Mobile Hearing Centre

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

1. What is MHC?

   A mobile audiology facility designed primarily to address the need for industrial audiological screening for factory employees and other relevant establishments. Besides that, if you have difficulties coming to the centres, MHC is available at your doorstep providing equipped sound-proof room and audiometry instruments that provide the same quality of service as hearing centres.

2. What industries or workplaces can benefit from industrial audiometry testing?

   Industrial audiometry testing is valuable for a wide range of industries and workplaces where employees may be exposed to occupational noise. Some examples of industries that can benefit from industrial audiometry testing are manufacturing, construction, mining, transportation, oil and gas, military, agriculture, automotive manufacturing, utilities, entertainment industry, woodworking, textile manufacturing, chemical processing, warehousing, healthcare, education and many more.

3. How frequently should industrial audiometry testing be conducted?

   The audiometric testing is a legal requirement for companies to include all employees exposed to the Noise Exposure Limit (NEL) as stipulated in the Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019. For these employees, audiometric testing should be conducted annually.

4. What does the testing process involve, and how long does it take?

   Testing:

   1. All audiometric testing shall be conducted by a trained audiometric technician at an approved mobile/static audiometric test centre (ATC).
   2. ATC can be either static or mobile; however, the service provider must be registered with the DOSH.
   3. An audiometric technician shall conduct a screening questionnaire to determine other factors which may affect the test results and the fitness of a worker for the test.
   4. Employer shall ensure that the audiometric testing shall be preceded by a period of quiet, that is, absence of exposure to noise of at least 14 hours without wearing any PHP.
   5. The audiometric test includes pure tone, air conduction, with test frequencies including 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz taken separately for each ear.

   Testing procedure:

   1. The audiometric tests are conducted in a quiet soundproof room.
   2. Earphones will be placed on.
   3. The earphones are connected to an audiometer that will deliver the tones and different sounds of speech to ears, one ear at a time.
   4. Employee/Subject needs to push the respond button every time when he/she hears a ‘beep’ sound.

5. What types of hearing assessments are included in the industrial audiometry testing offered by MHC?

   • The hearing of employees exposed to noise can be monitored through regular audiometric examinations. Such testing in itself is not a preventive mechanism, and is only relevant in the context of a comprehensive Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). Any changes in hearing levels over time revealed by audiometry shall be thoroughly investigated as to their cause(s) and the need for corrective action.
   • An audiometric testing program shall be conducted to any employee exposed to Noise Exposure Limit (NEL). The employer shall conduct audiometric tests at no cost to the employees.

6. How are the results of the audiometry tests interpreted, and what actions are taken based on the outcomes?

   1. If an employee has an abnormal audiogram, the attending Occupational Health Doctor (OHD) shall carry out a medical examination for that employee.
   2. The employer shall ensure his employees with abnormal audiogram undergo medical examination by OHD after receiving audiogram interpretation from the ATC.
   3. The medical examination consists of medical history taking, physical examination and other relevant investigations to diagnose or rule out any occupational or non-occupational auditory disorder.
   4. The OHD will conduct medical examination for all newly discovered hearing loss, hearing impairment or permanent standard threshold shift (STS).
   5. The OHD, after examining the employee, shall decide whether a referral is necessary for further management.
   6. The OHD and the employer shall notify any occupational related noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), hearing impairment and permanent STS.

7. What are the potential consequences of untreated hearing loss in an industrial setting?

   Untreated hearing loss in an industrial setting can have various consequences, both for the affected individuals and for the overall workplace. Some potential consequences are decreased job performance, safety risks, strained interpersonal relationships, psychosocial impact, reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, compliance and legal issues, impact on career advancement, financial consequences and overall workplace morale.

8. How can employers and employees prepare for industrial audiometry testing?

   

9. Is the MHC equipped to handle large-scale screenings for companies with a significant number of employees?

   Yes, it is fully equipped to handle large-scale screenings for companies as any number of employees is acceptable but it is limited to 70-100 pax per day and it depends on the Person-In-Charge of the company.

10. Are the audiometry tests compliant with relevant industry standards and regulations?

    Yes, it is fully certified with the Occupational Safety and Health Act Regulations 1994, Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Besides that, MHC is a collaboration with OHD, a leading provider of occupational health services.

11. What are the costs associated with industrial audiometry testing, and is it covered by insurance?

    The cost for industrial audiometric testing must be fully covered by the employer.

12. Is there any follow-up support or counseling provided for individuals identified with hearing loss?

    1. Employer to notify occupational related permanent STS, HI & NIHL to nearest DOSH office within 7 days.
    2. Employee provided with PHP, if he has not been provided so.
    3. Refit & retain the employee in the use of personal hearing protectors (PHP) such as earplugs, canal caps or earmuffs.

13. How can employers use the results of industrial audiometry testing to improve workplace safety and overall employee well-being?

    Employers can leverage the results of industrial audiometry testing to enhance workplace safety and promote overall employee well-being through a variety of measures. Some key strategies are Hearing protection programs, engineering controls, education and training, regular monitoring, workplace design, communication strategies, health and wellness programs, incentives for compliance, employee feedback and involvement, regulatory compliance and counseling and support.