When staff work around loud machinery or busy docks, noise can damage their hearing over time. Industries like manufacturing, marine and construction often expose employees to sound levels above 85 dB(A), which can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Here’s where corporate hearing screening comes in. A corporate hearing screening is a workplace health check that is done to identify early signs of hearing loss among staff exposed to industrial noise.
It is part of a structured hearing conservation programme (HCP) designed to monitor and protect employees before damage becomes permanent. Read more: https://dsaudiology.sg/industrial-hearing-screening/.
According to global health and safety authorities, such screenings help spot hearing changes early and ensure protective measures are effective In Singapore, the Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations make hearing screening mandatory for any worker exposed to these levels.
What are the Corporate Hearing Screening Legal Requirements for Employers in Singapore?
Under Singapore’s Noise Regulations, employers must carry out pre-placement audiometry for new hires who face 85 dB(A) or more at work. This test must happen within three months of their start date and establishes a baseline hearing level.
Each year thereafter, staff need annual audiometric testing to spot any shifts in their hearing thresholds. A Designated Workplace Doctor (DWD) oversees all tests, review results and certifies each employee’s fitness to work in noisy areas.
The DWD records findings in official health certificates and confirms that you meet the regulatory standards. Noise monitoring is another key part of compliance.
If ten or more employees face noise levels of 85 dB(A) or above, you must measure these levels at least every three years. You also need fresh monitoring whenever you introduce new equipment or change work processes that might alter noise exposure.
A competent noise officer (someone trained in sound measurement) must carry out the monitoring and compile detailed reports. You then share these reports with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to show you are managing noise risks properly.
You will want to keep these documents up to date to prevent lapses in compliance and to ensure that you can prove your efforts to safeguard your staff. The good thing with meeting these legal requirements is that you avoid hefty fines and potential work stoppages. You also build trust with your workforce as you are able to show that you take their hearing health seriously.
What does a Workplace Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP) Look Like?
If it is the first time your considering corporate hearing screening, one of the questions you may want to ask is; what does a workplace HCP look like? While it my sound complex, it is actually easy once you’ve got the hang of it. Typically, here is what a workplace HCP looks like;
- Noise Mapping and Monitoring: Employers start by measuring sound levels across the workplace. They identify zones where noise peaks like near heavy machinery or engine rooms and mark them as protected areas. Trained staff use calibrated sound meters and follow strict protocols to gather data. The findings guide decisions on where to install barriers, rotate shifts or enforce mandatory hearing protection.
- Audiometric Testing: This involves baseline and annual hearing checks in a sound-proof booth. Employees take pure-tone audiometry tests that measure hearing thresholds at various frequencies. Early detection of shifts warrants prompt medical review or retraining on protective gear. Clinics send results to your Designated Workplace Doctor, who advises on whether to modify tasks or fit upgraded ear protection.
- Training and Controls: Effective HCPs combine administrative and engineering controls with staff education. You may introduce quiet-hour shifts, schedule noisy tasks for off-peak times and maintain equipment to reduce sound. Also, it will help to maintain regular training sessions to teach workers how and why to use earplugs or earmuffs correctly.
That far you’re probably now wondering, how do you choose a good clinic for corporate hearing screening? Now, many clinics today offer on-site mobile audiometry services.
What this means is that they bring sound-proof booths and technicians directly to your premises. This approach minimises downtime and avoids production delays, as staff can test at scheduled intervals without leaving the workplace.
When choosing a clinic for corporate hearing screening, ensure they use MOM-approved technicians and fully calibrated booths. Tests must take place in environments that meet strict acoustical standards.
A Designated Workplace Doctor should interpret all results and issue health certificates. Ask for these certifications upfront to save time and confirm that you meet legal standards.
Top clinics also provide reporting and compliance support. They deliver formatted reports that slot easily into your MOM submissions and OSHA-style recordkeeping systems.
What’s more, a good provider will guide you on follow-up tests, referrals and retests if any employee shows threshold shifts. Their advice on hearing protection options and engineering controls adds value, so you leave with a complete picture of your noise management plan.
When you compare clinics, ask about turnaround times for certificates, trial fitting options for various ear protection products and post-screening support. A responsive clinic will help you stay on top of your hearing conservation programme and reinforce your commitment to staff well-being.
What Responsibilities do Employers have After Corporate Hearing Screening?
Many people who visit our clinic for corporate hearing screening in Singapore also frequently ask; what are the employer responsibilities after screening? Here’s what you need to know;
- Follow Up for Threshold Shifts: When an audiogram shows a temporary or permanent hearing loss, you must arrange a retest within three months. This second check confirms whether the shift is persistent. Employers should adjust duties or enhance hearing protection for affected staff.
- Fit and Maintain Hearing Protection: If tests reveal early hearing changes, staff need proper earplugs or earmuffs fitted to their specific ear shape. Regular fit testing ensures the chosen PPE delivers the right level of attenuation. You should retrain employees on correct insertion and storage.
- Submit Reports to MOM: You must send a summary of all audiometric results, including cases of noise-induced hearing loss, to MOM by 31 January each year. Any confirmed hearing loss must be reported within seven days of diagnosis. Accurate, timely submissions show regulators you prioritise employee health and comply with statutory deadlines.
- Update Registers and Records: Maintain a current register of all noise-exposed employees, test dates and results. Store records securely for at least five years, as MOM may audit your files. Well-organised documentation helps you track trends and schedule upcoming screenings. It also supports injury or compensation claims by providing clear evidence of compliance.
In Closing
Plan screenings and noise monitoring well before regulatory deadlines to avoid last-minute rushes. Also, bundle your hearing tests with on-site noise assessments to save costs and time—many clinics offer package deals.
After any equipment upgrade or process change, repeat noise monitoring promptly to see if exposure levels have shifted. Don’t forget to provide refresher training on the correct use of hearing protection, and schedule regular fit tests to ensure PPE remains effective.
We provide corporate hearing screening in Singapore and would be thrilled to help you protect your team’s hearing and meet legal requirements? Contact us today to schedule your corporate hearing screening. Call or visit us at;
D&S Audiology – Audiologist | Hearing Aid Singapore
12 Woodlands Square, #13-73 Woods Square Tower 1, Singapore 737715
Phone: +65 8044 9632
