Hearing STS: Baseline or Rehire Hearing Test?

Thalia Whitney • October 3, 2024

A common issue that our clients run into is hearing STS (standard threshold shift) false flags. Baseline hearing tests for rehired employees that have test records in our database from prior tenure is one of the easiest ways for a false flag STS to occur.

Baseline Hearing Tests

When a company hires an employee whose time weighted average of noise exposure is greater than 85 dbA, the employee must receive a baseline audiogram within 6 months of hire. (Find out more on how Anadyne can help coordinate baseline hearing tests here). However, what if that employee had worked for the employer before?

Rehire Baseline Tests

If there has been a separation of employment for an employee, having the employee receive a "rehire" baseline test can be a good way to minimize their liability for the years they did not work for same company. Otherwise, if hearing loss occurred during this time, the employer who rehired them may be liable for this.

Many times, companies do not realize that this could be an issue. However, when our dedicated team receives a batch of new hire baselines before a mobile hearing test event, we are quick to notice if there are existing records for any employees. At this point, we check that dates of birth and names match the test we received.

Revising Rehire Baselines

After confirming that yes, we did find existing records for an employee, we will reach out to the company to confirm the separation of employment and to discover the dates of termination and rehire. Even if you can’t find the exact dates, by providing us with your best estimate of the years that termination and rehire occurred, we will be able to revise the rehire baseline hearing test.

STS Next Steps

Once we have entered your new hires and your onsite hearing test event has been completed, you will be provided with a summary of actions that OSHA says you must take. If the STS cleared, you will be informed, while if it did not clear, the test will be reviewed by an audiologist and you will receive information for next steps.

How We Can Help: Annual Hearing Testing & Baseline Testing

Anadyne provides proactive hearing conservation solutions, working with you ahead of your audiometric testing event to ease the headaches and chaos of the hearing test day. This includes entering new hire baselines, revising rehire baselines, and planning out the day to ensure that it flows as smoothly as possible.