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Hearing loss often occurs gradually and without pain, making it easy to overlook—but it can have a major impact in the workplace. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common and preventable occupational illnesses in the United States. Unfortunately, once it occurs, occupational hearing loss is permanent and untreatable. When a worker’s ability to hear and communicate is impaired, it can lead to safety concerns, decreased productivity, and communication challenges on the job.
An audiogram is the standard tool used to measure and represent a person’s hearing ability. Most audiograms focus on the frequency range between 100 Hz and 8,000 Hz, which is essential for understanding speech. These tests are conducted using an audiometer—a calibrated device that presents different sound frequencies through headphones to evaluate hearing thresholds. Regular audiometric testing is a proactive way for employers to protect worker health and ensure early detection of hearing loss.
