Hearing test

  • Thread starter Thread starter David Cooke
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David Cooke

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My employer has us take an annual hearing test. I work at a cargo container depot with a lot of noise (forklifts/power tools/mechanics/truck drivers) I always take these tests seriously probably more than I should and I have a few questions. I understand that hearing loss is something that is unrepairable and these tests only measure a range of 500hz-8khz but according to the paper my hearing has improved? There is an omni directional mic that by the looks of it (I only had a chance to peak) was what looked like an earthworks in the room to make sure that noise doesn't interfere with the test. I've been working here for two years and have taken three tests now and strangely my results get better every time. I'm not just randomly pushing the button or getting lucky which is what seems like the tech thinks I'm doing. I'm 25 years old.

My questions are why does it seem like my hearing is improving?

And how accurate are these tests?

The graph doesn't appear to be weighted to conpensate for age loss but it does have a grey area that says what my age group should be at.

Can anyone explain these things to me?? For instance at 3khz my left ear went from hearing at 10 to now right at the 0 line? Not sure I really even understand these graphs to be honest.

Thanks
 
Probably just a newer set of cans. Been through a few of those types of tests -- Sketchy.
 
Thanks I guess you're right there are a lot of variables but still seems like a waste of money to be so innacurate. I should just be happy my employer is atleast doing this much. Thanks again for the response.
 
Hi David,
I have had several tests over the last ten years on the NHS of course. I cannot remember the graphs now but I am sure they went out to 20kHz.
Before each test did someone check your ears for excess wax or any other obstruction? Were you asked if you had had a cold or any other ENT problems in the last month or so? Any of these problems could have affected the earlier tests and thus you would have shown an improvement later.

I have no idea what a private test would cost you but if you think you might have a problem it might be good to get it done as a reference?
Or, pop over here for a holiday!

Dave.
 
ecc83 said:
Hi David,
I have had several tests over the last ten years on the NHS of course. I cannot remember the graphs now but I am sure they went out to 20kHz.
Before each test did someone check your ears for excess wax or any other obstruction? Were you asked if you had had a cold or any other ENT problems in the last month or so? Any of these problems could have affected the earlier tests and thus you would have shown an improvement later.

I have no idea what a private test would cost you but if you think you might have a problem it might be good to get it done as a reference?
Or, pop over here for a holiday!

Dave.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. They looked in each ear but not very hard with a flash light. The graph says ".5K 1K 2K 3K 4K 6K 8K" I was asked about having a cold/sinus problems and while I answered no it is always this time of year when I'm tested and its a good possibility i just forgot about it previously. Thank you for your suggestions. I was really curious to what the community in general thought about these type of things it seems like most of the people with the most experience and skill are the older cats which is kind of ironic because hearing deteriorates with age. Thanks again!
 
Do you wear hearing protection at work? If you don't, you should. It's very unlikely that your hearing is improving. Protect your hearing! Hearing loss can creep up on you, though a sudden very loud sound can damage your ears in an instant. Go here, to learn some interesting things: SoundTherapyInternational.com
 
Thanks TimN! I'm going to check that site out ASAP. Honestly I don't wear protection like I should. I constantly move around outside and in and take phone calls which is really no excuse but it is rather difficult to wear any protection including foam plugs. I try to keep my distance from loud sources and if I have to use power tools I do wear foam plugs but there are many times a day where I can't predict when something loud is going to happen. Maybe I should invest in some custom molded plugs. That could be written off on my taxes right?
 
Thanks for the suggestion. Hopefully they wont sweat out of my ears in this 100 degree weather.
 
David Cooke said:
Thanks TimN! I'm going to check that site out ASAP. Honestly I don't wear protection like I should. I constantly move around outside and in and take phone calls which is really no excuse but it is rather difficult to wear any protection including foam plugs. I try to keep my distance from loud sources and if I have to use power tools I do wear foam plugs but there are many times a day where I can't predict when something loud is going to happen. Maybe I should invest in some custom molded plugs. That could be written off on my taxes right?
Click to expand...

Whilst I in NO WAY want to minimize the risks of high sound levels, ear are quite "tough" you know!
Even very loud sounds will not cause damage if they only last a short while.

The "daily dose" (Leq it used to be*) is 85dB SPL for 8 hours. Now 85 dB is pretty loud. The average 32" FSTV would struggle to put that into a room and stay clean.

The dosage period gets ever shorter as the SPL rises until past 100dB we are talking minutes. You can also "self diagnose" to some degree. After exposure do you exoerience a hearing loss for a time? Called a Temporary Threshold Shift. Too many TTSs in too short a time will be damaging. We have all I think noticed how quiet the old car is driving back from a rock concert!

Ringing in the ears, odd noises (tinnitus) and of course any pain should be taken very seriously.

Whilst it is laudable that the employer is doing tests is he monitoring the workplace sound levels? Prevention is better than cure (well, there IS no cure for noise induced deafness that I am aware of?)
Quite simple and cheap measures can be taken. MOBOs and fitting extra, solid doors can knock 10dB of the experienced SPL quite easily and put people into a safer sound field. Machinery is often noisy just for the want of a bit of damping material on a cover panel.

*I am WAAAY out of touch with all this stuff and even then only knew a bit of the UK regs' . There are acoustical Top Men here who might like to chip in? They can put ME down as hard as they like!

Dave.
 
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