US · Expiry & renewal tracking
Schedule every employee's annual audiogram on time
An employer must obtain a new audiogram at least annually for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels, after a baseline within 6 months of first exposure (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5) and (g)(6)). Testing is free to the employee, and a standard threshold shift is notified in writing within 21 days.
Under OSHA's occupational noise standard (29 CFR 1910.95), the employer must run a hearing conservation program whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels on the A scale, and must make audiometric testing available to those employees at no cost (29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1), (g)(1) and (g)(2)).
A valid baseline audiogram must be established within 6 months of an employee's first exposure at or above the action level, or within 1 year where mobile test vans are used (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5)(i) and (ii)). After that, the employer must obtain a new audiogram at least annually for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(6)).
Each annual audiogram is compared with the baseline to check for a standard threshold shift. If one is found, the employer may obtain a retest within 30 days, and the employee must be informed in writing within 21 days of the determination (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(7) and (g)(8)(i)).
At a glance
| Rule | 29 CFR 1910.95(g)(6) (OSHA) |
|---|---|
| Who | Employees exposed at or above an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels |
| Baseline audiogram | Within 6 months of first exposure at or above the action level (1 year with mobile test vans) |
| Annual audiogram | At least annually after the baseline |
| Standard threshold shift | Employee informed in writing within 21 days |
| Records | Audiometric test records kept for the duration of employment |
Paragraphs (c) through (n) of 29 CFR 1910.95 do not apply to employers engaged in oil and gas well drilling and servicing operations (29 CFR 1910.95(o)).
Who is responsible?
The employer. It must establish and maintain the audiometric testing program at no cost to employees. Tests are performed by a licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist or other physician, or by a qualified technician responsible to one of them (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(1) to (g)(3)).
Before the baseline test
Testing to establish a baseline audiogram must be preceded by at least 14 hours without exposure to workplace noise; hearing protectors may be used as a substitute. The employer must tell employees to avoid high levels of non-occupational noise during those 14 hours (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5)(iii) and (iv)).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each employee in the hearing conservation program and record the date their next annual audiogram is due.
- For a new employee, record the baseline audiogram deadline: 6 months after their first exposure at or above the action level.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
- Assign a responsible person (for example your safety or occupational health lead) so the right person gets the reminder.
- If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
- Ask the employee or testing provider to upload the audiogram result through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.
Frequently asked questions
- How often is an audiogram required under OSHA?
- At least annually after the baseline audiogram, for each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour TWA of 85 decibels (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(6)).
- When is the baseline audiogram due?
- Within 6 months of the employee's first exposure at or above the action level, or within 1 year where mobile test vans are used (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(5)(i) and (ii)).
- Who pays for audiometric testing?
- The employer. The program must be provided at no cost to employees (29 CFR 1910.95(g)(2)).
- How long must audiogram records be kept?
- For the duration of the affected employee's employment (29 CFR 1910.95(m)(3)(ii)).
Sources
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
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Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each annual audiogram, hearing conservation (OSHA) (US) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
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