Hearing Surveillance in the UK: What's New for Employers

Hearing health continues to be a key focus for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), particularly in industries with high levels of noise exposure. With updates to guidance and an increased emphasis on early detection, it’s a good time for employers to take a fresh look at their approach to hearing surveillance.

Current HSE Stance on Hearing Surveillance

The HSE’s Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work. Hearing surveillance is a crucial part of this duty, especially when daily or peak noise exposure levels exceed the action values.

Key points from HSE:

• Risk Assessment: Employers must assess the risk of noise exposure and identify workers at risk of hearing damage.

• Action Levels: Surveillance becomes necessary when exposure exceeds the upper action value of 85 dB(A) (daily or weekly average).

• Health Surveillance: Must include regular hearing checks (audiometry), with results interpreted by someone competent in occupational audiology.

• Follow-Up: Abnormal results must be followed up appropriately, with consideration of adjustments to working practices if needed.

Recent Updates:

Although the core regulations have not changed, the HSE has recently updated and clarified its guidance around hearing surveillance. These updates aim to strengthen the early identification of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and improve compliance.

New and updated areas include:

• Enhanced Emphasis on Baseline Testing: Employers are now encouraged to establish baseline hearing thresholds for new employees before significant noise exposure begins.

• Competence Standards: There’s a stronger focus on ensuring those interpreting audiometry results have appropriate training and qualifications.

• Data Management: The HSE is pushing for better record-keeping of audiometry results to allow long-term tracking of hearing changes.

• Integration with Occupational Health: Hearing surveillance should be part of a broader occupational health strategy, not a standalone activity.

• Communication: Updated guidance highlights the importance of explaining audiometry results to workers and discussing how to protect their hearing.

What This Means for Employers:

Review Your Programme: Check that your hearing surveillance programme aligns with the latest HSE expectations. Are baseline tests done promptly? Are follow-up actions clearly documented?

Check Competence: Make sure that those delivering and interpreting audiometry are suitably trained and competent.

Keep Good Records: Track hearing changes over time — this can help identify early trends and protect workers from long-term damage.

Educate and Engage: Workers should understand the risks, the purpose of hearing checks, and how to use hearing protection correctly.

Act on Results: Surveillance isn't just a tick-box — take real steps when early hearing changes are detected.

Final Thoughts:

Noise-induced hearing loss is entirely preventable, but once it happens, it’s permanent. Occhealthnet are trained and competent to run a hearing surveillance programme: call us for more information.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the official HSE website or consult with a qualified occupational health provider.