Seafarers need to hear alarms, radio and verbal orders, often against background noise. Hearing is assessed in most seafarer medical examinations, sometimes by a conversational test and often by audiometry.
Audiometry
Pure-tone audiometry measures the quietest sound you can hear at different pitches (frequencies), usually from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz, for each ear. The results are plotted on an audiogram. See Understanding audiometry.
Hearing thresholds
A threshold is the softest level, in decibels (dB HL), at which you can detect a tone about half the time. Maritime authorities set their own hearing standards, often based on average thresholds across speech frequencies. Only your examiner can interpret your results against the standard that applies to you.
Engine-room and occupational noise
Engine rooms, purifier rooms and some deck machinery can be loud enough to damage hearing over time. Noise-induced hearing loss is gradual, painless and permanent — which is why prevention matters. Read Engine-room noise and hearing protection.
Hearing protection
- Wear ear defenders or earplugs wherever signs or your company’s procedures require them — and whenever you need to shout to be heard at arm’s length.
- Fit foam earplugs properly: roll, insert deeply, hold until expanded.
- Replace worn ear-defender seals.
- Report tinnitus (ringing) or muffled hearing after a watch.
Preparing for a hearing test
Avoid loud noise for at least a day before the test where possible, as temporary threshold shifts can affect results. Tell the examiner about ear infections, ear wax problems or previous ear surgery. See Preparing for a hearing test.
- HearingUnderstanding AudiometryWhat happens in a pure-tone hearing test, how to read an audiogram, and what the results can and cannot show.
- HearingEngine-Room Noise and Hearing ProtectionWhy engine-room noise damages hearing, and how to choose and use hearing protection that works.
- HearingPreparing for a Hearing TestSimple steps to make sure your hearing test reflects your normal hearing.
SeafarerFit cannot diagnose hearing loss. If you notice changes in your hearing, see a healthcare professional.
Sources
- ILO / IMO — Guidelines on the medical examinations of seafarers (2011) (opens in a new tab)
- World Health Organization — Deafness and hearing loss — fact sheet (opens in a new tab)
Links go to the original publishers. SeafarerFit is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations.