Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Ototech Ltd FAQ page. Here, we answer some common questions about our remote hearing test services and how we help businesses comply with noise regulations. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Ototech Ltd is a UK base company run by ENT surgeons. We provide automated remote occupational hearing tests designed to meet the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and HSE guidelines. Our convenient, secure, and accurate tests help companies protect employees’ hearing health and maintain regulatory compliance.

Our remote hearing screening are conducted through a secure online platform that enables employees to complete hearing assessments from any location and without a sound booth.

The process is simple:

1. We provide your team with hardware, instructions and access to the testing software.

2. Employees complete the automated test using headphones and a tablet in a quiet setting.

3. Our team reviews and analyzes the results, then provides a report.

Yes, our remote hearing tests use advanced technology that meets industry standards for accuracy and reliability. Our tests are validated and deploy continuous ambient noise monitoring to ensure they deliver precise results comparable to in-person assessments, supporting your compliance with HSE hearing test requirements.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set out the legal responsibilities of employers to protect workers from harmful noise levels. This includes assessing noise risks, providing hearing protection, and ensuring employees undergo regular hearing assessments if exposed to noise levels of 85 dB or higher.

According to HSE guidelines, employees exposed to significant noise should have an initial hearing test, followed by annual assessments for the first two years. After that, tests may be conducted every three years unless issues are detected. Ototech Ltd’s remote hearing tests make it easy to maintain this schedule.

Remote hearing tests offer flexibility, convenience, and cost. They allow employees to take the test from any suitable location, minimizing disruption to daily operations. Ototech’s tests also enable quick, efficient monitoring of hearing health, ensuring compliance with HSE regulations without needing sounds booth, hiring hearing testing vans or sending employees to testing centres.

We prioritize data privacy and security in compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. All personal and test data is encrypted, securely stored, and accessible only to authorized personnel. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.

Yes! Ototech’sservices are designed to meet HSE requirements, including health surveillance and regular hearing assessments. We provide compliance-focused reports and documentation to support your regulatory obligations, helping you maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

Getting started is easy! Simply contact us via email ant info@ototech.co.uk or complete the online request a quote form and our team will guide you through the process of setting up your remote hearing test program. We’ll help with scheduling, instructions and training, and any additional support needed.

Ototech will provide all the hardware required for our automated remote hearing tests. This will include high quality headphones and a tablet device.

Employers need to provide a quiet space to complete the test. we provide detailed instructions on creating a suitable testing environment.

If workers show signs of work-related hearing loss, employers must take several steps to protect the employees’ hearing and comply with health and safety regulations. 

1. Referral for Further Evaluation

Workers showing early signs of hearing loss may be referred to a medical professional, such as an audiologist or occupational health specialist, for further evaluation. This ensures accurate diagnosis and helps determine if the hearing loss is work-related or due to other causes.

2. Implementing Additional Hearing Protection Measures

Employers may need to strengthen hearing protection measures to prevent further damage. This can include:

• Providing or upgrading hearing protection equipment, such as earplugs or earmuffs.

• Increasing the frequency and quality of training on using hearing protection effectively.

• Improving noise control measures, like installing sound barriers or modifying equipment to reduce noise levels.

3. Job Role Review and Adjustments

In some cases, employees with hearing loss may need adjustments to their work environment. This could mean reducing their exposure to noisy areas or adjusting their work duties to minimize further risk.

4. Regular Monitoring and Health Surveillance

Workers who show signs of hearing loss should undergo more frequent hearing tests to monitor their condition. Regular health surveillance can help detect any worsening of hearing loss and evaluate the effectiveness of protective measures.

5. Compliance with HSE Reporting Requirements

Employers may need to document cases of work-related hearing loss as part of their health and safety obligations. If hearing loss is confirmed as work-related, it may be reportable under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations).

6. Employee Support and Education

Providing affected workers with resources, such as hearing protection guidance and access to specialists, supports both compliance and employee well-being. Raising awareness about hearing health and the importance of early intervention can also help prevent further hearing loss across the workforce.

Proactive management, enhanced protective measures, and ongoing health surveillance are critical steps in preventing work-related hearing loss from worsening and safeguarding overall employee health.

If you have additional questions or need more details, please reach out to our team. We’re here to ensure your employees’ hearing health and help you meet your compliance goals.