Optimizing Alarm Location and Effects of Hearing Protection for Machining Industries

2005 ◽  
Vol 49 (17) ◽  
pp. 1610-1614
Author(s):  
Jun-Seok Lee ◽  
Dongjoon Kong
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Location Problems ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noisy Environment ◽  
Alarm Systems ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
High Sound ◽  
Timely Warning

Emergency alarm systems are extremely important in our daily life since these can provide adequate and timely warning to people in event of threatened disaster. These systems cause a traumatic hearing loss due to their extremely high sound level. Hearing protection devices are the most popular and convenient solution for avoiding a traumatic hearing loss. However, the study of alarm location problems with hearing protection has not been much paid attention. The purposes of this study were; (1) to determine the number of alarm devices, their optimum locations and minimum sound power levels and; (2) to find the effectiveness of hearing protection devices. The selected working environment was a machining facility that usually generates extremely high noise level. An analytical model was provided and the effects of hearing protection devices were discussed with two examples. The results showed that hearing protection was highly required at or above 85dBA noisy environment.

Noise Exposure and Hearing Disorders

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Byrne ◽  
Thais C. Morata
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Disorders ◽  
Industrial Noise ◽  
Significant Impairment ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Occupational Hearing Loss

Exposure to industrial noise and the resulting effect of occupational hearing loss is a common problem in nearly all industries. This chapter describes industrial noise exposure, its assessment, and hearing disorders that result from overexposure to noise. Beginning with the properties of sound, noise-induced hearing loss and other effects of noise exposure are discussed. The impact of hearing disorders and the influence of other factors on hearing loss are described. Typically, noise-induced hearing loss develops slowly, and usually goes unnoticed until a significant impairment has occurred. Fortunately, occupational hearing loss is nearly always preventable. Therefore, this chapter gives particular attention to recommendations for measures to prevent occupational hearing loss such as engineering noise controls and hearing protection devices.

Modeling Speech Level as a Function of Background Noise Level and Talker-to-Listener Distance for Talkers Wearing Hearing Protection Devices

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (12) ◽  
pp. 3393-3403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel E. Bouserhal ◽  
Annelies Bockstael ◽  
Ewen MacDonald ◽  
Tiago H. Falk ◽  
Jérémie Voix
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Speech Sound ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Background Noise Level ◽  
Vocal Effort ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Studying the variations in speech levels with changing background noise level and talker-to-listener distance for talkers wearing hearing protection devices (HPDs) can aid in understanding communication in background noise. Method Speech was recorded using an intra-aural HPD from 12 different talkers at 5 different distances in 3 different noise conditions and 2 quiet conditions. Results This article proposes models that can predict the difference in speech level as a function of background noise level and talker-to-listener distance for occluded talkers. The proposed model complements the existing model presented by Pelegrín-García, Smits, Brunskog, and Jeong (2011) and expands on it by taking into account the effects of occlusion and background noise level on changes in speech sound level. Conclusions Three models of the relationship between vocal effort, background noise level, and talker-to-listener distance for talkers wearing HPDs are presented. The model with the best prediction intervals is a talker-dependent model that requires the users' unoccluded speech level at 10 m as a reference. A model describing the relationship between speech level, talker-to-listener distance, and background noise level for occluded talkers could eventually be incorporated with radio protocols to transmit verbal communication only to an intended set of listeners within a given spatial range—this range being dependent on the changes in speech level and background noise level.

scholarly journals Cochrane method for systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss – abridged

CoDAS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Tikka ◽  
Jos Verbeek ◽  
Erik Kateman ◽  
Thais Catalani Morata ◽  
Wouter Dreschler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Engineering Controls ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
Quality Evidence

ABSTRACT Purpose Assess the effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions at work on noise exposure or occupational hearing loss compared to no or alternative interventions. Research strategies Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, OSHupdate, Cochrane Central and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched. Selection criteria Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), Controlled Before-After studies (CBA) and Interrupted Time-Series studies (ITS) evaluating engineering controls, administrative controls, personal hearing protection devices, and hearing surveillance were included. Case studies of engineering controls were collected. Data analysis Cochrane methods for systematic reviews, including meta-analysis, were followed. Results 29 studies were included. Stricter legislation can reduce noise levels by 4.5 dB(A) (very low-quality evidence). Engineering controls can immediately reduce noise (107 cases). Eleven RCTs and CBA studies (3725 participants) were evaluated through Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs). Training of earplug insertion reduces noise exposure at short term follow-up (moderate quality evidence). Earmuffs might perform better than earplugs in high noise levels but worse in low noise levels (very low-quality evidence). HPDs might reduce hearing loss at very long-term follow-up (very low-quality evidence). Seventeen studies (84028 participants) evaluated hearing loss prevention programs. Better use of HPDs might reduce hearing loss but other components not (very low-quality evidence). Conclusion Hearing loss prevention and interventions modestly reduce noise exposure and hearing loss. Better quality studies and better implementation of noise control measures and HPDs is needed.

Hearing Protection Devices Use and Its Relationship with Hearing Loss among Steel Industry Workers of Samut Prakan Province, Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-358
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Steel Industry ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protection Devices

Objective: To investigate hearing protection devices (HPDs) use and its relationship with hearing loss among steel industry workers in Thailand. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 93 eligible participants who are working in the designated high-noise-level zones, which is 85 or more A-weighted decibels [dB(A)] for eight hours time-weighted average, of the two factories. Self-report forms were used to obtain HPDs use by industry workers and noise exposure level was measured with Spark® (Model 706) noise dosimeter. Audiometric screening for hearing loss was performed at a regional hospital by the qualified technician. The hearing loss in each ear was defined if the average threshold level was found to have exceeded 25 dB(A) at high frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz. Results: The findings showed that 45.2% of workers used earplug, 16.1% used earmuff, and 38.7% used both, and most workers (55.8%) wear HDPs regularly, for six of seven days per week. Fifty seven percent of workers wear HDPs for more than 60% time of an 8-hour work shift. Most workers (75.2%) have hearing loss. Conclusion: The authors’ result revealed that almost half of workers used hearing protection devices and most workers use HPDs during the 8-hour work time. Abnormal hearing ability were found among workers. The education program such as the hazards of noise on potential auditory loss, a noise education training program and full use of HPDs are encouraged to prevent effect of noise on workers. Keywords: Hearing protection devices, Noise induced hearing loss, Steel industry

Music to Our Ears: Are Dancers at Risk for High Sound Level Exposure?

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-232
Author(s):  
Haley Busenbarrick ◽  
Kathleen L. Davenport
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Performing Arts ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Sound Recording ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
Daily Dose ◽  
High Sound

Enduring exposure to high sound pressure levels (SPLs) can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In the performing arts population, NIHL has been studied primarily in the context of sound exposure experienced by musicians and less so by dancers. This research aimed to identify sound exposure that dancers may experience in some dance classes. Decibel levels were recorded in 12 dance classes (6 ballet, 4 modern, and 1 soft and 1 hard shoe Irish dance) at 8 different studios using the NIOSH SLM app on an iOS smartphone with external microphone. A minimum of five recordings of each class was measured, each collected on a different day, yielding a total of 114 measurements. Results showed that 20.2% of all recordings exceeded the recommended NIOSH sound exposure limits of both 100% projected daily dose and 85 LAeq. Analysis between styles of dance demonstrated significantly lower LAeq (p≤0.05) in soft shoe Irish dance compared to ballet (p=0.023), modern (p=0.035), and Irish hard shoe dance (p=0.009). Irish soft shoe dance demonstrated minimal to no risk of high sound exposure. Conversely, 53.25% of ballet, 90.9% of Irish hard shoe dance, and 68.24% of modern recordings exhibited minimal to moderate risk of high sound exposure. Furthermore, we found wide ranges of projected daily noise doses within classes taught by the same teacher. It is recommended that multiple recordings of dance environments be obtained, as a single sound recording may not accurately represent potential exposure. These findings indicate that dancers of Irish hard shoe, modern, and ballet may benefit from noise intervention such as audiometric testing, noise controls, and hearing protection.

scholarly journals A Preliminary Study of a Spanish Graphic Novella Targeting Hearing Loss Prevention

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-267
Author(s):  
Mark Guiberson ◽  
Emily Wakefield
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Agricultural Workers ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Interview Survey ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
Preliminary Study

Purpose This preliminary study developed a digital graphic novella targeting hearing protection beliefs of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers. Researchers used pretest–posttest interview surveys to establish if the novella had an immediate influence on the participants' beliefs about noise-induced hearing loss and usage of hearing protection devices. Method Researchers developed a digital graphic novella directed to increase knowledge about noise-induced hearing loss and increase the proper use of hearing protection devices. The novella was tailored to meet the specific linguistic and literacy needs of Spanish-speaking agricultural workers. Thirty-one Spanish-speaking farmworkers of Mexican nationality participated. This study included an interview survey with specific questions on noise-induced hearing loss, myths, and hearing protection device usage. A pretest–posttest design was applied to measure the graphic novella's immediate influence on workers. Results The posttest scores on Hearing Protection Beliefs statements were significantly better than pretest scores, with a large effect size observed. Conclusion Digital media may be an effective way to overcome language and literacy barriers with Spanish-speaking workers when providing health education and prevention efforts.

Quantifying Vocal Power: Correlation of Whole-Body Anaerobic Power to Vocal Function Measures

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 2597-2608
Author(s):  
Emily N. Snell ◽  
Laura W. Plexico ◽  
Aurora J. Weaver ◽  
Mary J. Sandage
Keyword(s):  
Fundamental Frequency ◽  
Forced Vital Capacity ◽  
Vital Capacity ◽  
Anaerobic Power ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Vocal Function ◽  
Laryngeal Diadochokinesis ◽  
High Sound

Purpose The purpose of this preliminary study was to identify a vocal task that could be used as a clinical indicator of the vocal aptitude or vocal fitness required for vocally demanding occupations in a manner similar to that of the anaerobic power tests commonly used in exercise science. Performance outcomes for vocal tasks that require rapid acceleration and high force production may be useful as an indirect indicator of muscle fiber complement and bioenergetic fitness of the larynx, an organ that is difficult to study directly. Method Sixteen women (age range: 19–24 years, M age = 22 years) were consented for participation and completed the following performance measures: forced vital capacity, three adapted vocal function tasks, and the horizontal sprint test. Results Using a within-participant correlational analyses, results indicated a positive relationship between the rate of the last second of a laryngeal diadochokinesis task that was produced at a high fundamental frequency/high sound level and anaerobic power. Forced vital capacity was not correlated with any of the vocal function tasks. Conclusions These preliminary results indicate that aspects of the laryngeal diadochokinesis task produced at a high fundamental frequency and high sound level may be useful as an ecologically valid measure of vocal power ability. Quantification of vocal power ability may be useful as a vocal fitness assessment or as an outcome measure for voice rehabilitation and habilitation for patients with vocally demanding jobs.

Promoting Hearing Loss Prevention in Audiology Practice

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Byrne ◽  
Christa L. Themann ◽  
Deanna K. Meinke ◽  
Thais C. Morata ◽  
Mark R. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Occupational Programs ◽  
Strategic Position ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
Self Protection

An audiologist should be the principal provider and advocate for all hearing loss prevention activities. Many audiologists equate hearing loss prevention with industrial audiology and occupational hearing conservation programs. However, an audiologist’s involvement in hearing loss prevention should not be confined to that one particular practice setting. In addition to supervising occupational programs, audiologists are uniquely qualified to raise awareness of hearing risks, organize public health campaigns, promote healthy hearing, implement intervention programs, and monitor outcomes. For example, clinical audiologists can show clients how to use inexpensive sound level meters, noise dosimeters, or phone apps to measure noise levels, and recommend appropriate hearing protection. Audiologists should identify community events that may involve hazardous exposures and propose strategies to minimize risks to hearing. Audiologists can help shape the knowledge, beliefs, motivations, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals toward self-protection. An audiologist has the education, tools, opportunity, and strategic position to facilitate or promote hearing loss surveillance and prevention services and activities. This article highlights real-world examples of the various roles and substantial contributions audiologists can make toward hearing loss prevention goals.

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