Many people are exposed to noise levels at work that may be harmful, leading to permanent and incurable hearing damage. The 3rd Edition of L108, The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005: Guidance on Regulations was revised and published in late 2021, giving advice on assessing risks, practical noise control, hearing protection selection and health surveillance procedures.
Audiometry is used to detect early changes to hearing resulting from exposure to noise which, in turn, allows for appropriate follow-up actions to be undertaken in the workplace. A significant change is the introduction of changes to the interpretation and categorisation of the hearing test results, specifically to identify and focus on identification of early signs of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).
The new categorisation scheme is based on the presence, or absence, of Noise Induced Hearing Loss, as well as the summation of the hearing levels obtained at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6kHz, completed for each ear. It also confirms the importance of audiometry being conducted at 0.5 and 8 kHz.
Signs of Noise Induced Hearing Loss is seen as a ‘Noise Notch’ or a ‘Downward Bulge’ in the 3, 4 and 6kHz. If a ‘notch’ or ‘bulge’ is newly identified or progressive (getting worse), the new HSE Category is ‘3’, regardless as to whether the sum of the hearing levels meet the ‘significant hearing loss levels’ or not (as in the previous HSE categorisation guidance).
Signs of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (the notch or bulge) which is seen to be stable over a period of 3 years, the new HSE Category is ‘2’, whether the sum of the hearing levels meet the ‘mild hearing loss levels’ or not.
Where there is a decrease of more than 10dB in any frequency tested in comparison with the previous tests, the audiometry should be repeated within a reasonable time, i.e. three months. It is important to ensure that the audiometry is carried out in the best possible environment with the employees not exposed to noise or have been wearing their hearing protection correctly in noisy environments, within the 14 hours prior to the test.
As a result of the HSE category changes, there is likely to be an increase in the number of employees with Category 2 and 3 hearing loss in the summary data on the reports that we send to the employer and employee. There is still a statutory obligation on the employer to reduce noise exposure so far as reasonably possible.
Where there is a newly identified or progressive Noise Induced Hearing Loss, the HSE recommends the worker be referred to an Occupational Health Physician. This is initially to be a remote screen of the individual’s audiometry and clinical notes and does not require the individual to meet with the Occupational Health Physician.
Unity will advise clients on those individuals who are showing some signs of Noise Induced Hearing Loss even if they are not reaching the previously identified ‘mild hearing loss level’ or ‘significant hearing loss level’ on the former HSE Categorisation Scheme. Some of these results would have been identified on previous health surveillance reports as ‘Category 1 with potential evidence of NIHL or hearing loss at the relevant frequencies’.
There may be a requirement moving forward to repeat some audiometry tests more frequently, based on the results from employees. Unity will monitor the audiogram results and where there is a greater than 10 dB reduction in specific frequencies, and/or potential, new, progressive or stable NIHL, Unity will recommend repeating the audiometry within three months, preferably prior to any noise exposure.
| Category | NIHL seen on audiogram? | Calculation (using age and gender banding) | Action | |
| Acceptable hearing ability | 1 | NO (If NIHL is or may be present, the worker cannot be a Category 1) | Sum of hearing levels at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 kHz | Repeat health surveillance at next routine interval |
| Mild hearing loss | 2 | YES NIHL may be present but stable or not getting worse, based on previous test/s | Sum of hearing levels at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 kHz | Consider earlier repeat health surveillance than routine, taking into account factors such as extent of hearing loss. |
| Significant hearing loss or new/ progressive NIHL | 3 | YES newly identified or progressive NIHL may be present | Sum of hearing levels at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz | Refer for medical assessment. Timing of next health surveillance depends on outcome of assessment |
| Rapid hearing loss – reduction of hearing level of 30dB or more within 3 years or less | 4 | Possible or potential evidence of NIHL | Sum of hearing levels at 3, 4 and 6 kHz | Refer for medical assessment. Timing of next health surveillance depends on outcome of assessment. |
Unity will provide employees and employers with the same information so that they are aware of their HSE categorisation and any steps that they need to take in order to protect their hearing.
Inevitably, the new changes in the legislation will result in increased testing for some of your employees. This may mean additional site visits or requests for the individual to attend Unity’s Norwich office for testing. Unfortunately, this is outside our control as we are having to comply with the HSE advice to make these additional recommendations.
If you have any questions about the new noise at work guidance or any other occupational health services for your business, please don’t hesitate to call us on 01603 250015 to discuss your requirements or email us at mail@unityoccupationalhealth.com
