Development of a Computer-Based, Multi-media Hearing Loss Prevention Education Program for Veterans and Military Personnel

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Folmer ◽  
Gabrielle H. Saunders ◽  
Serena M. Dann ◽  
Susan E. Griest ◽  
Marjorie R. Leek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Sound Intensity ◽  
Military Bases ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Prevention Education ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Computer Based

Purpose: Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are prevalent and costly problems for military personnel and Veterans. To reduce the prevalence and burden of these conditions, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are working together to develop an interactive, computer-based, multimedia hearing loss prevention education program that can be delivered at military bases, primary care or other medical settings. Method: One participant at a time interacts with the program inside a sound-attenuated enclosure that is large enough for wheelchair access. A computer touch screen allows participants to select among a variety of activities, including a self-administered screening test of high-frequency hearing; learning why, when, and how to protect hearing; learning how hearing works and how loud sounds damage hearing; learning how sound intensity is measured and which sounds are too loud; listening to demonstrations of simulated hearing loss; learning how to select and use hearing protective devices; learning about tinnitus; and learning about hearing health care services available at each site. Results/Conclusions: The program will be made available to all Veterans, military personnel, and other members of the public through the internet and at medical centers throughout the country.

scholarly journals Computer-based hearing loss prevention education program for Veterans and military personnel

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. vii ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Folmer ◽  
Gabrielle H. Saunders ◽  
Serena M. Dann ◽  
Susan E. Griest ◽  
Edward Porsov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Prevention Education ◽  
Computer Based

A study on the proportion of hearing impairment among percussionists in Thrissur district of Kerala

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 816
Author(s):  
Jubina Bency A. T. ◽  
Sarangi . ◽  
Sebastian Roy ◽  
Shalu Sara Mathew ◽  
Shamseena A. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Moderate Degree ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Ability ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Mild Degree

Background: Hearing loss is a cause of global concern. Percussionists are exposed to greater levels of continuous or intermittent noise than others. Little is known about the relationship between percussion activity and hearing impairment. The early detection of the same and subsequent management makes a significant reduction in the burden of health care services. The objective was to study the proportion of hearing impairment in percussionists in the district of Thrissur using an IOS based mobile application.Methods: A cross sectional study was done on percussionists from Thrissur district who has experience of more than five years and has no congenital or traumatic hearing loss. A predesigned semi structured questionnaire was given and hearing tests were done using a mobile application U hear in a sound proof setting to understand the current state of hearing ability amoung the percussionists.Results: A total of 39 subjects were involved in our study of which all were males. Mean age of our study population was 30.44+12.04. most of them were diagnosed with at least mild degree of hearing loss of one of the ear or both the ears. 15.4% of them had mild degree of hearing loss, 64.1% had moderate degree of hearing loss and 20.5% had severe hearing loss.Conclusions: The study shows percussionists are more exposed to sounds of various frequencies for longer duration, they are more prone to hearing loss. The study brought out that age is directly proportional to hearing loss, music induced hearing loss progress at a rate proportion to the work experience. 

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Hearing Loss Prevention Education for Active Duty Military Personnel: A Preliminary Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 684-698
Author(s):  
Sharon Beamer ◽  
Catherine Gagne ◽  
Nutan Chada ◽  
Hina Mehta ◽  
Sheila Piper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Active Duty ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Prevention Education ◽  
Hearing Health ◽  
The Military

Purpose The combination of effective hearing health education and hearing protection establishes a strong foundation of hearing loss prevention efforts in the military; however, it is not clear which elements of the educational materials used in hearing loss prevention programs are the most effective in preventing noise-induced hearing loss. To explore this question, a cohort of Excellence in Government Fellowship participants and the Army Hearing Program conducted a preliminary study examining two hearing health education materials. Method A convenience sample of active duty personnel reviewed a hearing health education Technical Guide and video, developed by the military for hearing conservation programs. A “pre- and posteducation” questionnaire was administered to assess the participants' knowledge regarding hearing protection, causes of noise-induced hearing loss, effects of noise on hearing, noise exposure both on and off duty, and satisfaction with educational materials provided during the session. Results Short-term learning effects from the educational materials was achieved for some knowledge-based items (> 10% change from pre-education to posteducation), particularly for questions related to the effect of noise-induced hearing loss on ability to hear speech or hear at a distance. Thirty five percent of study participants reported using hearing protection in hazardous noise 75%–100% of the time. Primary reason for not using hearing protection was comfort. Conclusions Despite hearing loss prevention efforts in the military, hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) continue to be prevalent service-connected disabilities among veterans. This study offers some insights regarding current hearing loss prevention understanding and practices for a group of active duty U.S. military personnel. Results from this study can inform future improvements in military hearing loss prevention education.

Audiology India (Non-Governmental Organization): Background, Mission, and Accomplishments

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (17) ◽  
pp. 12-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinaya Manchaiah ◽  
Vijayalakshmi Easwar ◽  
Sriram Boothalingam ◽  
Spoorthi Thammaiah
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Government

Hearing loss is a global health concern, particularly in the low- and middle-income countries. Some of the reasons for this include, higher prevalence of hearing loss in these countries, lack of adequate awareness on hearing loss and its consequences, limited access to hearing care services to in suburban/rural areas, and high cost of such services. To make matters worse, health care services provided by the government in developing countries such as India are limited, and services provided by for-profit institutions are expensive. Therefore, there is a need for other stakeholders (e.g., non-governmental organizations) to bridge this service gap. In this paper, we introduce Audiology India (AI) to readers, an organization that is striving to improve ear and hearing health care services in India. We begin this paper by providing an overview of the current status of hearing care services in India. Next, we describe the background of AI, its mission, and accomplishments. Briefly, the goals of AI are: (a) to provide community-based hearing care services to individuals with no access to mainstream ear-care; (b) to conduct campaigns to raise public awareness about hearing loss and avenues for its prevention; (c) to carry out need-based research to continuously fine-tune our services and advance audiology in India; and (d) to offer consultancy services related to ear and hearing care.

Hearing Loss Prevention Education Using Adopt-a-Band: Changes in Self-Reported Earplug Use in Two High School Marching Bands

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Auchter ◽  
Colleen G. Le Prell
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Music Education ◽  
National Association ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Prevention Education ◽  
Marching Bands ◽  
Commercial Program

PurposeHearing loss prevention has always been an important issue for audiologists. The importance of hearing loss prevention education for young musicians is now recognized by the National Association for Music Education as well as the National Association of Schools of Music. Adopt-a-Band is a commercial program designed to foster hearing loss prevention behavior in young musicians.MethodThis study assessed changes in earplug use, measured using self-report surveys, after Adopt-a-Band training. Participants were members of 2 high school marching bands who viewed an informational DVD and reviewed fact sheets. Flat-attenuation earplugs were distributed, and training was provided. In addition, study participants engaged in discussion of hearing loss with a doctor of audiology student.ResultsBefore training, 23% of participants reported they had previously used hearing protection. Immediately after training, 94% of participants reported they planned to use hearing protection at least occasionally. In a final end-of-season survey, earplug use had reliably increased; 62% of participants reported they used earplugs at least occasionally.ConclusionsEarplug use increased, but self-reported behavioral change was not as robust as predicted from self-reported participant intentions. Participant comments regarding factors that influenced their earplug use decisions suggest opportunities to improve training.

scholarly journals Coping With Tinnitus During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Eldré W. Beukes ◽  
Joy Onozuka ◽  
Torryn P. Brazell ◽  
Vinaya Manchaiah
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Tinnitus Distress

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal operations of health care services, broad sectors of the economy, and the ability to socialize freely. For those with tinnitus, such changes can be factors in exacerbating tinnitus. The purpose of this study was to determine tinnitus help-seeking behavior, which resources individuals utilized to cope during the pandemic, and what additional support is desired. Method An exploratory cross-sectional study design including 1,522 adults with tinnitus living in North America (Canada and the United States) was used. Data were collected through an online survey distributed by the American Tinnitus Association via e-mail. Free text from open-ended questions was analyzed using the automated content analysis. The responses to the structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Results Significantly less tinnitus support was sought during the pandemic, and very few respondents utilized tinnitus support networks during the pandemic at the time the survey was conducted. Nonetheless, seeking support during the pandemic was significantly associated with significantly less tinnitus distress. The most frequently utilized resources for coping during the pandemic were contacting family and friends, spending time outdoors or in nature, relaxation, and exercise. Such tools for coping were associated with significantly less tinnitus distress. The support requested and advice provided by participants to health care services had overlap. The main support needs related to managing tinnitus included addressing hearing loss, providing peer support, finding cures, and accessing trained and understanding health care providers to help. The advice for professionals related to tinnitus management included the need for cures, personalized support, addressing hearing loss, targeting the tinnitus percept, and providing more information about the condition. Conclusions These findings provide suggestions on how to better support those with tinnitus at a time when health care is undergoing rapid changes. Findings can be used by stakeholders, clinical practitioners, and tinnitus support services to devise ways to work more effectively together to improve access to patient-driven, suitable, accessible, and evidence-based support. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14558514

Relating Hearing Aid Use to Social and Emotional Loneliness in Older Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara E. Weinstein ◽  
Lynn W. Sirow ◽  
Sarah Moser
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Significant Decline ◽  
Dose Effect ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Hearing Aid Use ◽  
Emotional Loneliness

Purpose Hearing loss is a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness. We investigated the buffering effects of hearing aid use on perceived social and emotional loneliness. Method Forty older adults participated. Prior to and following the hearing aid fitting, participants completed the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (De Jong Gierveld & Kamphuis, 1985); a change in feelings of loneliness following hearing aid use was the outcome indicator. Results There was a significant decline in perceptions of loneliness following 4 to 6 weeks of hearing aid use. A dose effect emerged with persons with moderate-to-severe hearing loss experiencing the greatest reduction in perceived loneliness with hearing aid use. Conclusion Associated with poorer health status and higher consumption of health care services, perceived loneliness is a challenge to treat. Hearing aid use appears to be a buffer against the experience of loneliness.

Development of a Computer-Based, Multimedia Hearing Loss Prevention Program

2010 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 8-12
Author(s):  
Gabrielle H. Saunders ◽  
Robert L. Folmer ◽  
Susan E. Griest ◽  
Serena M. Dann
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Prevention Program ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Computer Based

scholarly journals From Neonatal Hearing Screening to Intervention: Results of the Dutch Program for Neonatal Hearing Screening in Well Babies

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Noëlle Uilenburg ◽  
Catharina Van der Ploeg ◽  
Rosanne van der Zee ◽  
Anneke Meuwese-Jongejeugd ◽  
Bert van Zanten
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Neonatal Hearing Screening ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Screening Diagnostics

In the Netherlands, Youth Health Care services (YHC) have been carrying out neonatal hearing screening (NHS) in newborns since 2006. The aim of the NHS is to identify children with permanent hearing loss, so that intervention can be started before the age of 4 months. Early detection of hearing loss is important, as children who start intervention early have been shown to develop better. This article describes the structure and performance of the NHS carried out by the YHC, the quality of the program, and the timeliness of the start of intervention. Since its implementation, the NHS has been audited annually in order to monitor the program’s quality. Monitoring reports and data from the Dutch Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child were used in this study. For many years, results have shown the NHS to be a stable screening program of high quality. The participation rate is high, refer percentage low, and the timeliness of the program is continually improving. Although the timeliness of post screening diagnostics and intervention need most improvement as they do not always meet the target times, this has improved over recent years.

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