Occupational Hearing Tests: Workplace Screening and Legal Requirements

Understand your employer's legal obligations around noise exposure and hearing surveillance, and where to access occupational hearing tests in the UK.

If you work in a noisy environment, your employer has a legal responsibility to protect your hearing. Occupational hearing tests — also known as audiometric screening or hearing surveillance — are a key part of this protection.

Legal requirements

Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers must:

Assess noise levels in the workplace
Provide hearing protection where noise levels exceed 85 dB (upper action level)
Offer health surveillance (hearing tests) for employees regularly exposed to noise above 85 dB
Provide information and training about noise risks

Hearing surveillance should begin before or shortly after starting work in a noisy environment, with regular follow-up tests typically carried out annually.

What does an occupational hearing test involve?

An occupational hearing test is typically a pure-tone audiometry screening carried out by a trained technician or audiologist. Results are compared against baseline measurements to identify any changes in hearing over time. If a significant change is detected, the employee may be referred for a more detailed clinical assessment.

Who provides occupational hearing tests?

Occupational hearing tests can be provided by:

Occupational health providers — many offer mobile testing units that visit workplaces
Private audiologists — some offer workplace screening services
Specialist occupational health companies — provide comprehensive noise surveys and hearing surveillance programmes

Industries most affected

Industries with the highest noise exposure risk include construction, manufacturing, agriculture, live music and entertainment, mining, and the armed forces. However, any workplace where noise levels regularly exceed 80 dB should have a noise assessment in place.

If you believe your employer is not meeting their obligations, you can contact the HSE for advice or to report a concern.

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Frequently asked questions

Is my employer required to provide hearing tests?

If you are regularly exposed to noise above 85 dB at work, your employer must offer hearing surveillance (hearing tests) under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

How often should occupational hearing tests be done?

Typically annually, though the frequency may vary based on the level of noise exposure and any changes detected in previous tests.

What happens if my occupational hearing test shows hearing loss?

You may be referred for a more detailed clinical hearing assessment. Your employer should also review the noise controls in your workplace. You may be entitled to compensation if hearing loss was caused by workplace noise exposure.