What situations necessitate a referral for an audiogram?

A referral for an audiogram is necessitated by a positive Standard Threshold Shift (STS) after follow-up. A positive STS indicates a significant change in an individual’s hearing threshold, typically due to exposure to noise or other occupational hazards. When a follow-up reveals a positive STS, it is essential to assess the individual’s hearing status more thoroughly through an audiogram, which provides comprehensive information about the hearing loss and helps determine whether further intervention or preventative measures are required.

The other scenarios—symmetrical hearing loss, normal audiogram results, and the presence of temporary threshold shifts—typically do not warrant a referral for an audiogram on their own. Symmetrical hearing loss may not indicate a change or deterioration in hearing that requires immediate attention, while normal audiogram results suggest that there is no hearing loss present. Temporary threshold shifts are often reversible and may not necessitate further evaluation unless they persist or indicate a trend of worsening hearing.