Conversion to Audiometric Surveillance – WA
(2.5-day program)
(previously 2-day Advanced Audiometric Surveillance)
$ 1,950.00 ex GST
(Certificate of Competence 2.5-days)
($ 2,145.00 Incl. GST)
$ 1,200.00 ex GST (1.5-day)
(Certificate of Attendance 1.5-days)
($ 1,320.00 Incl. GST)
Course option details below
This 2.5-day program provides comprehensive training in the audiometry requirements of WA’s new Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulation 58 in operation from 31 March 2024.
In a major change for WA audiometric testing, the regulation 58 legislation is focused on surveillance (or monitoring) audiometry. Essentially, this means conducting periodic hearing tests and checking for changes (shifts) in hearing from the reference (first test with the current employer). A new Code of Practice and other documents, specify how to conduct surveillance tests.
Compared to the long-standing WorkCover WA requirements, the new law and key reference documents introduce very different processes, protocols and the way results are managed.
- Are your audiometry services and advice compliant with WA’s new law?
- Can you accurately analyse results and compare with a baseline/reference?
- Do your testing procedures align with the best practice specifications of the new legislation?
This workshop answers these questions and many more. The content is suitable for audiometric testers, health services managers, health and safety personnel and anyone else with an interest in delivering legislation-compliant audiometric services in WA.
Choose one of two workshop streams, depending on your background, role and responsibilities:
1. Certificate of Competence (2.5 days)
A pathway for existing WorkCover WA Approved Audiometric Officers (AAO) to achieve compliance with the audiometric surveillance/monitoring protocols specified in WHS regulation 58 and key reference documents.
2. Certificate of Attendance (1.5-days)
Ideal for non-audiometric testers seeking a thorough understanding of the service delivery implications of the new WHS audiometry regime.
Course Dates
If your preferred course is full, submit a registration for another suitable date and contact assist@hearingcompany.com.au for a place on the waitlist.
Course Information
Course duration and times
This 2.5-day program runs as follows:
- Day 1 12:30pm – 4:30pm (all participants)
- Day 2 8:30am – 4:30pm (all participants)
- Day 3 8:30am – 4:00pm (Certificate of Competence only)
Note: We can also present in-company for organisations with a small group of personnel requiring training. Please contact us to discuss your plans.
Course aims and outcomes
The Conversion to Audiometric Surveillance workshop provides comprehensive training in the audiometry requirements of WA’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulation 58, in effect across the state from April 2024.
For current WorkCover WA Approved Audiometric Officers, this workshop offers the opportunity to achieve full compliance with the Code of Practice and Australian Standard 1269.4, the key reference documents in workplace audiometry. To achieve the Certificate of Competence attendees must successfully complete on day 3: (1) an open book written assessment, and (2) demonstrate competence in practical skills (including audiometry, otoscopy, audiogram description).
Non-testers, who leave the course at the end of day 2, will be issued with an Attendance Certificate after attending days 1 and 2. Completion of an assessment is not required.
Participants on this course will receive comprehensive training in a range of topics relevant to audiometric testing under the new legislation, including:
- Audiometric surveillance basics and terminology
- Noise and other hazards that cause hearing loss
- New audiometry legislation and requirements in WA
- Relevant Australian Standard and Code of Practice
- Principles and aims of measuring “hearing shift”
- AS/NZS1269.4 and OSHA hearing shift protocols
- Company requirements following identification of hearing shift
- AS/NZS 1269.4 and OSHA hearing shift protocols
- Latest advice from government (including DEMIRS)
- Hearing protection: types, limitations and requirements of audiometric testers
- Hands-on audiogram comparison exercises
- Extended Waugh and Macrae (NAL80) criteria
- WorkCover WA vs surveillance: what’s the difference?
- Revised case history questions
- Software to assist with managing a surveillance program and audiogram comparison
- Review of best practice testing techniques
- Question/answer and discussion sessions
Who would benefit from attending this course? Who is eligible to attend this course?
This workshop is highly relevant to existing audiometric testers (WorkCover WA AAOs) seeking the skills and knowledge required to achieve compliance with WA’s new WHS regulation 58 audiometry laws (from April 2024). Students will gain a clear understanding of how to conduct audiometric surveillance as well as the key differences to WA’s long-standing WorkCover WA requirements.
The content is also aimed at health service managers, supervisors and other non-clinicians responsible for planning audiometry services for their customers and staff in WA’s high-noise industries.
Course pre-requisites
Participants wishing to achieve a Certificate of Competence must be current WorkCover WA Approved Audiometric Officers.
There are no specific requirements for participants seeking an Attendance Certificate. However, being involved in the planning and administration of audiometry services will be an advantage.
Course certificate
A Certificate of Competence is offered to current audiometric testers. To achieve the certificate, attendees must successfully complete: (1) an open book written assessment, and (2) demonstrate competence in practical skills (including audiometry, otoscopy, audiogram description).
An Attendance Certificate will be issued to non-testers after attending all sessions and participating in the practical activities throughout the workshop. Completion of an assessment is not required.
About the presenter
The course presenter is Glenn Johnson, an Occupational Audiologist (hearing specialist) with over 30 years’ experience in clinical practice, hearing rehabilitation, teaching, management and consulting.
Glenn is Director and Principal Audiologist of The Hearing Company. Since establishing The Hearing Company over 18 years ago, he has designed and delivered training in occupational audiometry to over 2,000 students throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Feedback from students attending the workshop
“This workshop is informative and thought -provoking. Practical applications were presented throughout the 2 days which could be applied to our workplace. I highly recommend this workshop for audiometric testers and managers responsible for preparing for the April 2024 introduction of the health surveillance requirements of WHS regulation 58 and AS/NZS1269.4.” Monique, Health and Hygiene Coordinator, Talison Lithium, WA.
“A great course. Gave me a very clear overview on legislative requirements. Allows us to make better decisions on implementing an audiometry program.” Luke, Specialist – Occupational Hygiene, Roy Hill, WA.
“The information presented was relevant and provided a very thorough understanding of the new WHS regulation 58 audiometry surveillance requirements.” India, Specialist – Health and Wellness, Roy Hill, WA.
“Essential information and skills for those involved in conducting tests and implementing hearing thresholds shift programs to align with the new WHS regulation 58.” Harry, Occ Health Nurse, Newcrest Mining, WA.
“This course was really interesting. Glenn delivered the material really well. All questions were answered and he made the topic clear, even when the material was difficult or source/government documents were unclear. This course increased and made clear my understanding of the Standard.” Mary, Trainer, Sonic Health Plus, WA.
“I learnt a lot more about the new regulation 58 legislation. I had researched online previously and found it was not at all clear or easy to understand. Now I have clarity to take back to my employer and relay the upcoming requirements.” Adelle, Occupational Health Nurse, CBH, WA.
“Glenn is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable and approachable. As usual, excellent delivery and clarity. I now have a good understanding of a challenging topic.” Oliver, Physiotherapist, Biosymm, WA.
“An informative, thorough workshop. Glenn provided great clarity, laughs (as always) and kept us engaged. I now have a thorough understanding of the changes ahead in audiometric surveillance legislation.” Emma, Occupational Health Nurse, Alcoa, WA.
Other information
Please contact Lynne Miles, Course Manager, with any questions: 1300 118 222 or admin@hearingcompany.com.au.
Course Content
Tuition and course inclusions
Participants will receive a course manual and workbook.
A Certificate of Competence will be issued to participants who successfully complete: (1) an open book written assessment, and (2) demonstrate competence in practical skills in line with best practice techniques (including audiometry, otoscopy, audiogram description).
An Attendance Certificate will be issues to participants who attend the workshop but do not complete the assessments.
Course topics
- Audiometric surveillance basics and terminology
- Noise and other hazards that cause hearing loss
- New audiometry legislation and requirements in WA
- Relevant Australian Standard and Code of Practice
- Principles and aims of measuring “hearing shift”
- Company requirements following hearing shift
- AS/NZS1269.4 and OSHA hearing shift protocols
- Latest advice from government (including DMIRS)
- Hearing protection: types, limitations and requirements of audiometric testers
- Hands-on audiogram comparison exercises
- Extended Waugh and Macrae criteria
- WorkCover WA vs surveillance: what’s the difference?
- Revised case history questions
- Review of practical competence in conducting hearing tests in line with best practice techniques
- Question/answer and discussion sessions
Download the CAS workshop brochure for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the course provide compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS1269.4?
The skills and knowledge obtained through this workshop will enable existing audiometric testers to achieve compliance with:
- WA Work Health and Safety regulation 58 Audiometric testing
- Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
- Australian Standard AS/NZS1269.4 Auditory assessment
What is the cancellation policy?
The following fees are payable should a participant withdraw from the course:
- Following registration: 10% of full course fee
- Within 2 weeks of the starting date: 50% of full course fee
- Within 1 week of the starting date: 100% of full course fee
Can a registration be transferred to a colleague?
Yes, we accept transfers to another person but only within the same course. Deferring a registration to another course (different dates) is regarded as a cancellation. See previous section.
Is there a course certificate?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the open book written assessment and demonstrate practical competence will be issued with a Certificate of Competence describing the skills mastered during the workshop.
Students who attend and participate but opt not to complete the written test will be issued with an Attendance Certificate describing the topics covered during the workshop.
Can I claim Professional Development points for this course?
Yes, the Advanced Audiometric Surveillance workshop provides up to 10 hours of tuition for the Certificate of Attendance option and up to 14 for the Certificate of Competence option, which can be claimed towards CPD requirements.
Do you offer this course at a public venue?
Yes. We will conduct public courses in Perth.
We can also conduct in-company courses for organisations with multiple employees to be trained. This can work out as a cost-effective and efficient way to upskill a team.
Where are the courses conducted?
Public courses in Perth are usually conducted at The Boulevard in Floreat.
Onsite courses are also conducted at company premises. Our equipment and teaching personnel are completely portable.
Is this course approved for conducting NSW Coal Industry Order 43 assessments?
No. This course is not approved by Coal Services for training nurses to conduct NSW Coal Industry Order 43 health surveillance audiometric tests.
Coal Services has approved our comprehensive 4-day Occupational Audiometry Course and 2-day Intermediate Audiometry Workshop.
What other courses do you offer?
We offer a range of courses focused on conducting occupational audiometry. These include a half-day workshop on fitting insert earphones (which offer portable, high-level noise reduction) through to 2-day and 4-day courses which offer varying degrees of compliance with workplace audiometry legislation, Australian Standards and industry best practice.
See our range of courses here.
