What is the primary purpose of audiometric testing?

The primary purpose of audiometric testing is to identify significant threshold shifts and ensure compliance with regulations. Audiometric testing is specifically designed to measure an individual's hearing sensitivity at various frequencies and intensities. By doing this, hearing technicians can detect any changes in a person's hearing ability over time, particularly those that may result from noise exposure in occupational settings.

This process is crucial for monitoring the effects of environmental factors on hearing and ensuring that employers and employees adhere to applicable safety regulations, such as those set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These regulations are in place to protect workers from hearing loss and other related health issues.

Audiometric testing does not primarily assess general health, determine a person's age, or diagnose all medical conditions. While general health assessments may include a hearing component, the focus of audiometric testing is much narrower, targeting hearing function specifically. Additionally, while hearing loss can be related to various medical conditions, audiometric testing is not designed to diagnose those conditions but rather to evaluate hearing thresholds.