Age Correction for Audiology Test Results

OSHA allows age correction of audiogram data. This correction helps to compensate for the “normal” deterioration of hearing as a person grows older. This topic describes how to apply age correction.

Although such a correction might seem logical, our Research Department does not recommend it. If hearing loss occurs and is reported to employees, it will encourage them to wear hearing protection. If the loss is age-corrected it may not be considered significant by the employees, and the opportunity to emphasize the need for hearing protection is minimized. If a company changes this setting after starting their hearing program, do not attempt to retroactively apply age correction. Let the old data stand, and tell the company that age correction will be applied to future audiograms.

Note: Our Research Department recommends accepting the SYSTOC default for no age correction unless the company specifically asks for it.

Hearing Improvement and Age Correction

Age correction may not be used when considering a baseline move for improving hearing. If the average measurements for 2, 3, and 4 kHz for either ear show an improvement of 5 dB or more from the baseline value, and the improvement is persistent on the next test, then the audiologist should consider moving the baseline to the date of the improved test for one or both ears. SYSTOC will not suggest changes for hearing improvement automatically. Such changes are the responsibility of the audiologist.

Apply the Age Correction Setting

  1. Go to Company Folder > Companies and select the company for which you want to apply age correction.
  2. Select the OSHA Age Correction checkbox under the Audio Program section.

    Checking this box applies audiogram age correcting for all employees of this company.

  3. Save and exit the record.

    All future audiogram tests will apply OSHA Age Correction when the employee meets the requirements.