Audiologists who perform audiological testing for workers compensation purposes must be authorised by WorkCover WA in order to perform this function. This includes registering on WorkCover WA Online for reporting test results and submitting audiological test reports using the approved form.
Audiologists will be required to complete an online assessment at the time of registration for WorkCover WA Online. This is to ensure there is sufficient understanding of the requirements for performing audiological tests for workers compensation purposes. The online assessment is comprised of six miltiple choice questions. Further information can be found in the Fact Sheet for Audiologists and ENTs.
There is also a training module for audiologists on how to become registered and use WorkCover WA Online. The authorisation process is simple and can be done via the ‘Quick Access’ portal on the WorkCover WA website. Please contact the NIHL team if you’d like more information on becoming an authorised audiologist.
Only authorised Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists (ENT) can conduct noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) assessments for workers compensation purposes. NIHL assessments are to be sent to WorkCover WA via email – noise@workcover.wa.gov.au
To be authorised with WorkCover WA, an audiologist must hold a degree or post graduate diploma in audiology and be accredited by Audiology Australia Ltd (ABN 31 168 531 324).
In future, the WorkCover WA CEO may approve the accreditation from an equivalent or similar body. Should this occur, it will be published on the WorkCover WA website.
Only an Otorhinolaryngologist (also known as an ENT), being a person registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Western Australia) in the medical profession who is registered under that law in the speciality of otolaryngology, will be authorised to conduct NIHL assessments.
The performance of audiological tests for workers compensation purposes by authorised audiologists must meet standards approved by the WorkCover WA Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Download the WorkCover WA Approved Standards for Performing an Audiological Test.
The approved Standards for Performing an Audiological test requires use of Report Number 118 of the National Acoustic Laboratories.
The standard refers to Report No. 118 of the National Acoustic Laboratories (the Report). An error has been noted on page 25 of the Report, ‘Male, column b’. The correct reading should be -1.79059, not -1.79509.
When an audiological test shows the worker meeting the relevant hearing loss percentage threshold, the worker is eligible for a NIHL assessment from an ENT specialist. WorkCover WA expects ENT specialists to conduct NIHL assessments in accordance with the professional and clinical standards appropriate to their speciality and to be presented in the approved form. Workers are required to bring a completed Worker Noise Exposure and Employment History form to the appointment with the ENT specialist. Using this form, ENT specialists are required to apply clinical judgement to identify the ‘last employer’ where the worker suffered NIHL as well as any additional employers who contributed to the worker’s NIHL.
Audiologists and ENTs who are authorised by WorkCover WA will have their details listed on the NIHL Directory of Service Providers. The directory also includes the details of calibration laboratories in Western Australia who perform calibration of audiometers and/or assessment of audiometric booths.
Audiological test reports and NIHL assessments must be presented in the approved forms and given to the worker, the employer who paid for testing or assessment and WorkCover WA within one month from the date of the test or assessment. Publications and forms for Noise Induced Hearing Loss can be found on the Resources page.
Email the NIHL team at noise@workcover.wa.gov.au for further information.
