The Effectiveness of an Interactive Hearing Conservation Program for Elementary School Children

1996 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail D. Chermak ◽  
Lori Curtis ◽  
J. Anthony Seikel
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Elementary School Children ◽  
Regular Education ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Loud Noise ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
Before And After

An educational hearing conservation program (HCP) emphasizing student participation and supplemental in-class activities led by a teacher was presented in two 1-hour sessions to two classes of fourth-grade children enrolled in regular education programs. Questionnaires assessing their knowledge of hearing, noise-induced hearing loss, and hearing conservation practices were administered before and after the HCP. Significant increases in knowledge concerning noise-induced hearing loss and hearing conservation practices were seen in both classes, with greater gain seen among students receiving more extensive supplemental activities. Post-HCP responses revealed that the majority of the children intend to use ear protection when engaged in noisy activities. Teachers indicated they would increase coverage of hearing and hearing conservation in their classrooms and use hearing protection when exposed to loud noise.

The Effectiveness of an Educational Hearing Conservation Program for Elementary School Children

1991 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 308-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail D. Chermak ◽  
Elizabeth Peters-McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Regular Education ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Educational Programming ◽  
Health Habits ◽  
Conservation Programs ◽  
Hearing Conservation

An educational hearing conservation (HCP) program was designed and presented to 45 normal hearing third- and fourth-grade children enrolled in regular education programs. Questionnaires assessing knowledge of hearing, noise-induced hearing loss, and hearing conservation practices were administered prior to and following a HCP which consisted of a lecture, film, hearing screening demonstration, question and answer and discovery learning periods, and distribution of earplugs and a handout. Most children reported that they did not participate in noisy activities; however, of those who did participate an average of only 5.5% (2.5) reported use of ear protection. Knowledge about noise and noise-induced hearing loss increased an average of 23% following the HCP and 91.1% reported that they "learned something" from the HCP. Post-HCP responses revealed that 96.7% of the children intended to use ear protection when engaged in the depicted noisy activities. Although students indicated their intentions to pursue hearing conservation practices, follow-up studies are needed to determine whether hearing conservation programs are effective in establishing positive, long-term hearing health habits. School hearing conservation programs must be comprehensive in scope, including educational programming aimed at prevention and reduction of the prevalence of hearing loss, as well as identification and management of hearing loss.

scholarly journals Hearing Conservation Program for Marching Band Members: A Risk for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su-Hyun Jin ◽  
Peggy B. Nelson ◽  
Robert S. Schlauch ◽  
Edward Carney
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Marching Band ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Partial Control ◽  
Single Measure ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
Hearing Thresholds

Purpose To examine the risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in university marching band members and to provide an overview of a hearing conservation program for a marching band. Method Sound levels during band rehearsals were recorded and audiometric hearing thresholds and transient otoacoustic emission were measured over a 3-year period. Musician's earplugs and information about hearing loss were provided to the students. The hearing thresholds of other college students were tested as a partial control. Results There were no significant differences in hearing thresholds between the two groups. During initial testing, more marching band members showed apparent high-frequency notches than control students. Follow-up hearing tests in a subsequent year for the marching band members showed that almost all notches disappeared. Persistent standard threshold shift (STS) across tests was not observed in the band members. Conclusion Band members showed no evidence of STS or persistent notched audiograms. Because accepted procedures for measuring hearing showed a lack of precision in reliably detecting early NIHL in marching band members, it is recommended that signs of NIHL be sought in repeated measurements compared to baseline audiograms rather than in a single measure (a single notch). A hearing conservation program for this population is still recommended because of lengthy rehearsal times with high sound-level exposure during rehearsals.

Results of Otologic Referrals in an Industrial Hearing Conservation Program

1981 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 294-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Dobie ◽  
Robert J. Archer
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Referral Rate ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Specific Intervention ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Industrial Plants ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
Exposed Workers ◽  
Moderate Hearing Loss

Baseline and periodic audiometry was performed on noise-exposed workers in 21 industrial plants. Workers showing moderate hearing loss, asymmetry, or significant threshold shifts were referred for otologic evaluation. The overall referral rate was 2.76%. Of 107 referrals, 53% had otologic diagnoses other than noise-induced hearing loss, or required specific intervention, or both. The results support the use of criteria at least as stringent as those used in this study.

scholarly journals The Impact of Annual Audiograms on Employee’s Habits and Awareness Regarding Hearing Protection and Noise Induced Hearing Loss, On and Off the Job

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel Leshchinsky
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time ◽  
At Home

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs among workers across a wide spectrum of industries. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether annual hearing testing contributed to a change in employees’ habits and awareness and aimed to evaluate the use of hearing protection at work and at home. Employees enrolled in a university’s hearing conservation program (HCP) were anonymously surveyed regarding their hearing protection habits and awareness of noise exposures on and off the job using a Likert-type scale. Approximately half were “very much” concerned about hearing loss over time. Evidence supports that annual testing, part of the workplace HCP, also led over half of participants to change their habits at work and at home. Awareness of noise exposures increased both at home and at work with annual testing. Overall, the HCP in this particular setting was associated with improved on-the-job and home hearing protection use.

scholarly journals Prevention of the Evolution of Workers' Hearing Loss from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Noisy Environments through a Hearing Conservation Program

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 043-047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Fonseca ◽  
Jair Marques ◽  
Flavio Panegalli ◽  
Claudia Gonçalves ◽  
Wesley Souza
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Noisy Environments ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
Hearing Damage

Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious problem for workers and therefore for businesses. The hearing conservation program (HCP) is a set of coordinated measures to prevent the development or evolution of occupational hearing loss, which involves a continuous and dynamic process of implementation of hearing conservation routines through anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and subsequent control of the occurrence of existing environmental risks or of those that may exist in the workplace and lead to workers' hearing damage. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the HCP in preventing further hearing loss in workers with audiograms suggestive of NIHL. The audiometric tests and medical records of 28 furniture company workers exposed to noise were reviewed and monitored for 2 years. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined five audiometric tests in the medical records (on admission and every semester) of 28 workers in a furniture company (totaling 140 audiometric exams) following the introduction of the HCP. Results Data analysis showed no differences between the audiometric tests conducted on admission and those performed every semester. Conclusions The HCP implemented was effective in preventing the worsening of hearing loss in workers already with NIHL when exposed to occupational noise. Therefore, such a measure could be useful for the employment of workers with hearing loss in job sectors that have noise exposure.

The Importance of Hearing Conservation Instruction

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 140-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Folmer
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
School Nurses ◽  
Conservation Education ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
Golden Opportunity ◽  
Classroom Presentation ◽  
School Curricula

According to Denehy (1999) , “school nurses can play a powerful role in promoting health in their schools and community.” She encouraged school nurses to “Take and make opportunities to promote health in the classroom” (p. 4). Classroom presentation of hearing conservation information is one way for school nurses to promote health and to reduce the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), an irreversible yet preventable condition. Because of excessive sound exposure, the prevalence of NIHL among children is increasing. Numerous experts have recommended the implementation of hearing conservation education programs in schools. Despite these recommendations made over the last 3 decades, basic hearing conservation information that could prevent countless cases of NIHL remains conspicuously absent from most school curricula. School nurses should seize this “golden opportunity” to promote health in the classroom and help to reduce the prevalence of NIHL.

Field Monitoring of Otoacoustic Emissions During Noise Exposure: Pilot Study in Controlled Environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3S) ◽  
pp. 352-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Nadon ◽  
Annelies Bockstael ◽  
Dick Botteldooren ◽  
Jérémie Voix
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Conservation Programs ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Hearing Status

Purpose In spite of all the efforts to implement workplace hearing conservation programs, noise-induced hearing loss remains the leading cause of disability for North American workers. Nonetheless, an individual's susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss can be estimated by monitoring changes in hearing status in relation to the level of ambient noise exposure. The purpose of this study was to validate an approach that could improve workplace hearing conservation practices. The approach was developed using a portable and robust system designed for noisy environments and consisted of taking continuous measurements with high temporal resolution of the health status of the inner ear using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Method A pilot study was conducted in a laboratory, exposing human subjects to industrial noise recordings at realistic levels. In parallel, OAEs were measured periodically using the designed OAE system as well as with a commercially available OAE system, used as a reference. Results Variations in OAE levels were analyzed and discussed along with the limitations of the reference and designed systems. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the monitoring of an individual's OAEs could be useful in monitoring temporary changes in hearing status induced by exposure to ambient noise and could be considered as a new tool for effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) among industrial workers in Bhutan.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
Pelden Wangchuk ◽  
Phuntsho Dendup
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Industrial Workers ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Exposure Limit ◽  
Strict Enforcement ◽  
Hearing Assessment

Introduction: Exposure to any type of noise has a potential risk. Higher the level of noise and longer duration of exposure, the more the risk for the hearing sensitivity and health as a whole. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss (ONIHL) among the industrial workers in Bhutan and to ascertain high risk establishment and vulnerable occupations. Methods: The hearing assessment was conducted among 1638 workers considering different types of industries and occupations to ascertain the prevalence of occupational noise induced hearing loss and vulnerable group amongdifferent industries and occupations. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were performed to test the significance of ONIHL among the various independent variables. Results: The study found that the prevalence of ONIHL stands at 27.9% among industrial workers in Bhutan. 42.45% of candidates who had ONIHL reported with tinnitus in either or both ears. This study founda significant association between the exposure duration and the severity of ONIHL among the industrial workers. Considering the type of industry, wood based industry, hydro services, cement and polymer were found to have a higher prevalence of ONIHL and similarly, higher prevalence of ONIHL were found among occupations such as blaster, chipper, carpenters, dryer (knife grinder) and crusher operators. Conclusions: This study conduces that prevalence of ONIHL among industrial workers is found to be at the higher side and some of the occupations and industries impose higher risk. The study suggests that there is need for intervention such as strict enforcement of the permissible exposure limit, monitor and evaluate hearing conservation programs, and providing advice and recommendation to address such issues by the relevant agencies and industries

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