hearing conservation
TRANSCRIPT
Ozarks Technical Community College
HIS 125
What is your favorite COLOR? This is an easy question for most people to
answer
Now, what is your favorite SOUND? Most people have to think about this one
These are two wonderful questions to ask your patients to help them have a greater appreciation for their hearing
Because we live in such a visual world, we often take our other senses for granted
Hearing healthcare professionals often overlook the PREVENTION of noise-induced hearing loss
Consider the following:Dentists – encourage you to brush/floss,
give out toothbrushes after each cleaningWe should be:
encouraging our patient’s to utilize hearing protection in noisy situations
teaching them how and when to use it
Occupational Safety & Health AdministrationBranch of the US Department of Labor,
which regulates employee health and safety OSHA regulates the use of hearing
protection devices (HPDs) for employees who work around noise
OSHA determines if hearing protection is required based on the employees time-weighted average (TWA), which is the average dB exposure over an 8 hour shift This is done by having employees wear a
dosimeter (a special sound level meter with a microphone clipped onto the shoulder) to record the noise exposure during their shift
According to OSHA, employers are required to provide hearing conservation programs for employees with a TWA ≥ 85 dBA
Earplugs Foam Premolded Formable Custom Semi-insert
Earmuffs Helmets
Berger, Chapter 10
Berger, Chapter 10
Foam earplugs provide the greatest attenuation of all the hearing protection devices (even more than a custom plug), BUT most users do not achieve maximum protection due to improper insertion technique
When all else fails, put your fingertips in your ears!
Dual protection (earplugs AND earmuffs) only provides an extra 5 dB of attenuationDual protection is recommended when the
8 hr TWA exceeds 105 dBA
Three steps: Roll Pinna Pull Insert and Hold
Image from: tinnitus.org/au
ETY-Plugs (made by Etymotic Research) provide a relatively flat attenuation across frequencies, which allows for clearer hearing in noise compared to a foam plug.
Foam plugs attenuate more in the high frequencies, resulting in “muffled” hearing. Great for listening to live
music or for someone who needs hearing protection, but who also needs to communicate effectively with others (i.e. MRI technician)
Used by NATO and the U.S. Military Yellow end
Filter is open when it is quiet (O dB attenuation), which allows for clear hearing in the absence of impulse noise
Filter closes with loud, impulse noise(23 dB attenuation)
Black = normal, premolded ear plug
The risks of NIHL increase depending on: The duration of the noise exposure The average dB level Peak dB levels
In order to reduce risk of hearing loss: Limiting exposure Use of HPDs when exposed
General rule of thumb: if it is loud enough that you have to shout to speak to someone within arms reach of you, the level probably exceeds 85 dBA and could cause hearing loss if exposure time is long enough
Noise exposure can result in or exacerbate tinnitus
Individuals with hearing loss are at an increased risk for additional hearing loss due to noise exposure
Individuals who are taking ototoxic medications should be especially careful to avoid loud noise exposure
In most situations, 10-15 dB of attenuation is adequate
Always consider the 3 C’s to determine which type of HPD is appropriate for the individualComfort ConvenienceCommunication
Earplugs are cheaper than hearing aids!