What is a critical step when considering referrals for audiograms?

When considering referrals for audiograms, one critical step is identifying a positive Standard Threshold Shift (STS) after follow-up assessments. A positive STS indicates a significant change in hearing thresholds, which may suggest that a patient's hearing health is deteriorating. In the context of workplace safety and monitoring hearing health, recognizing this shift is crucial for early intervention.

Once a positive STS is confirmed, it typically necessitates further evaluation to ascertain the cause and severity of the hearing loss. This allows for timely referrals to appropriate professionals if necessary. Additionally, identifying a positive STS is particularly important in occupational settings where noise exposure can lead to progressive hearing loss. Therefore, tracking any change in hearing ability through follow-up assessments is essential in the prevention and management of hearing loss.

The other options, while relevant to hearing assessment, do not directly address the referral decision-making process as critically as recognizing a positive STS. Normal hearing thresholds and symmetrical threshold hearing loss suggest stable hearing conditions, and documenting noise exposure history provides context but does not indicate an immediate need for referral based on threshold changes.