PDFWAC 296-307-63620

Review audiograms that indicate a standard threshold shift.

(1) The employer must make sure the health care professional supervising audiograms has:
(a) A copy of this part;
(b) The baseline audiogram and most recent audiogram of the employee to be evaluated;
(c) Background noise level records for the testing room;
(d) Calibration records for the audiometer.
(2) The employer must obtain an opinion from the health care professional supervising audiograms as to whether the audiograms indicate possible occupational hearing loss and any recommendations for changes in hearing protection.
(3) The employer must pay for any clinical audiological evaluation or otological examination required by the reviewer, if:
(a) Additional review is necessary to evaluate the cause of hearing loss;
or
(b) If there is indication of a medical condition of the ear caused or aggravated by the wearing of hearing protectors.
(4) The employer must inform the employee in writing of the existence of a standard threshold shift within twenty-one calendar days of the determination.
(5) The employer must make arrangements for the reviewer to communicate to the employee any suspected medical conditions that are found unrelated to the workplace. This information is confidential and must be handled appropriately.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-63620, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20; WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-63620, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]