In the demanding environment of the mining industry, ensuring effective occupational health and safety is paramount. One of the most pervasive risks is noise-induced hearing loss, which is why the South African Occupational Health and Safety Act mandates regular workplace hearing tests. These essential screenings establish a baseline and monitor a worker’s hearing over time.
While traditional methods have long been in place, conducting on-site hearing screening for a large workforce presents logistical challenges. A modern portable audiometer like the Kuduwave Prime offers a robust and efficient alternative, specifically designed for occupational health programs.
A Critical Advantage: Live Ambient Noise Monitoring
A key feature that sets the Kuduwave apart in boothless audiometry is its advanced ambient noise monitoring. The device actively measures live ambient noise levels throughout the test. This measurement is taken precisely where it matters most: at the patient’s ear, inside the ear cup.
These live noise level measurements are displayed during the screening and are saved directly onto the final audiogram. This provides an objective, permanent record of the testing conditions, validating the results of each and every hearing screening conducted outside of a traditional booth.
Portable & Robust Boothless Screening
The Kuduwave Prime is a lightweight yet robust, fully booth-free portable audiometer.
- It was specifically engineered for rapid hearing screening in the workplace.
- Its durable design is built to withstand potential knocks, drops, and other workplace accidents.
- This portability eliminates the need for a separate sound booth and allows for convenient testing in various on-site locations, such as an office or boardroom.
Compliance and Accuracy for Occupational Health
Adherence to national standards is non-negotiable. The Kuduwave Prime is built on a foundation of compliance and accuracy.
- It fully complies with SANS 10083, the South African National Standard for hearing conservation purposes.
- Beyond local standards, Kuduwave audiometers are ISO 13485 certified, FDA listed, and compliant with all relevant ANSI and IEC standards.
- The device’s accuracy is supported by several published studies and research reports.
Smart Technology for Efficient Screening
The Kuduwave Prime is powered by eMoyo-EMR software, which is designed to streamline the hearing screening process.
- An automated testing function makes it ideal for the demands of workplace screening.
- It includes a specific occupational health test regime to easily set baseline tests for workers.
- The system also features tele-audiology capabilities, enabling a qualified audiologist to remotely support a team conducting screenings across multiple sites.
Enhancing the Employee Experience
According to feedback from industrial audiologist Elex Molokomme, some employees report that traditional sound booths can feel hot and that the experience can make them anxious about their test results.
Using a Kuduwave Prime creates a more reassuring and comfortable testing environment. Testing can even take place in the open air, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination compared to the confined, high-touch surfaces of a booth.