Screening
Hearing screening and monitoring programs are suitable for businesses, organisations and services that fall under the Health and Safety Executive (2005) controlling noise at work regulations.
Unlike other hearing screening services, all Interhearing screening is performed by experienced senior grade Audiologists, registered with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP).
We ensure that all our hearing tests are reliable, accurate and performed to the highest standards. At Interhearing we offer you a comprehensive and professional service, recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at an affordable price. We offer annual contracts, volume screening and one-off tests on location.
What is hearing screening?
Hearing screening or hearing surveillance is the process by which employers can ensure that the noises their employees are exposed to are not affecting their hearing.
Audiometric testing is a screening technique used to detect any damage to a person’s hearing due to noise exposure. The procedure of standard air and bone conduction, using masking as necessary, allows the early detection of hearing problems, thus providing employers with the opportunity to put in place any necessary measures to prevent damage worsening. This process also helps employers confirm that any control measures already in place for employees are working effectively.
It's important to remember that there are many causes of hearing loss. If an employee is found to have hearing loss this does not automatically indicate that it occurred due to noise exposure within the workplace; for this reason, our Interhearing Audiologists are fully trained to identify the specific nature of an employee’s hearing loss, and the potential causes for it.
Why use audiologists?
At Interhearing we only use fully qualified Audiologists registered with the RCCP. These hearing specialists have years of experience working in the National Health Service, are senior grade and fully competent at carrying out any tests required. With knowledge of the relevant British and International Standards, these professional measures ensure that Interhearing screening tests are performed to the highest standards and are both reliable and accurate.
The experience and knowledge of our Interhearing Audiologists ensures that hearing loss is neither overlooked nor misdiagnosed, and consequently only appropriate and necessary medical referrals are made. This gives assurance to all concerned that valuable work time is not wasted on unnecessary medical appointments.
Many other hearing screening companies inappropriately use nurses rather than qualified Audiologists to perform hearing screening. Although these nurses are medically qualified, they receive their qualification to administer hearing screening tests by attending a one-day course. The BSA (providers of this qualification) add this disclaimer to their course:
The BSA does not and cannot guarantee the interpretation and application of it. The BSA cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising.
The BSA clearly recognises there are varying degrees in the standard and quality of practice in those screeners qualified in this manner.
In addition, these screeners are not registered with any governing body to ensure standards of practice. At Interhearing our Audiologists are qualified to BSc level and are registered with the RCCP, and thus conform to their codes of practice, responsibility, and standards.
