Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common — and preventable — occupational injuries in Canada. In industries like construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, transportation, and heavy equipment operation, workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels daily. Without proper monitoring and protection, permanent damage can occur before symptoms are even noticed.
At Canadian Occupational Wellness (CanOcc), we provide professional audiometric testing and hearing protection fit testing across Alberta to help employers stay compliant, reduce risk, and protect their workforce.
What Is Audiometric Testing?
Audiometric testing is a formal hearing assessment that measures a worker’s ability to hear across different frequencies and sound levels. It is a critical part of a workplace Hearing Conservation Program.
Workplace audiometric testing typically includes:
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Baseline hearing tests for new employees
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Annual follow-up testing
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Monitoring for Standard Threshold Shifts (STS)
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Documentation for occupational health records
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Compliance with Alberta OHS regulations
If workers are regularly exposed to noise levels of 85 dBA or higher over an 8-hour shift, employers are required to implement hearing conservation measures, which include audiometric testing.
Why Baseline Hearing Tests Matter
A baseline hearing test establishes a reference point when a worker is first hired or first exposed to hazardous noise. Future annual tests are compared against this baseline to detect any changes.
Early detection allows:
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Intervention before permanent damage worsens
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Review of hearing protection practices
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Reduction in WCB claims
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Improved workplace safety
Hearing loss is gradual and painless — many workers don’t realize it’s happening until significant damage has already occurred.
What Is Hearing Protection Fit Testing?
Many employers provide earplugs or earmuffs — but few verify whether they are actually effective for each worker.
Hearing protection fit testing measures how much real-world noise reduction a worker receives from their specific earplugs or earmuffs. This process ensures the hearing protection device (HPD) fits properly and provides adequate attenuation.
At CanOcc, we use quantitative fit testing methods that:
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Measure personal attenuation rating (PAR)
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Confirm adequate protection for the worker’s noise exposure level
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Identify improper insertion of earplugs
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Improve worker confidence and compliance
Why Fit Testing Is Critical
Research shows that improperly inserted earplugs can reduce protection by up to 50% or more.
Without fit testing:
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Workers may believe they are protected when they are not
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Employers assume compliance without verification
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Long-term hearing damage may still occur
Fit testing transforms hearing protection from “issued equipment” into verified protection.
Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Requirements
Under Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, employers must:
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Assess workplace noise levels
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Implement engineering or administrative controls where possible
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Provide appropriate hearing protection
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Educate workers on proper use
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Monitor worker hearing where required
Audiometric testing supports compliance and demonstrates due diligence in protecting worker health.
For companies operating in high-noise environments — including construction projects, shutdowns, fabrication shops, and industrial sites — regular hearing testing is not optional. It’s a core safety responsibility.
Who Needs Workplace Hearing Testing?
Audiometric testing is recommended for workers in:
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Construction and heavy equipment operation
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Oil & gas and energy sectors
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Manufacturing and fabrication
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Transportation and trucking
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Mining and industrial operations
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Aviation and mechanical shops
If workers need to raise their voice to communicate at arm’s length, noise levels may already be hazardous.
The Cost of Ignoring Occupational Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible.
Beyond the personal impact on workers, untreated hearing damage can lead to:
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Increased WCB claims
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Higher insurance premiums
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Decreased productivity
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Safety incidents due to missed auditory warnings
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Legal liability
Investing in audiometric testing and fit testing is significantly less expensive than managing long-term claims and compensation cases.
How On-Site Audiometric Testing Benefits Employers
At CanOcc, we offer both clinic-based and on-site mobile audiometric testing in Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and surrounding Alberta communities.
On-site testing provides:
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Minimal downtime
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Increased worker participation
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Efficient scheduling during shutdowns or peak seasons
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Immediate documentation and reporting
Our team ensures:
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Proper testing environment standards
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Accurate calibration
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Professional documentation
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Clear follow-up recommendations
We work with safety managers, HR teams, and operations leaders to integrate hearing testing seamlessly into existing occupational health programs.
Common Questions About Audiometric Testing
How often should workers be tested?
Typically:
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Baseline test at hire
- Follow up testing 6 months from baseline
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Annual follow-up testing
More frequent testing may be required if threshold shifts are detected.
How long does testing take?
Audiometric testing usually takes 15–20 minutes per worker.
Fit testing adds approximately 10–15 minutes per worker.
Does hearing testing hurt?
No. The test is non-invasive and painless.
What happens if hearing loss is detected?
If a Standard Threshold Shift is identified:
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Protection methods are reviewed
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Fit testing may be conducted
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Workers may be referred for medical follow-up
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Preventative strategies are reinforced
Building a Strong Hearing Conservation Program
A complete program includes:
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Noise level assessments
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Engineering controls
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Administrative controls
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Hearing protection devices
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Audiometric testing
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Hearing protection fit testing
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Worker education
When all components work together, long-term hearing loss can be significantly reduced.
Why Choose CanOcc for Audiometric Testing in Alberta?
Canadian Occupational Wellness (CanOcc) is committed to proactive workplace health. We understand the demands of Alberta’s industrial and construction sectors and provide practical, efficient solutions that align with real-world operations.
Our services are:
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Professional and compliant
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Efficient for high-volume crews
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Available on-site or in clinic
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Designed to reduce employer liability
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Focused on long-term worker health
Protecting hearing isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting quality of life.
Book Audiometric Testing With Us
If your company operates in high-noise environments, now is the time to review your hearing conservation program.
Whether you need:
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Baseline audiometric testing
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Annual hearing tests
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Hearing protection fit testing
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On-site industrial testing during shutdowns
Canadian Occupational Wellness is here to help.
Contact Canadian Occupational Wellness today to schedule audiometric testing and ensure your workforce is protected for the long term.
