Employee preparation

Employee preparation

History Taking for Audiometry

Before an audiogram is done a thorough history should always include:

The demographics of the employee being tested
The occupational history
Current work-related exposures
Medical history specific to ear nose and throat
Surgical history
Trauma history
Hereditary history
Recreational exposures

Otoscopy

AThis consists of a physical examination of the outer ear and an inspection using the otoscope up until the tympanic membrane. This is a critical element of audiometry. The purpose of the otoscopic examination is to evaluate the condition of the ear canal, tympanic membrane and the middle ear. The ear canal and tympanic membrane are not easy to examine because of their relative inaccessibility and the need for both magnification and illumination. The examiner’s skill with an otoscope depends on a practical understanding of the anatomy of the ear, a suitable choice of otoscope and speculum, and a reliable examination technique. Otoscopy should be carried out prior to any audiometry2. The examiner should be able to identify the normal features of the tympanic membrane (TM).