An annual hearing test, or audiogram, measures a person’s hearing sensitivity across different sound frequencies. While generally recommended, especially for adults over 50 or those with a history of noise exposure, it is not a universally mandated requirement for the general population. Mandatory annual testing shifts from a health recommendation to a legal obligation for specific groups whose hearing health impacts public safety, regulatory compliance, or educational progress. These requirements are typically enforced through occupational safety laws, professional licensing standards, or public health mandates for children.
Requirements for Workplace Noise Exposure
The most common requirement for mandatory annual hearing tests for adults is tied to occupational noise exposure in the workplace. This is governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, specifically under the Occupational Noise Exposure standard 29 CFR 1910.95. Employers must implement a Hearing Conservation Program for all employees whose noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels (dBA).
The testing program begins with a baseline audiogram, which is the employee’s initial measurement against which all future tests are compared. Following this initial test, a new audiogram must be obtained at least annually for every employee who remains exposed at or above the 85 dBA TWA.
The annual audiogram is evaluated by comparing it to the baseline to identify a Standard Threshold Shift (STS). An STS is defined as a change in hearing threshold of an average of 10 decibels or more at the frequencies of 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear. If an STS is confirmed, the employer must take follow-up actions, such as refitting the employee with better hearing protection or referring them for further audiological evaluation.
Specialized Professional Licensing Mandates
Beyond noise-related monitoring, hearing tests are required as a condition of licensing or certification for certain safety-critical professions. These requirements ensure the individual possesses sufficient hearing acuity to perform duties where public safety is a concern, irrespective of the workplace noise level. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates hearing evaluations for commercial drivers seeking or renewing a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
A commercial driver must be able to perceive a forced whisper from a distance of at least five feet in the better ear, with or without a hearing aid, as part of the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. Alternatively, an audiometry test may be used, requiring hearing thresholds to be no greater than 40 decibels in the better ear. While the test is not strictly annual, it must be performed periodically as part of the required physical to maintain certification, often every one to two years.
Similarly, professional pilots and air traffic controllers must meet specific hearing standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to obtain and maintain their medical certificates. The standard requires the ability to hear an average conversational voice at a distance of six feet, with the back turned to the examiner. Failure of this conversational voice test necessitates further pure tone audiometric testing or speech discrimination testing.
Mandatory Hearing Screening for Children
A third category of mandatory testing is for children, typically in educational or early intervention settings, though these are usually screenings rather than diagnostic audiograms. While there is no single federal law mandating these screenings, most states require hearing screenings for children at certain ages or grade levels. These requirements aim to identify hearing loss that could interfere with speech development and academic performance.
School-based hearing screenings are commonly required upon school entry, such as kindergarten or first grade, and often again in later elementary, middle, or high school grades. The screening process typically uses pure-tone audiometry to check hearing at specific frequencies, such as 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hertz, at a quiet intensity level, often 20 or 25 dB. If a child fails the initial screening, they are then referred for a comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluation by an audiologist.