Audiometry measures how well you hear sounds of different pitches. It is commonly used in seafarer medicals and in hearing-conservation programmes for people exposed to noise at work.
The test
You wear headphones in a quiet room or booth. Tones are played at different frequencies — typically from 250 Hz (low pitch) to 8,000 Hz (high pitch) — in each ear. You press a button or raise your hand each time you hear a tone, even if it is very faint.
Reading an audiogram
Results are plotted on a chart called an audiogram. Frequency runs across the chart; loudness in decibels hearing level (dB HL) runs down it. Each mark shows the quietest level you heard at that frequency — your threshold. Marks lower down the chart mean you needed louder sounds.
Noise-induced patterns
Long-term noise exposure often first affects the higher frequencies, around 3,000–6,000 Hz. This can happen before you notice any difficulty in everyday conversation — one reason periodic testing is useful.
What the result means for you
Maritime authorities set their own hearing standards and testing methods. Only your examiner can interpret your audiogram against the standard that applies to your duties.
Sources
- World Health Organization — Deafness and hearing loss — fact sheet (opens in a new tab)
- ILO / IMO — Guidelines on the medical examinations of seafarers (2011) (opens in a new tab)
Links go to the original publishers. SeafarerFit is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations.
SeafarerFit provides educational information, health calculators, screening tools and medical-examination preparation resources. It does not provide diagnosis, treatment, medical certification or official determination of fitness for sea service.