Starting a new job often comes with pre-employment checks, and for some roles, a hearing test is part of that process. Many people are unsure why this is required or what the test involves, especially if they feel their hearing is fine.
Pre-employment or employment hearing tests are commonly used in industries where workers may be exposed to noise or where hearing is important for safety and communication. Understanding why these tests are required can help you feel more prepared and confident when you’re asked to get a hearing test as part of your job application.
To help, we’ve prepared an overview of why some workplaces require a pre-employment hearing test service, what the assessment usually includes, and how the results are used in Australia.
Let’s begin!
What Is a Pre-Employment Hearing Test?
A pre-employment hearing test is an assessment completed before you start a new role. Its purpose is to check your hearing levels at the beginning of employment.
This type of hearing test helps:
- Establish a baseline of your hearing
- Identify any existing hearing changes
- Determine whether your hearing is suitable for the role
- Support workplace health and safety requirements
These tests are commonly requested in industries such as construction, manufacturing, mining, transport, aviation, and other noise-exposed workplaces.
Why Employers Require Pre-Employment Hearing Tests
1. Workplace Safety
One of the main reasons employers require employment hearing tests is safety. In many roles, workers need to hear:
- Warning signals and alarms
- Machinery sounds
- Instructions from supervisors or co-workers
If hearing is reduced, there may be an increased risk of accidents or misunderstandings. A hearing test helps ensure workers can safely perform their duties.
2. Noise Exposure in the Workplace
Some jobs involve regular exposure to loud noise. Over time, this can increase the risk of noise-related hearing changes.
A pre-employment hearing test service helps employers:
- Identify whether hearing changes already exist
- Compare future hearing tests to the baseline
- Monitor hearing health over time
This is an important part of managing noise risks in the workplace.
3. Meeting Workplace Health and Safety Requirements
Australian workplace health and safety regulations require employers to manage risks associated with noise exposure. In some industries, hearing testing is used to support these obligations.
By asking workers to get a hearing test before starting employment, employers can demonstrate that hearing risks are being identified and monitored appropriately.
4. Protecting Both Employees and Employers
Pre-employment hearing tests benefit both parties. For employees, the test provides insight into their hearing health. For employers, it helps clarify whether hearing changes were present before employment began.
This clarity supports fair and transparent workplace practices.
What Happens During a Pre-Employment Hearing Test?
A pre-employment hearing assessment is usually straightforward and non-invasive.
1. Case History and Background Information
Your appointment typically begins with a short discussion about:
- Your work history
- Past noise exposure
- Any hearing concerns or tinnitus
- Relevant medical history
This helps the clinician understand factors that may affect your results.
2. Otoscopy – Ear Health Check
An otoscopy is performed to check the ear canal and eardrum for:
- Earwax build-up
- Inflammation or infection
- Obstructions that may affect the test
If earwax is present, you may be advised to have it addressed before testing continues.
3. Hearing Test (Pure-Tone Audiometry)
You’ll be asked to sit in a quiet or sound-treated environment and listen to a series of tones through headphones. This hearing test measures the softest sounds you can hear at different pitches.
The results are recorded on an audiogram, which shows your hearing levels at the time of testing.
Understanding Your Results
After the assessment, the clinician will explain your results clearly, including:
- Whether your hearing is within expected limits
- Whether any hearing changes are present
- What the results mean in relation to workplace requirements
In most cases, employers receive only a summary relevant to job requirements, not detailed medical information.
What If Hearing Changes Are Identified?
If your employment hearing test shows hearing changes, this doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to do the job.
Depending on the role and results, next steps may include:
- Recommendations for hearing protection
- Advice on safe listening practices
- Referral for further assessment if needed
Your clinician will explain the findings and guide you on appropriate follow-up.
Appointment Length and Practical Information
Most pre-employment hearing test appointments take around 20–30 minutes. You may be asked to bring:
- Photo ID
- Employer documentation or forms
- Any previous hearing test results (if available)
If additional checks are needed, the appointment may take a little longer.
Your First Step Toward Workplace Hearing Safety
Pre-employment hearing tests are not designed to catch people out. They are a preventative measure to support safety, fairness, and long-term hearing health.
If you’ve been asked to get a hearing test for a new role, understanding the purpose of the assessment can help reduce uncertainty and make the process feel more straightforward.
At Audience Hearing, our team provides clear explanations, professional testing, and supportive guidance throughout the process, helping you understand your results and next steps.
Book a consultation and schedule your pre-employment hearing test today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do some jobs require a pre-employment hearing test?
Some roles involve noise exposure or rely on hearing for safety. Testing helps ensure workers can perform their duties safely and establishes a hearing baseline.
2. What industries commonly require employment hearing tests?
Construction, manufacturing, mining, transport, aviation, and other noise-exposed industries often require hearing assessments.
3. How long does a pre-employment hearing test take?
Most appointments take around 20–30 minutes, depending on the checks required.
4. Do I need a referral to get a hearing test for work?
A referral is not usually required. Employers often provide documentation outlining the testing requirement.
5. Will my employer see all of my hearing test results?
Typically, employers receive only a summary relevant to job requirements. Detailed medical information remains confidential.
6. What happens if hearing loss is found?
Having hearing changes does not automatically disqualify you from a role. Your clinician will explain the results and discuss appropriate next steps.
7. Should I avoid loud noise before my test?
Yes. Avoiding loud noise for at least 16 hours before testing can help ensure accurate results.
8. Can a pre-employment hearing test help protect my hearing long-term?
Yes. Establishing a baseline allows hearing changes to be monitored over time, supporting early identification and protection of your hearing health.
