For an employee undergoing audiometry, the following variables need to be identified before obtaining the HTLs, by a competent person: audiometric testing, in respect of—
| (a) | occupational-acoustic history; |
| (b) | otoscopic examination; and |
| 9.1 | Occupational-acoustic History |
| 9.1.1 | The occupational-acoustic history is conducted to verify— |
| (a) | current and previous occupational exposure; |
| (b) | protective measures taken; |
| (c) | previous audiogrammes; |
| (d) | noise-free preparation time for the current test; and |
| (e) | other significant history which can affect hearing: medical history, surgical and trauma history, genetic predisposition and social factors. |
| 9.2 | Otoscopic Examination |
| 9.2.1 | The otoscopic examination is conducted on an employee before the HTLs are obtained to ensure that the test results are not influenced by conductive components. |
| 9.3.1 | The competent person: audiometric testing must ensure that the employee undergoing the audiometry understands the instructions given. |
