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.

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.

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

Hearing Conservation Training of Industrial Technology Teachers

1991 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce L. Plakke
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Industrial Technology ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Technology Teachers ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Effectiveness Of Training ◽  
Teachers Attitudes

Studies have shown the hazards of noise-induced hearing loss for industrial technology teachers and students. A teachers guide and materials were developed and workshops conducted for audiologists and industrial technology teachers 5 years ago in Iowa. Teachers’ attitudes and awareness of the hazards of noise were determined by a survey. The results show a need to increase the effectiveness of training and knowledge of industrial technology teachers regarding hearing conservation.

An Audiological Survey of Aircrew

1988 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-50
Author(s):  
D. G. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Potential Saving ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Conservation Measures ◽  
Medical Examinations

AbstractA cross sectional survey of Royal Naval aircrew was performed to measure the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and assess its relationship to flying experience. The quality of routine audiometry undertaken at annual aircrew medical examinations was assessed and the requirement for further hearing conservation measures amongst Fleet Air Arm personnel considered.Analysis of the results indicated that 3.8% of aircrew had possible noise induced hearing loss, in 1.6% this was probably due to flying and none of these cases had less than 2,000 hours flying experience.Further surveys should concentrate on experienced aviators and on aircraft maintainers and handlers.As noise-induced hearing loss does not appear to be affecting aircrew with less than 10 years flying experience there is a potential saving in time and expense by ceasing to do routine audiometry on this group.

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.

Knowledge and attitudes of a group of South African mine workers towards noise induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protective devices

1994 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Kahan ◽  
Eleanor Ross
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Group Setting ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Protective Devices ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Negative Attribute ◽  
Mine Workers

The study aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes of a group of mine workers regarding noise induced hearing loss and the use of hearing protective devices. These aims were investigated via a questionnaire administered in a group setting to 55 underground mine workers. The main finding that emerged from the study was that respondents were poorly informed regarding the fact that noise was a health hazard. Furthermore, the knowledge that respondents did possess, appeared to have been derived from the personal experience of working in noisy environments for many years, rather than from educational input. Contrary to expectations, respondents did not view deafness as a status symbol but rather as a negative attribute. Consequently, they were motivated to protect themselves from hearing impairment and to be educated about hearing and the effects of noise. The mine workers complained about discomfort when wearing hearing protective devices as well as feelings of insecurity due to inhibition of communication and the inability to hear warning signals. For these reasons, noise protection was mainly worn in situations perceived as noisy by workers themselves. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for the clinical practice of audiology; hearing conservation in the mining industry; further research; and the training and education of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

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