The EU Physical Agents Directive on Noise, which will be implemented into UK law in February 2006, will reduce noise action levels drastically. Under the new regulations, many more industries, which have so far not been associated with high noise levels such as restaurants and call centres, will have to assess the noise levels in their businesses and monitor their employees’ hearing according to HSE guidelines.

This practical guide gives occupational health nurses everything they need to know about setting up and managing hearing conservation programmes, as well as how to carry out the audiometric tests. The text fully covers the syllabus of BSA accredited courses for the certificate of competence in Industrial Audiometry and includes practical examples, case studies, sample audiograms and questionnaires for setting up case histories. As the BSA syllabus is based on the HSE’s guidelines, the book will be a useful training manual and up-to-date reference for Health and Safety professionals, Occupational Health professionals, and HSE inspectors.

Dr Maryanne Maltby is an Audiological Scientist and Principal Lecturer on the Amplivox courses in Industrial Audiometry. She has previously taught Audiology and related subjects at Manchester University (Course Leader) and at Oxford Brookes University. She is a committee member of the Hearing Aid Council and a member of the British Society of Audiology. She also has wide consultancy experience in workplace training and advice on hearing conservation issues, fitting hearing protection, management of hearing and tinnitus problems at work.