What Happens If a Worker Fails a Hearing Test at Work?
Based on WorkSafeBC's Understanding workers' hearing test results and annual hearing testing pages.
The Short Answer
A worker can't fail a workplace hearing test. WorkSafeBC doesn't use pass or fail. Each ear gets a result category, and the category tells you and the worker what to do next.
The Result Categories
- First test: No Notch, Early Warning or Abnormal.
- Later tests: Normal Change, Early Warning Change or Abnormal Change, compared with the worker's earlier tests.
What the Employer Does Next
- No Notch or Normal Change: keep up the right hearing protection and training.
- Early Warning: make sure the worker knows noise may have affected their hearing.
- Early Warning Change: look for patterns, reduce exposure, check protection fit and condition, train the crew and document it. A hearing protection toolbox talk helps.
- Abnormal or Abnormal Change: advise the worker to see their family doctor or nurse practitioner.
If the Hearing Loss Is From Work
WorkSafeBC tells workers to let their employer know, get medical treatment if needed and file a claim.
How Clear Work Handles It
WorkSafeBC-certified industrial audiometric technicians do every test in our mobile units, at your site. Results uploaded to WorkSafeBC within 48 hours, or we waive the travel fee, with copies in your client portal.
See the full WorkSafeBC hearing testing requirements.
Common Questions
Who explains the results to the worker?
The technician who did the test discusses the results with the worker right after the test, suggests any follow-up and can recommend hearing protection.
Can the employer see the results?
Yes. The employer can access the WorkSafeBC results report once the technician submits it. It holds personal information, so never post it in the workplace.
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This guide is a summary for general information, not medical or legal advice. See WorkSafeBC's guide for the full wording.
