When starting a new job, especially if you’re entering industries like construction, manufacturing, or mining, your hearing needs to be in tip-top shape.
In these fields, your hearing health can be just as important as your skills or experience. Because of this, many employers now require a pre-employment hearing test to make sure you’re physically ready for the role and to help protect your hearing for the future.
But what exactly does a hearing test require of you? Why is it necessary? And how can a pre-employment hearing test service like Audience Hearing help?
Let’s break it down in our blog here!
What Is a Pre-Employment Hearing Test?
A pre-employment hearing test is a type of hearing check done before you start a new job. Its goal is to:
- Measure your current hearing ability
- Identify any existing hearing loss
- Create a clear record of your hearing health at the time of hiring
This is especially important for jobs that involve loud environments, where your hearing might be at risk over time.
At Audience Hearing, we provide hearing tests that are compliant with Australian safety standards and suitable for various industries. Our team works with both employers and jobseekers to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Why Employers Require Pre-Employment Hearing Tests
1. To Ensure You’re Fit for the Role
Some jobs such as driving heavy machinery, working on construction sites, or handling alarms require good hearing for safety.
If your hearing isn’t up to the required standard, it could put you and others at risk. A pre-employment hearing test helps employers make informed decisions.
2. To Create a Hearing Health Baseline
By testing your hearing before you start, employers get a baseline measurement. If your hearing changes during your job, they can compare it with your original results. This helps them monitor workplace noise risks and protect your long-term health.
3. To Meet Workplace Health and Safety Obligations
In Australia, businesses have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment. That includes protecting workers from noise-related hearing damage. Regular hearing checks are part of meeting those responsibilities.
Which Industries Commonly Require Hearing Tests?
Pre-employment hearing tests are standard practice in jobs that involve ongoing noise exposure. You may be asked to complete one if you’re entering industries like:
- Construction
- Mining and resources
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Transport and logistics
- Emergency services (e.g., fire, ambulance)
- Aviation or maritime roles
- Warehousing and distribution
Even if the job doesn’t seem loud every day, regular or sudden bursts of noise can still pose risks. A hearing check helps keep workers safe right from the beginning.
What Happens During a Pre-Employment Hearing Test?
Don’t worry, this test is simple, safe, and completely painless. At Audience Hearing, here’s what you can expect:
1. Friendly Welcome and Quick Paperwork
You’ll be greeted by our team and asked to complete a short form about your medical history and noise exposure.
2. Ear Health Check
We’ll examine your ears to make sure there’s no wax blockage or signs of infection that could affect the test results.
3. Audiometry Test
You’ll wear a pair of headphones and be asked to press a button whenever you hear a beep. These beeps vary in pitch and volume and are played in each ear separately. This helps us measure how well you can hear different sounds.
The whole test usually takes less than 30 minutes, and you’ll receive your results straight away.
What Do the Results Mean?
Your results will show your hearing levels in each ear. They’ll indicate whether:
- Your hearing is within the normal range
- You have mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss
- One ear hears differently than the other
This report will be sent to your employer (with your permission) or provided to you directly if you’re arranging it yourself. If hearing loss is detected, we’ll explain your options and may recommend a follow-up with a GP or a specialist.
The Benefits of a Pre-Employment Hearing Test
For Workers:
- Peace of mind knowing your hearing is in good shape
- Early detection of any hearing problems
- A record to fall back on if hearing issues arise later
For Employers:
- Confidence in hiring staff fit for the role
- A hearing health record for Work Health and Safety (WHS) compliance
- Reduced risk of hearing-related incidents or claims
When done through a trusted pre-employment hearing test service, the process is quick, professional, and hassle-free.
Why Choose Audience Hearing?
At Audience Hearing, we understand that hearing checks can feel unfamiliar, especially if you’ve never had one before. That’s why we take a caring and down-to-earth approach.
We offer:
- Fast and reliable pre-employment hearing tests
- Easy-to-understand results and clear next steps
- Friendly, qualified clinicians who take the time to explain everything
- Convenient appointments in modern, quiet test rooms
Our clinic works with both individual job seekers and companies to meet hearing safety requirements and support long-term hearing health.
Book Your Hearing Test Today
A pre-employment hearing test might seem like just another item on your to-do list, but it plays a big role in protecting your health and safety on the job.
If you’re looking for a professional and friendly pre-employment hearing test service in Australia, then our team at Audience Hearing is here to help. We make hearing checks easy and stress-free, so you can focus on starting your new job with confidence.
Call us or book an appointment online pre-employment hearing test to schedule your test today.
