Oregon Industrial Hearing Testing Guidelines

Thalia Whitney • November 5, 2024

Many employers in Oregon may struggle to understand Oregon’s unique hearing conservation program requirements, from mobile hearing test guidelines to Standard Threshold Shifts follow up requirements.

Hearing STS and age correction

It’s a common misconception that Oregon does not allow for age correction when a standard threshold shift in hearing has occurred. The application of age correction to a hearing STS in Oregon is unique, and often overlooked by national industrial hearing test providers.

According to Oregon’s noise standard, age correction can be applied to the recordability of an STS. This means that the STS continues to be present, but not recordable according to Oregon OSHA. This ensures employees who have any kind of STS - whether age or noise related - still receive notification of their STS, as well as retraining in hearing protection.

When the Federal OSHA age correction rule is applied, the entire STS is disregarded, as it does not exist on paper. This means an opportunity is missed to intervene and protect what hearing is left, as there is no training, no employee notification, and no documentation. As time goes on, the STS will typically worsen, until it meets recordability requirements that no amount of age correction can fix.

Mobile van exemption in Oregon

The Federal mobile van exemption allows employers up to one year after an employee’s enrollment in the hearing conservation program to establish hearing baselines . However, it’s important to note that unlike many states, Oregon does not allow for this mobile testing exemption. Employees newly enrolled in the hearing conservation program in Oregon should receive their baseline hearing test within 6 months of their first noise exposure to be compliant.

Hearing test examiner requirements

Oregon also requires that industrial hearing tests be performed by either a physician or CAOHC certified technician. This applies regardless of the testing system used, or the equipment. If the examiner is not a physician or certified technician, the test can be considered invalid.

Five requirements in an Oregon OSHA hearing conservation program:

While different from other states in many ways, Oregon's general noise standards are very similar to the noise standards at a federal level.

1. Noise level monitoring

Noise levels in the workplace should be regularly measured and monitored for any changes that may occur, especially if they could change the employee's time weighted averages and exceed the 85-decibel action level.

2. Audiometric hearing testing

Industrial hearing tests must be performed within 6 months of an employee being enrolled in the hearing conservation program, as well as every year afterwards, to identify possible workplace related hearing loss.

3. Hearing protection

Employees in the hearing conservation program must also be provided with adequate hearing protection, as set out in the Oregon OSHA hearing conservation standards.

Confused by the vague requirements? Check out this guide on hearing protection!

4. Training & education for the employees

Employees who are in the hearing conservation program should receive annual training on the effects of noise and hearing loss, as well as the proper fit and use of hearing protection. This is also required if they have undergone a standard threshold shift.

Unsure what to do next if there is an STS? Reach out today!

5. Recordkeeping

Oregon noise standards state that noise exposure measurements should be maintained for at least two years, while hearing test records of an employee should be maintained for the employee’s duration of employment. These records should also be available upon request of the effected employee, but notification is required in case of an STS.

Hearing conservation in Oregon: the bottom line

Oregon’s unique hearing conservation requirements can be challenging to understand. Our thirty plus years of experience in hearing in the Pacific Northwest puts our expertise at your disposal, whether you are looking for an Oregon compliant industrial hearing service provider or simply want to make sure you are staying compliant.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888.972.4420!

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Is Your Respirator Program Still Compliant in 2026?

By Mary Jane Bumanglag • May 30, 2026

In many workplaces, respirators are considered the last line of defense against airborne hazards. But even the best respirator won’t protect workers if the program behind it is outdated, incomplete, or inconsistently followed. As industries continue to prioritize workplace safety, 2026 is the right time for companies to take a closer look at their respirator protection programs — not because regulations suddenly changed overnight, but because compliance alone does not always guarantee protection. At Anadyne, we believe employers should move beyond “checking the box” and focus on creating programs that genuinely keep workers safe every day on the job. Why Companies Should Review Their Respirator Program Now Many organizations assume that if they passed an inspection or completed fit testing a few years ago, their program is still effective today. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A respirator protection program can gradually become outdated due to: Employee turnover Changes in job tasks or exposure risks Improper respirator storage and maintenance Weight fluctuations affecting fit Inconsistent training practices Missing documentation Delayed medical evaluations or fit testing The reality is this: a company can technically remain compliant with minimum requirements and still experience workplace injuries or respiratory exposure incidents. That’s why regular program reviews matter. Compliance Is Only the Beginning Respiratory protection standards are designed to establish minimum safety requirements. However, truly effective programs go further by ensuring workers consistently use and maintain their equipment properly between evaluations and fit tests. A worker may pass a fit test today, but what happens afterward? Are they: Shaving regularly to maintain a proper seal? Replacing filters when needed? Inspecting respirators for damaged seals? Properly storing equipment in sealed bags between jobs? Reporting major physical changes that may affect fit? These day-to-day behaviors determine whether respiratory protection actually works in real-world conditions. What a Complete Respirator Protection Program Should Include An effective respirator protection program should contain several critical components working together. 1. Fit Testing Fit testing confirms that the respirator forms a proper seal on the employee’s face. (objective testing is recommended to rule out known inconsistencies with subjective 'irritant smoke' methods) Even small facial changes, damaged equipment, or improper sizing can compromise protection. 2. Training & Education Training should go beyond simply teaching employees how to wear a respirator. Effective training helps workers understand: Why respiratory protection matters How improper use increases risk How to inspect equipment properly When to replace filters or cartridges Proper cleaning and storage procedures When to report issues or request reassessment The goal is not just passing a test, it’s ensuring workers remain protected every day between tests. 3. Documentation & Written Program Review Proper documentation is essential for both compliance and operational consistency. A written respirator protection program should clearly outline procedures, responsibilities, equipment protocols, training schedules, evaluation records, and emergency processes. Without regular review, written programs can quickly become outdated or disconnected from actual workplace practices. Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem Delaying a respirator program review is similar to avoiding a routine medical check-up. If concerns already exist, waiting longer often increases the risk of larger problems later. The good news is that most companies can address issues proactively before they become serious safety incidents, compliance violations, or costly disruptions. A review today can help identify gaps early, while solutions are still manageable. How Anadyne Can Help In 2026, Anadyne is proud to expand its respiratory protection services to help companies strengthen workplace safety programs with confidence. Whether you need: Respirator fit testing Program evaluations Training support Written program reviews Guidance on best practices Our team is ready to help you build a program that supports both compliance and worker protection. Schedule a Respirator Program Review Protecting your workforce starts with understanding where your current program stands. Book a consultation with Anadyne today and take the next step toward a safer, stronger respirator protection program.