Protecting Hearing at Work Starts With the Right Information
In the world of workplace safety, some risks are easy to spot: heavy machinery, slippery surfaces. But hearing damage? That one’s less obvious. It builds over time. Slowly. Silently. Exposure to excessive workplace noise can cause permanent hearing damage and tinnitus. That’s why regular hearing checks aren’t just a nice-to-have. They’re a legal and moral must.
For employers, the responsibility goes beyond issuing ear defenders. A suitable workplace-noise programme may involve risk assessment, practical noise controls, appropriate hearing protection, employee training and regular hearing surveillance.
At Hearing Healthcare Centre, we offer fully compliant industrial hearing assessments designed to support an employer’s workplace hearing-surveillance programme, in Cambridge, Saffron Walden and surrounding areas. Our appointments range from baseline screening to more detailed audiological assessments. Each option is designed to provide clear information, careful clinical support and an appropriate next step.
Whether you need a routine hearing check for a new starter, periodic surveillance for employees exposed to noise, or a fuller assessment for someone reporting symptoms, we can help you choose the most suitable appointment.
What Are an Employer’s Responsibilities?
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety caused by workplace noise. The correct response depends on the working environment and the level of exposure. Employers may need to assess noise risks, reduce exposure at source, provide suitable hearing protection, make sure legal exposure limits are not exceeded, give employees appropriate information and training, and arrange health surveillance where there is a risk to health.
Hearing checks are one part of that wider responsibility. They do not replace a workplace-noise risk assessment, effective noise controls or occupational-health oversight.
A properly planned surveillance programme can help identify early signs of hearing damage, highlight where control measures may need reviewing and give employees clear information about their hearing.
Who Should Receive Workplace Hearing Surveillance?
HSE states that employers must provide hearing surveillance for employees who are likely to be regularly exposed above the upper exposure action values or who are otherwise at risk. This may include employees who already have hearing loss, people who may be particularly sensitive to noise damage, and staff whose roles involve regular exposure to loud machinery, tools, vehicles, music or other sources of occupational noise.
Workplace hearing checks may be relevant in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport, agriculture, vehicle maintenance, entertainment, landscaping and industrial production. The most appropriate programme depends on the employer’s noise-risk assessment and occupational-health arrangements.
How Often Should Workplace Hearing Checks Be Carried Out?
Where possible, HSE recommends starting hearing surveillance before an employee is exposed to workplace noise. This provides a useful baseline for future comparison. A regular series of checks can then help identify whether hearing has changed over time.
HSE states that checks are usually carried out annually during the first two years of employment and then at three-yearly intervals. More frequent checks may be appropriate where a hearing concern is detected or the risk of damage is particularly high.
The correct schedule should be determined as part of the employer’s occupational-health programme.
What Is an Industrial Hearing Test?
Industrial hearing tests, sometimes called occupational or workplace hearing screenings, are designed to detect early signs of noise-induced hearing loss in employees exposed to potentially harmful levels of sound. If your team is working in manufacturing, construction, transport, music, or any environment where ear protection is standard issue, this kind of testing isn’t just recommended. It’s required under The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
Choose the Right Level of Industrial Hearing Test
Not every employee needs the same appointment. A routine baseline hearing check is different from a fuller clinical assessment for someone who has symptoms, an unusual result or a more complex history.
Use the comparison table below to identify the most suitable starting point. Contact us if you are unsure which level of testing is appropriate.
Industrial Hearing
Screening
Industrial Hearing
Assessment
Industrial Hearing
Full Assessment
✅
✅
✅
❌
❌
✅
✅
✅ Video OtoscopyA high-definition visual examination of the ear canal and eardrum using a tiny camera.
✅ Endoscopic OtoscopyExamination of the ear canal and eardrum using a manual device called an otoscope.
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
✅
✅
❌
❌
✅
❌
❌
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
✅
✅
❌
❌
✅
❌
❌
✅
❌
❌
✅
✅
✅
✅
❌
❌
✅
❌
✅
✅
£50
£80
£120
What Is Included in an Industrial Hearing Test?
The exact appointment depends on the level selected, but every industrial hearing test is designed to provide useful, clearly explained information.
Medical History & Noise Exposure Review
We begin by asking about the employee’s role, relevant medical history, previous noise exposure and any symptoms they have noticed. This provides context for the hearing results and helps identify whether a routine surveillance check is sufficient or whether a fuller assessment may be appropriate
Video Otoscopy & Aural Health Check
An otoscopic examination allows the clinician to check the ear canal and eardrum before testing.
This can identify visible concerns such as ear-wax build-up, irritation, infection or signs that further advice may be needed. A clear view of the eardrum is essential—its colour, shape, and movement can all tell us a great deal about your ear health. All findings are recorded for your records and further discussion.
Pure-Tone Hearing Test
The employee responds to a series of tones presented through calibrated equipment in a controlled environment. This measures hearing thresholds at relevant frequencies and helps identify possible changes over time.
Air Conduction
Air-conduction testing measures the quietest sounds an employee can hear through headphones. It forms the core of workplace hearing surveillance and provides a useful baseline or comparison result.
Bone Conduction and Masking
Bone-conduction testing is included in the Full Industrial Hearing AssessmentA comprehensive evaluation of your hearing ability, including a variety of tests to determine the type and degree of hearing loss. where a more detailed clinical picture is needed. It helps the audiologist explore the type of hearing loss and whether further investigation may be appropriate
To ensure accurate results, we often use maskingA method used during hearing tests to isolate the ear being tested by presenting noise to the opposite ear.: introducing a controlled sound to the opposite ear to keep it from helping out during the test. This allows us to assess each ear individually and precisely.
Tympanometry
TympanometryA test that measures how well the eardrum moves in response to pressure changes, helping identify middle ear problems. may be included in the Industrial Hearing Assessment and Full Industrial Hearing Assessment. It measures how the eardrum responds to pressure changes and can provide useful information about middle-ear function.
Acoustic Reflex
We assess the tiny muscles in your middle earThe section of the ear that contains the eardrum and ossicles, which are involved in transmitting sounds to the inner ear. that contract automatically in response to loud sounds—this is known as the acoustic reflexThe automatic muscle contraction in the middle ear in response to loud sounds, providing insight into the auditory pathway.. Using gentle sound pulses, we measure whether this protective reflex is working properly. The results help us understand how your auditory pathway is functioning, from the ear through to the brainstem, and can provide valuable clues about certain types of hearing loss or nerve issues.
Speech Testing in Quiet
We assess how well you understand everyday speech by playing recorded words or sentences at a comfortable volume in a quiet environment. You’ll be asked to repeat what you hear, helping us gauge not just what sounds you detect—but how clearly you understand them. This test gives us real-world insight into your ability to follow conversation and complements your tone-based hearing results.
Speech in Noise
We evaluate how well you understand speech when there’s background noise—simulating real-life environments like cafés or social gatherings. Using the QuickSIN test, we present short sentences with increasing levels of background chatter, and ask you to repeat what you hear. This helps us measure your signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) loss and understand how much harder your brain has to work in noisy settings. The results guide us in recommending the right hearing solutions for your lifestyle.
Advice and Recommendations
Once we’ve reviewed all your results, we explain what they mean in plain language. You’ll receive tailored advice based on your hearing health, lifestyle, and goals—whether that’s ongoing monitoring, wax management, hearing protection, or exploring hearing aids. We take time to answer any questions you may have and make sure you’re fully informed about your next steps.
GP Referral Pathway
If we identify anything that requires further medical investigation, we’ll guide you through the appropriate referral process. Whether it’s onward referral to your GP, ENT specialist, or further imaging, we provide clear explanations and a professional summary of findings to support your referral.
Written Report – Threshold Summary
Your report includes a clear summary of your hearing thresholds across key frequencies, shown visually as an audiogram. This chart maps the quietest sounds you can hear at each pitch, helping to illustrate the type and degree of any hearing loss. We include straightforward explanations alongside the graph so you can fully understand your hearing profile and how it may affect your day-to-day communication.
Industrial Hearing Screening
Our industrial hearing screening is a fast, reliable way to establish a baseline for an employee’s hearing, or to monitor any changes over time. It’s designed for routine workplace surveillance and is fully compliant with HSE regulations, making it ideal for environments where noise exposure is part of the job.
Using pure-tone air conduction testing, we assess hearing thresholds in a calibrated, sound-controlled setting, ensuring accuracy and consistency across your workforce. The results are plotted and categorised using the HSE’s approved classification system, giving both employer and employee a clear understanding of hearing status and any necessary follow-up.
It’s efficient, straightforward, and provides exactly what’s needed to meet your legal obligations without cutting corners on care or clarity.
Who's It For?
This type of screening is best suited to workplaces where noise exposure is routine and regular monitoring is required as part of your health and safety responsibilities. It’s ideal for companies needing to establish a baseline for new employees, or for those conducting annual checks as part of an ongoing surveillance programme.
If you’re hiring for roles involving construction, manufacturing, transport, entertainment, or any industry where high-decibel environments are the norm, this test helps you stay compliant, consistent, and confident that your team’s hearing is being monitored with care. It’s also the right fit for employers who want clear documentation without fuss, or for those who need to meet obligations under The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
Ultimately, this is a proactive, practical solution for businesses that take hearing health seriously, and want to keep their people protected long before problems begin.
Industrial Hearing Screening
Peace of Mind at Work
£50
- HSE-Compliant Testing
- Qualified, Experienced Clinicians
- Fully Calibrated Testing Equipment
- Clear, Actionable Results
Industrial Hearing Assessment
This assessment is designed for individuals who require a closer look, whether they’ve flagged potential hearing issues during routine screening or are experiencing symptoms that warrant further investigation.
The session includes a detailed pure-tone air conduction test to evaluate hearing thresholds, alongside tympanometry to assess middle ear function. We also carry out an otoscopic examination to check the health of the ear canal and eardrum, identifying any visible issues that might be contributing to hearing changes.
As with all our workplace hearing services, results are interpreted using the HSE’s classification system, ensuring full compliance and consistency. Where changes are detected, we provide clear, actionable management recommendations, whether that’s a need for hearing protection upgrades, a change in working practices, or a referral for medical review.
It’s a more thorough look that gives both employers and employees peace of mind, and a clear path forward.
Who's It For?
This assessment is the right choice when a more detailed review is needed, typically following an initial screening that flagged potential concerns, or when an employee reports symptoms like difficulty hearing, ringing in the ears, or changes in clarity.
It’s particularly useful for employers who want to respond promptly and responsibly to early signs of hearing deterioration, without immediately progressing to a full diagnostic pathway. Whether you’re managing a workplace incident, monitoring an employee in a high-risk role, or supporting someone with a history of hearing issues, this assessment offers a deeper level of insight.
It helps bridge the gap between basic screening and full audiological investigation; providing clarity, compliance, and care for situations that demand more than routine, but don’t yet require full diagnostics.
Industrial Hearing Assessment
Extended Peace of Mind at Work
£80
- Designed for Symptomatic or At-Risk Employees
- Middle Ear Function Testing Included
- HSE-Compliant Reporting with Clinical Insight
- Real Answers, Real Recommendations
Industrial Hearing Full Assessment
Our Industrial Hearing – Full Assessment is the most comprehensive level of occupational hearing care we offer—designed for complex cases, symptomatic employees, or when a formal diagnosis or detailed documentation is required.
This appointment includes air and bone conduction audiometryThe measurement of hearing ability using specialised equipment. to pinpoint the type and severity of hearing loss, along with tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing to evaluate how well the middle ear is functioning. We take a thorough case history, exploring lifestyle factors, occupational noise exposure, and any symptoms that could provide insight into the root of the issue.
You’ll receive a professionally interpreted report with a clear summary of findings and tailored guidance on next steps—whether that’s hearing protection advice, suggested role adaptations, or a medical referral if further investigation is needed.
This is more than a compliance check. It’s a thorough investigation into hearing health, designed to support both clinical clarity and workplace wellbeing.
Who's It For?
This level of assessment is ideal when the situation calls for a deeper, diagnostic approach, particularly in complex or sensitive cases. It’s commonly used for employees presenting with ongoing or more serious symptoms, or when previous tests haven’t provided enough clarity.
It’s also the preferred choice in occupational health or legal contexts where a formal report is required, whether for workplace injury claims, insurance documentation, or to support fitness-for-work decisions. If a medical referral might be necessary, or if role adjustments are being considered, this comprehensive assessment provides the detailed evidence and professional insight needed to move forward with confidence.
In short, it’s the right choice when hearing health intersects with broader responsibilities and when the stakes are too high for ambiguity.
Full Industrial Hearing Assessment
Complete Peace of Mind at Work
£120
- Extended Frequency Testing
- Designed for Symptomatic or At-Risk Employees
- Middle Ear Function Testing Included
- HSE-Compliant Reporting with Clinical Insight
- Real Answers, Real Recommendations
- Management / Referral Recommendations
What Should Employers Expect From the Results?
A workplace hearing-surveillance programme should do more than produce an audiogramA graph showing the results of a hearing test, indicating the quietest audible sounds (measure in decibels) at different frequencies.. HSE explains that employers should use the results to help make sure employees’ hearing is being protected. Employers may need to keep appropriate health-surveillance records, act on recommendations, review risk assessments and reconsider plans for controlling noise where necessary.
Medical confidentiality remains important. Employers should receive the information required to manage workplace risk and fitness-for-work considerations without receiving confidential medical information that should remain with the appropriate healthcare professional. Where group-level patterns emerge, the results may also help an employer review noise controls, training and hearing-protection practices.
For Employees: What to Expect
An industrial hearing test is a straightforward and respectful appointment. You will be asked about your work, relevant medical history and any hearing concerns. Your ears will be examined, and you will listen for a series of tones through headphones in a controlled environment. Depending on the appointment selected, additional tests may also be carried out.
Your results will be explained clearly. If a concern is identified, you will be advised about the most appropriate next step.
Why Employers Choose Hearing Healthcare Centre
We provide audiology-led workplace hearing tests with careful attention to the employee experience. Employers value:
- Fully HSE compliant testing and reporting
- Fast turnaround with actionable documentation
- Respectful, human-first approach to employee care
- Independent and unbiased
- Clear appointment options
- Practical reporting
Our role is to support informed decisions. The employer remains responsible for the workplace-noise risk assessment, occupational-health programme and wider legal duties.
What Happens After the Appointment?
After your appointment, we’ll explain your results clearly. Depending on which assessment you undertake, you’ll leave with:
- Verbal explanation, a visuals or written notes (if relevant) of what we’ve encountered
- Advice tailored to your situation
- Recommended next steps, if needed
No scare tactics. No assumptions. Just calm, honest guidance; whether that’s reassurance that everything’s fine, advice about wax removal, or a recommendation to continue with a full diagnostic assessment. Because when it comes to your ears, even our “quick check” is anything but basic. Our goal? That you leave your appointment feeling informed, empowered, and heard. (Pun absolutely intended.)
Speak to Us About Workplace Hearing Testing
Whether you need a single employee assessed or want to discuss a broader hearing-surveillance programme, our team can help you identify the most suitable starting point. Tell us about the working environment, the number of employees and whether you need baseline screening, periodic surveillance or a fuller clinical assessment.
You can contact us by phone, email or by using the enquiry form on this page.
Industrial and HSE Compliant Testing FAQs
- Q1: What is an industrial hearing test, and do I legally need one in Cambridge?
Yes, if your employees are exposed to regular workplace noise. An industrial hearing test ensures HSE compliance and helps prevent permanent hearing damage. In Cambridge, we provide certified assessments that satisfy legal, clinical, and ethical standards.
- Q2: Why is HSE-compliant hearing testing important for employers in Saffron Walden?
Failing to assess hearing health puts both your staff and your business at risk. Our Saffron Walden clinic delivers fast, professional testing that protects your workforce and helps you meet your legal obligations under The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
- Q3: How do I know if my employees need a workplace hearing test?
If they regularly work in loud environments—construction, logistics, manufacturing—they’re at risk. Routine screening helps catch changes early, supporting better outcomes and protecting against claims and compliance failures.
- Q4: What’s included in an industrial hearing screening in Cambridge?
Our £50 screening includes a medical questionnaire, otoscopic ear check, and pure tone audiometry across key frequencies—delivered by HCPC-registered clinicians in a quiet, clinical setting.
- Q5: How quickly can we schedule workplace hearing tests for a team?
We can accommodate individual and group appointments in both Cambridge and Saffron Walden within days. No lengthy waiting lists—just streamlined, professional service.
- Q6: What’s the difference between a hearing screening and a full industrial hearing assessment?
A screening checks for baseline changes; a full assessment includes deeper diagnostics like bone conduction, tympanometry, and reflex testing—ideal for complex or symptomatic cases.
- Q7: Can you help us meet our duty of care and documentation for insurance or legal claims?
Yes. Our full assessments include detailed reports suitable for occupational health, medico-legal documentation, or injury claims—trusted by employers across Essex and Cambridgeshire.
- Q8: Is industrial hearing testing available for small businesses in Cambridge?
Absolutely. Whether you have five staff or fifty, we tailor testing plans to your needs. Our Cambridge clinic supports businesses of all sizes with transparent pricing and clear results.
- Q9: What happens if you find hearing damage during testing?
We provide immediate guidance and referral pathways—whether it’s hearing protection upgrades, workplace adjustments, or medical investigation. You’re never left wondering what comes next.
- Q10: How do I book a compliant hearing test for my employees near Saffron Walden?
Just call or email us. We offer flexible appointment times at our High Street Saffron Walden clinic with nearby parking—ideal for both one-off and ongoing surveillance testing.
- Q11: Will the hearing test be invasive or uncomfortable?
Not at all. Most tests involve wearing headphones and responding to sounds. We also conduct visual ear checks using non-invasive video otoscopy—clear, clinical, and respectful.
- Q12: How often should workplace hearing tests be repeated?
Annually for high-risk roles. Baseline and periodic retesting helps track changes over time and demonstrates proactive compliance—especially valuable for employers managing high-decibel environments.
- Q13: Can hearing loss really occur if staff wear ear protection?
Yes—if protection isn’t fitted or maintained properly. Our assessments help verify effectiveness and provide early warnings that standard checks can miss.
- Q14: Do I need to test new hires before they start noisy work?
Yes. Establishing a baseline before exposure begins is both a best practice and an HSE expectation. It protects you and your employees down the line.
- Q15: What is the cost of an HSE-compliant hearing assessment in Cambridge?
Our prices range from £50 for screening to £120 for full assessments. Each includes HSE classification, professional reports, and tailored advice.
- Q16: Do you offer on-site testing for industrial companies near Cambridge or Saffron Walden?
We do for larger groups. Alternatively, our purpose-built clinics offer fast turnaround with calibrated equipment, ensuring consistent and clinical-grade results.
- Q17: What sets your workplace hearing testing apart from standard checks?
We go beyond tick-box compliance. From acoustic reflex testing to QuickSIN speech-in-noise evaluation, our service captures real-world listening ability and diagnostic detail.
- Q18: I run a transport company—can you help my drivers stay compliant?
Absolutely. Our clinicians assess hearing thresholds relevant to safety-critical roles, helping you demonstrate due diligence while supporting your team’s health.
- Q19: What industries benefit most from industrial hearing testing?
Any sector with elevated noise levels—construction, warehousing, airports, agriculture, and live events—should integrate regular hearing testing into their safety protocols.
- Q20: How can I protect employee hearing and still meet productivity targets?
We provide not just testing, but practical advice—on hearing protection, breaks, and noise management—helping your team stay sharp without slowing down.
