HEARING CONSERVATION

Baseline audiogram

The baseline audiogram is the reference audiogram against which future audiograms are compared. Baseline audiograms must be provided within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above a TWA of 85 dBA.

Testing to establish a baseline audiogram shall be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise. Hearing protectors may be used as a substitute for this requirement.

Employees shall be notified regarding the need to avoid high levels of non-occupational noise exposure during the 14-hour period immediately preceding the audiometric examination.