Section 296-307-63620. Review audiograms that indicate a standard threshold shift.

You must:

• Make sure the health care professional supervising audiograms has:

– A copy of this part

– The baseline audiogram and most recent audiogram of the employee to be evaluated

– Background noise level records for the testing room

– Calibration records for the audiometer.

• Obtain an opinion from the health care professional supervising audiograms as to whether the audiograms indicate possible occupational hearing loss and any recommendations for changes in hearing protection.

• Pay for any clinical audiological evaluation or otological examination required by the reviewer, if:

– Additional review is necessary to evaluate the cause of hearing loss

OR

– If there is indication of a medical condition of the ear caused or aggravated by the wearing of hearing protectors.

• Inform the employee in writing of the existence of a standard threshold shift within twenty-one calendar days of the determination.

• Make arrangements for the reviewer to communicate to the employee any suspected medical conditions that are found unrelated to your workplace. This information is confidential and must be handled appropriately.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-63620, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-63620, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.