After the hearing test--what then?

The credibility of industrial hearing test data should be established before it is evaluated for follow-up action. Once this is done, subsequent evaluation should determine 1) whether or not there is need for referral to a professional, 2) whether or not there has been a significant threshold shift (STS), and 3) provide for necessary within-company administrative follow-up, as appropriate. Caution should be used in releasing data to employees; however such release should be prompt and complete. Use of the term 'normal hearing' should be minimized; with 'satisfactory hearing' being substituted. Use of this term should include the criteria upon which it is based. There is some confusion on what is not meant by STS, and specific criteria pertaining thereto have been recommended. Using a computer to assist in the above processes can result in increased accuracy and economy, while at the same time providing for easy access to the collective data base thereafter.