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Hearing Loss Evaluation by NorCal Medical Consulting
We are proud to be the only facility in the United States equipped with specialized diagnostic technology capable of evaluating hearing loss at 3,000 Hz—a critical frequency required under the Sixth Edition of the Department of Labor’s Schedule for Rating Permanent Impairments. This frequency is essential for accurately rating hearing loss in cases involving occupational noise exposure, such as work on docks, ships, and in industrial settings.
For claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) or Defense Base Act (DBA), our evaluations play a direct role in determining compensation. Awards are often tied to the percentage of hearing loss and the worker’s average annual earnings. A 30% loss of hearing, for example, can result in a significant payout.
We utilize Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) testing, a sophisticated, objective method that uses brainwave responses to measure hearing thresholds. This technology eliminates the possibility of exaggeration or falsification, providing defensible, unbiased data that confirms or challenges conventional audiogram results.
This level of diagnostic precision is invaluable for insurance carriers, defense attorneys, and third-party administrators, helping to ensure accurate ratings, limit exposure, and detect potential malingering in high-stakes claims.
DOL Proposed Update to Hearing Loss Testing Standards
On June 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs published a Request for Information proposing to update the quality standards for hearing loss testing under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (20 CFR 702.441). The RFI specifically asks whether objective testing methods — including Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR), and Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) — should be weighted alongside or above traditional audiograms when rating occupational hearing loss. Public comments are open through October 22, 2026.
This is directly relevant to every LHWCA and Defense Base Act hearing loss claim currently in process. NorCal Medical Consulting already relies on ASSR testing precisely because it removes the subjectivity and potential for exaggeration or malingering inherent in standard audiograms — the same reliability question this rulemaking is asking about. We are following this proceeding closely and will update this page as the rule progresses.
Hearing loss in the workplace can occur due to various factors, including:
Industrial environments, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities are particularly high-risk areas where auditory damage is common among workers. NorCal Medical Consulting not only identifies the extent of hearing impairment but also investigates the underlying causes, helping to determine whether the loss is related to occupational hazards or other factors.
Beyond evaluations, NorCal Medical Consulting offers preventative consultations, advising employers on best practices for auditory conservation in the workplace. We provides recommendations on protective equipment, noise control strategies, and employee training programs designed to minimize the risk of auditory damage. By addressing both the cause and effect of hearing loss, NorCal Medical Consulting ensures a comprehensive approach to safeguarding workers' hearing health and promoting safer work environments.
WHY CHOOSE NORCAL MEDICAL CONSULTING FOR HEARING LOSS EVALUATIONS
What we can do for you
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loss Evaluation
1. What is ASSR testing and how is it different from a standard hearing test?
ASSR (Auditory Steady-State Response) testing measures the brain's electrical response to sound stimuli, providing an objective physiological measurement of hearing thresholds. Unlike a standard pure-tone audiogram, which relies on the patient pressing a button when they hear a tone, ASSR does not depend on patient cooperation or self-reporting, which removes the possibility of exaggeration, underperformance, or invalid results.
2. Why does the 3,000 Hz frequency matter for LHWCA and Defense Base Act claims?
The Sixth Edition of the Department of Labor's Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment uses hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz to calculate the percentage of hearing loss for federal claims. Many facilities do not test at 3,000 Hz because it falls outside the frequencies used in routine hearing screenings, but without it, an impairment rating cannot be calculated to the DOL's standard. NorCal Medical Consulting tests at this frequency specifically to meet that requirement.
3. How long does a hearing loss evaluation take, and what should I bring?
A typical evaluation includes a brief case history, an otoscopic exam, and ASSR testing at 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, 3000Hz, and 4000Hz. [CONFIRM: typical appointment length]. No special preparation is required; we recommend bringing any prior audiograms or hearing-related medical records if available.
4. Can ASSR testing be used to challenge or confirm a prior audiogram?
Yes. Because ASSR results reflect a physiological response rather than subjective reporting, they are frequently used to confirm or challenge the validity of a prior audiogram, particularly in contested claims where malingering or exaggeration is suspected.
5. Does the pending DOL rulemaking affect the hearing loss evaluations being done today?
Not yet, and not retroactively. The Department of Labor's June 2026 Request for Information is asking whether objective tests like ASSR should be given equal or greater weight than audiograms going forward; it does not change how current claims are evaluated. NorCal Medical Consulting continues to test to the current DOL standard while monitoring the rulemaking.
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Objective Results
ASSR testing removes the guesswork of subjective hearing tests, giving you data that holds up under scrutiny.
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Every report is formatted to meet LHWCA and Defense Base Act documentation requirements from day one.
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NorCal Medical Consulting serves Northern California and provides federal LHWCA and Defense Base Act expert witness services nationwide.
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