This page contains links to the evidence-based guidelines and other resources that assist otolaryngologists with the assessment of occupational noise-induced hearing loss.
Assessment of occupational noise-induced hearing loss for ACC. A practical guide for otolaryngologists
This Guide provides practical information for assessors providing specialist assessments for ACC occupational noise-induced hearing loss claimants. It includes summaries of major literature reviews commissioned by ACC on key aspects of background information, as well as references to resources that may assist assessors in providing high quality, evidence-based reports.
Background information on relevant legislation and specific details of the New Zealand context, including useful guidance on carrying out assessments for third parties, are included.
Guideline for diagnosing occupational noise-induced hearing loss
This guide is made up of the following three papers:
Part 1: Noise effects and duration - David McBride, University of Otago
This paper describes the development of the international standards which summarise epidemiological data on hearing loss and noise exposure. It also includes information on types of noise, their effect on hearing loss, and typical noise exposures.
Guidelines part 1: Noise effects and duration (PDF 819K).
Part 2: Epidemiological review: some risk factors of hearing loss – Zhi-ling Zhang, ACC
This review covers risks of developing hearing loss associated with agents other than noise.
Guidelines part 2: Epidemiological review: some risk factors of hearing loss (PDF 334K).
Part 3: Audiometric standards - Suzanne Purdy, University of Auckland, and Warwick Williams, National Acoustic Laboratories, Sydney, Australia
This review covers appropriate standards for carrying out audiometric assessments in terms of key issues such as test conditions, test equipment and tester qualifications.
Guidelines part 3: Audiometric standards (PDF 541K).
Summary of noise surveys
This summary provides the measurements of noise levels taken at multiple workplaces around Christchurch in the 1980s. The Health Protection Officers* (HPOs) of the Health Department carried out the noise surveys as part of the Department’s hearing conservation programmes. The HPOs measured the noise levels and the Occupation Health Nurses did the education and audiometry. This information provides unique data on noise levels in New Zealand workplaces in the 1980s. It can help with estimating noise exposure in employees who used to work in these industries at that time.
* Known as Inspectors of Health at the time of the surveys
Summary of noise surveys (PDF 13K).
The NAL Percentage Loss of Hearing Scale
Anne Greville, ACC
This paper describes the development of the percentage loss of hearing scale used in ACC’s regulations.
The NAL percentage loss of hearing scale (PDF 117K).
ACC Hearing Loss-related templates
ACC templates to assist otolaryngologists with client’s hearing loss assessment.
ACC723 Hearing Loss Assessment: Specialist Otolaryngologist Report (DOC 181K)
ACC724 Claimant history form. Hearing Loss – Client Questionnaire (DOC 279K).
Medical Council of New Zealand: non-treating doctors performing medical assessments on patients for third parties
Doctors who are employed by a third party to perform medical assessments of patients are required to maintain a professional standard of care within the framework of the assessing relationship and are expected to meet the standards of practice outlined in the Medical Council of New Zealand statement.
Coles R, Lutman M & Buffin J Guidelines on the diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss for medicolegal purposes
These UK guidelines were produced in 2000 to assist clinicians involved in medicolegal assessments.
Guidelines on the diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss for mediocolegal purposes (PDF 2M).
American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) Guidelines
ACOEM position statements regarding the distinguishing features of occupational noise-induced hearing loss.
Last updated: 10 October 2011