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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I go into the business of providing hearing tests?
Under Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 7.8(2), all hearing tests must be conducted by "authorized" persons. To become an authorized hearing test business, called an "Industrial Audiometric Business", you must:-
a. have taken and passed the "Industrial Audiometric Technician Training Course" offered only by the British Columbia Institute of Technology, or employ someone who passed this course. Please refer to Industrial Audiometric Technician (IAT) Certification Process for more detailed information.
b. have an Industrial Audiometric Facility that complies with all of WorkSafeBC's requirements, whether a mobile van or fixed office facility. Please refer to Industrial Audiometric Facility Approval Process for more information. The last pages must be completed and submitted to WorkSafeBC.
c. if you wish to test workers in the construction industry, in addition to the two previous requirements, you must sign a contract (sample) with WorkSafeBC prior to providing Hearing Testing services. Please refer to Industrial Audiometric Technicians (IATs) and Hearing Tests for the Construction Industry for more information.
Everyone wishing to conduct tests must take the course at BCIT. There is no transferability/equivalency of credentials or accreditation from other jurisdictions or bodies, for example: BCMA, CCOHN, BCASLPA, CASLPA, AIHA, CAOHC, ASHA, NIOSH, NHCA, OSHA, HISS, or another province, state, or country.
Once you have become, or have hired, a certified Industrial Audiometric Technician and have an approved facility, you may have your business posted on the WorkSafeBC website on a providers' list. You may test workers in any region of British Columbia.
The WorkSafeBC occupational audiologist authorizes both the personnel and physical plant required to become an audiometric contractor. For more information contact (604) 276-3090.
Source: WorkSafeBC
How do I record Audiometric tests and submit them to WorkSafeBC? 
All Industrial Audiometric hearing tests results are now entered into a software program, the Electronic Audiogram Program (EAP), and submitted through the employers/small business internet portal.
The Electronic Audiogram Program:
You can obtain the Electronic Audiogram Program in one of two ways:
- It can be emailed to you. Please be aware that in some cases, a business' firewalls make this difficult. As well, it is a large file, and you must have room in your email inbox to receive it. If you would like to receive the EAP through email, please email .
- You can download it directly after you have signed on to the secure internet portal described below. This is the preferred method, though you must first follow the steps outlined below to obtain access from WorkSafeBC to use this portal.
In order to learn more about the Electronic Audiogram Program, please review the training manuals designed to assist with its use.
- Part 1: Introduction & getting quickly started, using the simple Form Mode (PDF 3.5 MB) Revised May 2012
- Part 2: Using the faster Data Entry Mode (PDF 5.2 MB) Revised May 2012
- Part 3: Maintenance and update of the audiogram program (PDF 3.5 MB) Revised May 2012
Industrial Audiometric System
WorkSafeBC now has an online system, the Industrial Audiometric System, through which Industrial Audiometric tests can be submitted. Effective August 01, 2012, this will be the only way to submit Industrial Audiometric tests to WorkSafeBC.
To learn more about this system, please review the Industrial Audiometric System User Manual (PDF 2 MB).
In order to log onto this system the first time as an administrator for an Industrial Audiometric Business, please also see the Industrial Audiometric System Administrator Manual (PDF 1 MB).
How do I get my workers tested?
Employers can set up their own in-house testing facility, send workers to a neighboring firm's testing facility, or hire an approved, private hearing test provider or "contractor". Often contractors have a mobile unit to bring to the employer's worksite and they are prepared to travel around the province. Or workers may go to the contractor's office facility.
Industrial Audiometric Testing Businesses Authorized by WorkSafeBC (PDF 81 KB)List of facilities and audiometric technicians authorized by WorkSafeBC as meeting the minimum requirements for performing hearing tests under OH&S Regulation 7.8.
Source: WorkSafeBC
What is the best hearing protector?
There is no single hearing protector that is appropriate for everyone. The CSA Standard on Hearing Protectors provides the following criteria to consider when selecting hearing protection:
- Worker's noise exposure level
- Hearing ability of the worker
- Use of other personal protective equipment
- Temperature and climate
- Communication demands on the worker
- Physical constraints of the worker or work activity
For more information:
Source: WorkSafeBC
(PDF 280 KB) (Updated: April 2011)
* Hearing Protection Attenuation - Is more really better?
(PDF 550 KB)
* Working With Hearing Loss - Hearing Impairment, Noise, and Job Safety/Performance (PDF 55 KB)
* Hearing Protection (PDF 56 KB)
* Hearing Protection - What do I really need to know? (PDF 78 KB)
Who pays for hearing protection?
The employer is responsible for providing and maintaining hearing protection.Where can I buy hearing protection?
Safety supply companies are a good source, as they typically carry complete product lines, and will have different models and types of earplugs and earmuffs. Check the Yellow Pages under "Safety Equipment and Clothing" for safety supply companies.
Who requires annual hearing testing?
Workers who are exposed to noise greater than 85 dBA Lex (a full shift averaged exposure) must have an annual hearing test. If you have to shout to be heard at arm's length from a speaker, the noise level may exceed 85 dBA, and noise exposure measurements should be done to determine worker exposures.
For information on measuring noise exposures see:
Source: WorkSafeBC
*Occupational Noise Surveys (PDF 678 KB)
What is a Hearing Conservation Annual Report?
Employers who submit hearing tests to WorkSafeBC receive an annual report which includes a list of tests processed, workers overdue for their annual test, and a statistical breakdown of hearing tests into different test categories (PDF 40 KB). (This report is not routinely sent to construction industry employers because of the transient nature of their workforce. However, construction companies can request a report for their firm by contacting the WorkSafeBC Hearing Loss Prevention Section.
Where can I get custom-molded earplugs?
Custom molded earplugs are fabricated from an impression which is taken of the ear. Contact the WorkSafeBC Hearing Loss Prevention Section for information about suppliers of custom earplugs.
How do I get started developing a Hearing Conservation Program for my company?
The booklet Sound Advice PDF (746 KB) will assist in establishing all elements of a Hearing Conservation Program. The first step is to determine whether a program is required, by establishing workers' noise exposures.
For more information, contact the Hearing Loss Prevention Section at WorkSafeBC, Phone: 604 276-2090, toll free 1-888-621 7233 ext: 3090
Why do I need my hearing test card when I work in construction but not if I work in another industry?
Because most construction workers change employers frequently, they carry a hearing test card that allows the technician to compare test results from year to year to look for noise-related changes in hearing. Workers in other industries typically stay with one employer for several years so the employer keeps a copy of previous hearing tests on site.How can I get copies of past hearing tests?
If you've had hearing tests taken, since 1978, while working in British Columbia, then these tests may be in WorkSafeBC's centralized computer data base. To obtain copies of your tests in the database, please complete and submit this letter of authorization (PDF 87 KB).
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