A corporate hearing test in Singapore checks if your ears work normally for your age and noise exposure. Here’s what you can typically expect; first, you usually sit in a small soundproof booth and an audiologist plays tones at different pitches through headphones.
You press a button when you hear each tone. This is called pure‑tone audiometry, and it maps how well you hear quiet and loud sounds across pitches.
The test may also include otoscopy which basically involves the clinician using a lighted instrument to look inside your ear canal and check that nothing blocks your eardrum. After that, they might do tympanometry which measures how your middle ear responds to air pressure changes.
It shows if the eardrum and bones behind it are moving normally. These steps are painless and quick and most tests finish in under 30 minutes.
Some providers offer on‑site testing at your workplace where they would set up a mobile booth in a conference room. Others invite you off‑site to a clinic where they have dedicated equipment.
Either way, you get a printed report that shows your results. If you have slight hearing loss, the report flags the specific frequencies affected, so your employer can plan to reduce noise exposure or fit you with protection.
Why do Companies Offer Hearing Tests?
Under Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations, employers must provide audiometric (hearing) tests for any worker exposed to daily noise levels of 85 dB(A) or above. That includes a baseline test before exposure begins and regular follow‑up tests (at least every 24 months) to monitor any change in hearing thresholds.
If you work in a quieter environment where noise stays below 85 dB(A) testing isn’t legally required. However, it remains a good preventive measure.
So, companies offer hearing tests to keep workers safe and meet legal duties. When you spend hours near loud machinery or constant engine noise, small hearing changes can go unnoticed.
A test can pick up those shifts early, before you miss important sounds or face permanent damage. The idea is to catch issues at the start so you have a chance to use better ear protection or take quieter breaks.
Regular testing can lower insurance and injury claims. If a worker damages their hearing on the job, early detection shows the company took preventive steps.
It also creates a culture that values health and boosts morale. Colleagues see that managers care about wellbeing, which can improve teamwork and reduce turnover.
So, who Needs a Corporate Hearing Test?
Employers must not wait until you notice a problem. In case you’re wondering who needs corporate hearing tests, here’s a quick list to help you get started;
- Workers in Noisy Environments: If your job involves loud engines, drills or presses above 85 decibels, you need regular tests. Heavy industries like manufacturing, construction, marine and aviation expose you to constant noise and over time, sounds above safe levels can damage hair cells in your inner ear. Routine checks help spot early loss before you miss warning signals.
- Staff Using Headphones Regularly: Call centre agents, sound engineers or anyone who wears headphones eight hours a day may face hearing strain. Even moderate volumes, played directly into your ear, can add up over months. Tests can flag high‑frequency loss that you might not notice at first. That gives you a chance to adjust volume or swap to noise‑limiting headsets.
- People Reporting Symptoms: Ringing in the ears is known as tinnitus. It is a condition that can start quietly and worsen. Trouble following conversations in a crowd or feeling like speech sounds muffled may signal early damage. Even if your workspace is quiet, any new ear symptoms mean you should get tested. Early action often keeps mild loss from becoming severe.
- Employees Returning After Sick Leave or Injury: A head injury, ear infection or long‑term use of certain medications can affect your hearing. When you return to work, a hearing check confirms you’re fit for duty. It also gives you a fresh baseline so future tests accurately track any changes. It’s also worth noting that as you age, natural hearing shifts can make it harder to catch subtle tones or soft words. Regular tests ensure you’re not missing cues.
What Happens After Corporate Hearing Test?
After your corporate hearing test, the audiologist will review the results with you. If your hearing sits within normal limits, you get a fitness‑for‑work note and you return to your duties.
You may see a chart showing your hearing thresholds across frequencies, but the report sent to HR only confirms you’re fit or flags an issue. If you have mild hearing loss, the audiologist may recommend simple measures.
For example, you might use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy zones, or take regular breaks in quiet areas to let your ears rest. They may also suggest retraining programmes that teach you lip‑reading cues or strategies to follow speech in background noise.
For more serious loss, you’ll get a referral to a specialist. An ENT doctor can diagnose the cause, such as inner‑ear damage or earwax build‑up, and propose treatments. You might be fitted for hearing aids if needed, and the audiologist will guide you through device options and care.
Are Corporate Hearing Tests Mandatory in Singapore?
As earlier mentioned, under Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations, hearing surveillance is mandatory for workers exposed to daily noise levels above 85 dB(A). Employers must offer a free baseline test before you start noisy tasks, and follow‑up tests at least every two years.
These checks help companies meet legal duties and document noise control efforts. If you move to a quieter role, regular tests may stop, but the baseline remains on record.
For low‑noise jobs, tests are optional but still useful for early risk detection. Even when not mandatory, many companies include hearing checks in general health screening packages, showing they value your wellbeing.
The good thing with corporate hearing test is that it lets you catch hearing loss early which means you can use protection and reduce long‑term damage. Regular checks also boost your confidence that your company cares about your health. Productivity also stays high when you can hear alarms, calls and colleagues clearly.
Wrapping Up
A corporate hearing test is a fast, painless check that keeps your ears safe at work. Mandatory for noisy roles under Singapore law, it also proves your employer cares about your health.
And it doesn’t really matter whether you work with heavy machinery or wear headphones all day. These tests give you peace of mind and protect your long‑term hearing.
Do you want to schedule a corporate hearing test for your team? Contact our Hearing Clinic Singapore today for on‑site or off‑site testing, clear reports and expert advice. See details below;
D&S Audiology – Audiologist | Hearing Aid Singapore
12 Woodlands Square, #13-73 Woods Square Tower 1, Singapore 737715
Phone: +65 8044 9632
