(1) You must use
pure tone, air conduction, hearing threshold examinations, with test
frequencies including as a minimum 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz.
(a) Tests at each frequency must be taken
separately for each ear;
(b)
Supra-aural headphones must be used.
(2) You must conduct audiometric tests with
audiometers (including microprocessor audiometers) that meet the specifications
of, and are maintained and used according to, American National Standard
Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1996.
(3) You must check the functional operation
of the audiometer each day before use by doing all of the following:
(a) Make sure the audiometer's output is free
from distorted or unwanted sound;
(b) Test either a person with known, stable
hearing thresholds or a bio-acoustic simulator;
(c) Perform acoustic calibration for
deviations of 10 dB or greater.
(4) You must check audiometer calibration
must be checked acoustically at least annually to verify continued conformance
with ANSI S3.6-1996. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above 6000 Hz may be
omitted from this check.
(5) You
must perform an exhaustive calibration must be performed at least every two
years according to the American National Standard Specification for
Audiometers, S3.6-1996. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above 6000 Hz may be
omitted from the calibration.
(6)
You must provide audiometric test rooms that meet the requirements of ANSI
S3.1-1999 American National Standard Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels
for Audiometric Test Rooms using the following table of maximum ambient sound
pressure levels:
Table 4
Maximum Ambient Sound Pressure Levels
| Frequency (Hz) |
500 |
1000 |
2000 |
4000 |
8000 |
| Sound Pressure Level (dB) |
40 |
40 |
47 |
57 |
62 |
|
Note:
|
The American Industrial Hygiene Association and
National Hearing Conservation Association recommend conducting audiograms using
the requirements of ANSI S3.1-1999 American National Standard Maximum
Permissible Ambient Noise Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms with adjustments at
only 500 Hz and below.
|
