Audiometry Test Made Easy: A Quick Guide to the Testing Process (& How to Book in PA)

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Need an audiometry test for work? You’re not alone. Many Pennsylvania workers get tested each year to meet OSHA requirements or check for early signs of hearing loss. This process is quick, painless, and simple when you know what to expect.

This guide from Steel City Health & Safety walks you through what an audiometry test is, what the procedure looks like, what your results mean, and where to book an appointment in New Brighton, PA.

What Is an Audiometry Test?

An audiometry test is a hearing test that measures how well you hear sounds at different volumes and pitches. Some people get tested after noticing that they’re struggling to hear during conversations or while watching television. Workers in certain industries, like construction or manufacturing, may need audiometry testing to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements or ensure workplace noise is not damaging their hearing.

What Does an Audiometry Test Show?

Your test results show the quietest sounds you can hear at different pitches. This helps your doctor identify:

  • Early signs of hearing loss
  • Noise-related changes to your hearing
  • Ear issues that may affect your job or safety at work

What Are the Three Types of Audiometry?

Most occupational hearing tests fall into one of these key categories:

  • Pure-Tone Audiometry: You listen to beeps through headphones and raise your hand (or press a button) when you hear them.
  • Speech Audiometry: You repeat spoken words at different volumes.
  • Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry): This checks how your eardrum moves. It can help detect blockages or pressure issues.

 

Audiometry tests give a clear picture of your hearing health so you can determine if you’re taking the right precautions to maintain your hearing at work and in your daily life.

Audiometry Test Procedure: What to Expect and How to Prepare

A common question we’re asked at Steel City Health & Safety is, “Is an audiometry test painful?” The answer is no; the test is completely painless. For a basic pure-tone audiometry test, you simply sit in a quiet booth, wear headphones, and respond to tones or words. The process usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Here’s what typically happens:

  • You check in and confirm your workplace information.
  • A trained technician explains the process.
  • You sit in a soundproof booth or area.
  • A certified audiometry test machine delivers tones at different frequencies.
  • You respond each time you hear a sound.
  • The clinic reviews your audiometry test results immediately.

To prepare for your audiometry test, we recommend keeping your ears dry prior to testing. Avoid loud noises for 12–14 hours prior, since loud noise can temporarily affect your hearing.

Audiometry Test Price

Costs vary depending on your employer’s agreement and whether you’re using insurance or paying privately. However, most basic audiometry tests are under $100.

Occupational clinics like Steel City Health & Safety offer competitive pricing and fast appointments so workers can meet requirements without delays. Give us a call to request pricing information.

Degrees of Hearing Loss: Understanding Your Results

So, what is the normal range for an audiometry test? Normal hearing loss falls between -10 to 15 decibels (dB HL). Decibels, or dB, describe loudness, and dB HL describes your hearing loss in decibels. If your results fall above 15 dB at certain frequencies, it may indicate mild, moderate, or more significant hearing loss.

Here’s a quick overview to help you understand your results:

  • Normal Hearing Loss: -10 to 15
  • Slight Hearing Loss: 16 to 25
  • Mild Hearing Loss: 26 to 40
  • Moderate Hearing Loss: 41 to 55
  • Moderately Severe Hearing Loss: 56 to 70 
  • Severe Hearing Loss: 71 to 90
  • Profound Hearing Loss: 91+

 

Don’t worry about interpreting your audiometry test results yourself. Your provider will explain any changes and tell you if you need follow-up care.

Where to Book an Audiometry Test in New Brighton, PA

If you’re searching for “audiometry test near me” or “hearing test near me” in Western Pennsylvania, Steel City Health & Safety is here to help. We serve workers across New Brighton, Beaver Falls, Rochester, and the greater Beaver County area.

Why Choose Steel City Health & Safety?

We specialize in occupational health services, so you get fast, compliant testing from a team that understands workplace requirements. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Quick scheduling so you can get tested without missing work.
  • OSHA-compliant testing so your employer receives accurate documentation.
  • Friendly, experienced staff who make the process easy and stress-free.
  • Clean, comfortable testing rooms designed for accurate audiometry results.
  • Local, convenient location right here in New Brighton, PA.

 

Whether you need annual testing, a baseline exam, or employer-requested screening, we make the process simple from start to finish. If you’re ready to schedule your audiometry test, call now or book your visit through our online contact form.

Contact Steel City
Health & Safety
Our Hours

Mon 9A-6P  Tues 1P-6p

Wed 9A-6p  Thurs 9A-12P

Location

440 Constitution Blvd

New Brighton PA 15066