CSA Z107.6:16 (R2020)

Preface:

This is the second edition of CSA Z107.6, Audiometric testing for use in hearing loss prevention programs. It supersedes previous edition, published in 1990 under the title Pure tone air conduction threshold audiometry for hearing loss prevention.

This Standard includes requirements for audiometers which were previously covered in CSA CAN3- Z107.4-M86 (withdrawn), Pure tone air conduction audiometers for hearing conservation and for screening.

This edition incorporates several amendments and additions to the 1990 edition, as follows:
a) addition of mobile audiometric test facility requirements;
b) elaboration on different types of audiometric test equipment and their calibration requirements;
c) elaboration on audiometric technician training requirements;
d) elaboration on pre-testing requirements, including checking the functioning of the equipment and providing instructions to and preparing the tested individual. Annex A includes example questions that the technician can ask the individual prior to the test;
e) addition of guidance on classification of the audiometric test results;
f) addition of guidance on informing the individual about the test results; and
g) addition of guidance on reporting the test results to the hearing loss prevention program administrator (HLPPA).

This Standard should be used in conjunction with CSA Z1007, Hearing loss prevention program (HLPP) management, which deals with all aspects of the creation and management of hearing conservation programs. This Standard complements other CSA hearing conservation standards including CSA Z94.2 (hearing protection), CSA Z107.56 (measurement of occupational noise exposure), and CSA Z107.58 (noise emission declarations for machinery).

Scope:

1.1 General
This Standard specifies requirements for equipment and procedures for audiometric testing in the workplace. It is applicable to organizations, service providers, and all institutions involved in the provision of audiometric testing to individuals who are exposed to hazardous noise.

1.2 Subjects not addressed
The following subjects are not addressed in this Standard:
a) hearing tests used to determine eligibility for compensation claims or benefits;
b) diagnostic tests such as those used for tinnitus, clinical assessments, hearing aid fittings, or to determine fitness for duty;
c) otoacoustic emissions; and
d) extended high-frequency testing.

1.3 Relation to other Standards
This Standard complements other CSA Group hearing loss prevention standards (see Figure 2), as follows:
a) Z1007 for guidance to the person(s) responsible for implementing and managing a hearing loss prevention program (HLPP);
b) Z94.2 for hearing protection;
c) Z107.56 for measurement of occupational noise exposure; and d) Z107.58 for noise emission declarations for machinery.

1.4 Terminology
In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.