Motivational benefits of audiometric monitoring

Abstract

Audiologists and other professionals who administer occupational hearing conservation programs have for years used audiometric test results to determine the effectiveness of their programs and to show management any departments or areas that require attention. One aspect of the value of audiometry in industry that has received minimal attention is the educational and motivational impact that audiometric test results may have on the employee. Ideally, the test results should be given to the employee immediately following the test. This gives the employee the opportunity to ask questions and allows the examiner to praise the employee's good hearing conservation practices if no significant changes are noted in the employee's audiogram. If hearing thresholds have decreased, the tester is given the opportunity to reinforce the need for hearing protection use both on and off the job. All employees who receive audiograms should receive a meaningful summary of their test results. If this summary cannot be done immediately following the audiogram, written feedback is imperative. Employees are more willing to cooperate with management in these programs when employees can ascertain a benefit to themselves.