You must:
• Use pure tone, air conduction, hearing threshold examinations, with test frequencies including as a minimum 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz
– Tests at each frequency must be taken separately for each ear
– Supra-aural headphones must be used.
• Conduct audiometric tests with audiometers (including microprocessor audiometers) that meet the specifications of, and are maintained and used according to, American National Standard Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1996
• Check the functional operation of the audiometer each day before use by doing all of the following:
– Make sure the audiometer's output is free from distorted or unwanted sound
– Test either a person with known, stable hearing thresholds or a bio-acoustic simulator
– Perform acoustic calibration for deviations of 10 dB or greater.
• Audiometer calibration must be checked acoustically at least annually to verify continued conformance with ANSI S3.6-1996. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above 6000 Hz may be omitted from this check
• An exhaustive calibration must be performed at least every two years according to the American National Standard Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1996. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above 6000 Hz may be omitted from the calibration
• Provide audiometric test rooms that meet the requirements of ANSI S3.1-1999 American National Standard Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms using the following table of Maximum Ambient Sound Pressure Levels:
Table 4
Maximum Ambient Sound Pressure Levels
Frequency (Hz) | 500 | 1000 | 2000 | 4000 | 8000 |
Sound Pressure Level (dB) | 40 | 40 | 47 | 57 | 62 |
Note: | The American Industrial Hygiene Association and National Hearing Conservation Association recommend conducting audiograms using the requirements of ANSI S3.1-1999 American National Standard Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms with adjustments at only 500 Hz and below. |