Advanced Audiometry Surveillance – WA (2-day program)
$ 1,540.00 inc. GST
This two-day course is for existing WorkCover WA Approved Audiometric Officers seeking compliance with the requirements of Western Australia’s new Work Health and Safety laws.
Surveillance, or monitoring, audiometry involves identifying significant hearing “shift” (deterioration) compared to the baseline and taking appropriate action. Since 2019, mining companies have been required to implement an “ongoing hearing testing program” and “surveillance for health impacts” within a Health and Hygiene Management Plan (HHMP).
From March 2022, audiometric surveillance will be mandatory across all high-noise industries across WA under regulation 58 of the new Work Health and Safety Act. This represents a major shift in workplace audiometry in the state. The new requirements include mandatory testing every 2 years, a lowering of the exposure standard (dB level at which companies must take action), new testing protocols and the application of audiogram comparison protocols.
While many testers are familiar with the WorkCover WA audiometry requirements, the new law and related guidance documents are significantly different. Is your practice offering services and advice that are compliant with the new law?
The new Advanced Audiometry Surveillance course provides comprehensive training in understanding and applying the new requirements. The course builds on existing skills and experience and is only open to existing Approved Audiometric Officers (AAOs). The course It covers principles of audiometric surveillance within a noise management program, legislative requirements, and hands-on practice in applying industry protocols.
Course Dates
Course Information
Course duration and times
This 2-day program runs from 9.00am – 4.00pm each day.
Note: We can also present in-company for organisations with a small group of personnel requiring training. Please contact us to discuss your plans.
Course aims and outcomes
The Advanced Audiometry Surveillance course provides existing audiometric testers with essential information about Western Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulation 58. Commencing on 1 March 2022, the new law requires mandatory audiometric testing of noise-exposed in all WA industries.
Participants on this course will receive comprehensive training in a range of topics relevant to clinical practice under the new testing regime, including:
- Work Health and Safety regulation 58 (Audiometric testing) and related guidance documents (Australian Standard, Code of Practice)
- Practice in audiogram comparison calculations and techniques from AS/NZS1269.4 and OSHA
- AS/NZS1269.4 high frequency test-retest protocols
- Actions following identification of significant hearing shift (deterioration)
- Principles of audiometric surveillance within a noise management program
- Advanced exploration of hearing protection
- Factors affecting test accuracy
- Considerations for integrating an audiometric surveillance program
- Introduction to software for managing test results, including audiogram comparison
Who would benefit from attending this course? Who is eligible to attend this course?
This course is designed for existing WorkCover WA Approved Audiometric Officers (AAOs) seeking compliance with WA’s new Work Health and Safety regulations.
The course provides advanced training for in new testing regimes and calculations. The content builds on students’ existing skills and knowledge in audiometry.
Based on our experience of teaching this course material interstate, the Advanced Audiometric Surveillance course is challenging. It includes technical content, calculations and numerous testing protocols and considerations that are different to WorkCover WA requirements. In addition, to demonstrate “competence” against 16 criteria specified in AS1269.4 students will complete a practical and written assessment at the end of the course.
This course is only recommended for students who are fast and confident learners.
Personnel involved with implementing audiometric surveillance programs for noise-exposed workers and consultants and health assessment providers will benefit from attending the 1-day Orientation to Audiometric Surveillance workshop
Course pre-requisites
Participants attending this course must be current WorkCover WA Approved Audiometric Officers. Once registered, students will be tasked with completing a short pre-course assignment.
Course certificate
Following the successful completion of a practical skills assessment and an (open book) written test, course graduates will receive a Certificate of Competence from The Hearing Company, Australia’s leading occupational audiometry course provider.
Students who do not pass either part of the assessment will be offered one opportunity to complete supplementary training and assessment, for additional cost. This must be completed within 2 weeks of the course.
About the presenter
The course presenter is Glenn Johnson, an Occupational Audiologist (hearing specialist) with over 20 years’ experience in clinical practice, hearing rehabilitation, teaching, management and consulting.
Glenn is Director and Principal Audiologist of The Hearing Company, and during the last 15 years he has designed and delivered training in occupational audiometry to over 2,000 students throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Feedback from students attending a similar course
“A well facilitated workshop, delivered by a knowledgeable presenter with a high level of subject matter expertise. Flexible delivery, with the opportunity to ask questions relevant to my company.” Scott, Manager People Risk and Safety, Telfer Gold Mine, WA
“A faultless course! Great materials as always from The Hearing Company, with everything we’ll need to plan our services. Glenn is a great presenter. The information was relevant to the upcoming changes in legislation and delivered in a relaxed and friendly manner.” Lisa, Occupational Health Nurse, Red Earth Health Solutions, WA
“Great workshop, with useful and relevant materials provided. Very informative presentation by Glenn, who’s a very knowledgeable and entertaining speaker.” Tahnee, Nurse Manager, Brecken Health, WA
Other information
Please contact Lynne Miles, Course Manager, with any questions or to discuss the suitability of this course for your requirements: 0478 776 039 or [email protected].
Course Content
Tuition and course inclusions
All participants will receive a course manual and workbook.
A Certificate of Competence will be mailed to participants who successfully pass the practical skills assessment and written test following the course.
Course topics
Overview and requirements
- Audiometry surveillance basics and terminology
- Workplace hazards that cause hearing loss
- Audiometry legislation and requirements in WA (existing and upcoming)
- Relevant Australian Standards, Codes of Practice and other guidance documents
- Recognised protocols for monitoring hearing
- Company requirements following hearing “shift”
Practice and implementation
- Exploring significant hearing shift protocols – AS/NZS1269.4 and OSHA
- Percentage loss of hearing
- Hands-on audiograms comparison exercises
- Challenges when integrating existing WorkCover WA and other tests into a surveillance program
- Clinical and other factors affecting test accuracy and audiogram comparison
Download the AAS workshop brochure for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the course provide compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS1269.4?
The skills and knowledge obtained through this course are compliant with:
- WA Work Health and Safety Regulation 58 Audiometric testing
- Code of practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
- Australian Standard AS/NZS1269.4 Auditory Assessment
What is the cancellation policy?
The following fees are payable should a participant withdraw from the course:
- Following registration: 10% of full course fee
- Within 2 weeks of the starting date: 50% of full course fee
- Within 1 week of the starting date: 100% of full course fee
Can a registration be transferred to a colleague?
Yes, we accept transfers to another person but only within the same course. Deferring a registration to another course (different dates) is regarded as a cancellation. See previous section.
Is there a course certificate?
Yes, students who successfully pass a practical skills assessment and written test following the course will be issued with a Certificate of Competence describing the skills mastered during the course.
Can I claim Professional Development points for this course?
Yes, the Advanced Audiometry Surveillance course provides up to 12 hours of tuition, which can be claimed towards CPD requirements.
Do you offer this course at a public venue?
Yes. We will conduct public courses in Perth.
We can also conduct in-company courses for organisations with multiple employees to be trained. This can work out as a cost-effective and efficient way to upskill a team.
Where are the courses conducted?
Public courses in Perth are usually conducted at The Boulevard in Floreat.
Onsite courses are also conducted at company premises. Our equipment and teaching personnel are completely portable.
Is this course approved for conducting NSW Coal Industry Order 43 assessments?
No, this course is not approved by Coal Services for training nurses to conduct NSW Coal Industry Order 43 health surveillance audiometric tests.
Coal Services has approved our comprehensive 4-day Occupational Audiometry Course and 2-day Intermediate Audiometry Workshop.
What other courses do you offer?
We offer a range of courses focussed on conducting occupational audiometry. These include a half-day workshop on fitting insert earphones (which offer superior external noise reduction) through to 2-day and 4-day courses which offer varying degrees of compliance with workplace audiometry legislation, Australian Standards and industry best practice.
See our range of courses here.
