Industrial Hearing Testing in Edmonton: What Employers Need to Know

Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code requires employers to implement a hearing conservation program when workers are exposed to noise levels at or above 85 dBA over an eight-hour shift. Audiometric testing — workplace hearing tests — is a central part of that program.

Whether you run a construction crew, a manufacturing plant, or an oil and gas operation, understanding your obligations helps protect your workers and keeps your company compliant.

When is industrial hearing testing required?

Under Part 16 of the Alberta OHS Code, employers must provide audiometric testing when:

• Workers are exposed to noise at or above 85 dBA Lex (8-hour equivalent)
• Workers are included in a noise exposure assessment that identifies them as at risk
• The employer has implemented a hearing conservation program

Testing must include a baseline audiogram (before or shortly after noise exposure begins) and follow-up audiograms at regular intervals to track any changes.

Which Edmonton industries need audiometric testing?

Edmonton’s economy runs on industries where sustained noise exposure is a daily reality. Workers in the following sectors frequently exceed the 85 dBA threshold and should be part of a hearing conservation program:

• Oil and gas — drilling rigs, refineries, compressor stations, and pipeline operations generate noise well above safe limits. Many Edmonton area workers commute to northern Alberta job sites where hearing protection is mandatory.
• Construction — heavy equipment, power tools, jackhammering, and concrete cutting expose tradespeople to damaging sound levels throughout the workday.
• Manufacturing and fabrication — metal stamping, CNC machining, welding shops, and assembly lines in Edmonton’s industrial zones produce consistent high decibel noise.
• Warehousing and logistics — forklifts, conveyor systems, and loading dock operations may not seem as loud, but sustained exposure in enclosed spaces adds up.
• Emergency services and transportation — sirens, engine noise, and heavy vehicle operation all contribute to occupational hearing risk.

If your Edmonton workplace falls into any of these categories, audiometric testing should already be part of your safety program.

What does an industrial hearing test involve?

An industrial audiometric test is a pure-tone hearing assessment conducted in a quiet or sound-treated environment. It measures the softest sounds a person can hear across a range of frequencies, producing an audiogram that serves as a record of hearing ability at that point in time.

Comparing follow-up audiograms to the baseline reveals whether hearing has shifted, which can indicate noise-induced damage before the worker even notices a problem.

Why early detection matters

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent. Once the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged by excessive noise, they do not regenerate. However, early detection through regular audiometric testing allows employers to:

• Identify workers whose hearing is shifting before the loss becomes disabling
• Adjust hearing protection or reduce noise exposure for at-risk workers
• Document compliance with OHS regulations
• Support WCB claims with baseline and follow-up records

What a hearing conservation program includes

Audiometric testing is one piece of a broader hearing conservation program. Under Alberta OHS requirements, a complete program also involves:

• Noise exposure assessments to identify which workers and work areas exceed safe levels
• Engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise at the source where possible
• Hearing protection that is appropriate for the noise environment, properly fitted, and consistently worn
• Worker education so employees understand the risks, know how to use their protection, and recognize early signs of hearing change
• Recordkeeping that documents test results, protection issued, and any referrals for follow up care

Employers who maintain thorough records are better positioned when WCB Alberta reviews a workplace hearing loss claim. A gap in testing or documentation can complicate a claim for both the employer and the worker.

Custom hearing protection for workers

Generic foam earplugs offer some protection, but custom-molded earplugs provide a better seal, more consistent attenuation, and greater comfort for workers who wear protection all day. At Edmonton Hearing Clinic, we make custom industrial hearing protection molded to fit each worker’s ears.

Hearing testing in Edmonton

Edmonton Hearing Clinic provides audiometric hearing testing for individuals and can discuss options for workplace hearing conservation needs. Our registered audiologist conducts every assessment using calibrated equipment.

If you are an employer looking for baseline and annual hearing tests for your team, or a worker who needs a hearing assessment related to noise exposure, contact any of our Edmonton locations to book.

We also offer custom hearing protection molded on site, and we process WCB Alberta hearing loss claims, guiding workers through the documentation process from start to finish.