WAC 296-307-63635   Make sure audiometric testing equipment meets these requirements.  

     You must:

     • Use pure tone, air conduction, hearing threshold examinations, with test frequencies including as a minimum 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz

     – Tests at each frequency must be taken separately for each ear

     – Supra-aural headphones must be used.

     • Conduct audiometric tests with audiometers (including microprocessor audiometers) that meet the specifications of, and are maintained and used according to, American National Standard Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1996

     • Check the functional operation of the audiometer each day before use by doing all of the following:

     – Make sure the audiometer's output is free from distorted or unwanted sound

     – Test either a person with known, stable hearing thresholds or a bio-acoustic simulator

     – Perform acoustic calibration for deviations of 10 dB or greater.

     • Audiometer calibration must be checked acoustically at least annually to verify continued conformance with ANSI S3.6-1996. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above 6000 Hz may be omitted from this check

     • An exhaustive calibration must be performed at least every two years according to the American National Standard Specification for Audiometers, S3.6-1996. Test frequencies below 500 Hz and above 6000 Hz may be omitted from the calibration

     • Provide audiometric test rooms that meet the requirements of ANSI S3.1-1999 American National Standard Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms using the following table of Maximum Ambient Sound Pressure Levels:

Table 4

Maximum Ambient Sound Pressure Levels
Frequency (Hz) 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Sound Pressure Level (dB) 40 40 47 57 62

Note: The American Industrial Hygiene Association and National Hearing Conservation Association recommend conducting audiograms using the requirements of ANSI S3.1-1999 American National Standard Maximum Permissible Ambient Noise Levels for Audiometric Test Rooms with adjustments at only 500 Hz and below.




[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 05-01-166, § 296-307-63635, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]