment and health surveillance programs across Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what noise level is audiometric testing required in NSW?
Audiometric testing is required when workers are exposed to noise at or above LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) over an eight-hour day, or a peak noise level of LC,peak 140 dB(C). These thresholds are set by the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW). If either threshold is exceeded, the employer must provide audiometric testing to affected workers.
How often does audiometric testing need to be done?
Under the WHS Regulation 2017, monitoring audiometry must be conducted within two years of the baseline test and at least every two years after that. More frequent testing may be required if a worker shows signs of early hearing shift or if noise exposure levels are particularly high.
Who pays for workplace audiometric testing?
The employer pays. Audiometric testing required under WHS regulations is the employer's obligation and must be provided at no cost to the worker. Testing should be conducted during work hours or the worker compensated for their time.
Key Takeaways
- Required above 85 dB(A) LAeq,8h
- Baseline test before noise exposure
- Monitoring every 2 years minimum
- Records kept for 30 years
- Employer pays for all testing
- Part of pre-employment screening
- Qualified provider required
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Content reviewed by Jovi Villanueva, AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist, SIRA Approved Provider, Principal Physiotherapist at Wellworx Workplace Solutions.
Last updated: June 2026
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