"Real world" noise exposure beneath hearing protectors : a scattered international practise

2008 ◽  
Vol 123 (5) ◽  
pp. 3528-3528
Author(s):  
Pierre Canetto ◽  
Nicolas Trompette
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Protectors

scholarly journals The occupational effects of unconventional (custom-made) hearing protection for platinum mine workers

2003 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Steenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Priority List ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Hearing Protectors ◽  
Mine Workers

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is on the priority list of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Hearing loss due to industrial noise exposure is the most prevalent industrial disease. Noise (above 85 dB) is not only a physical hazard, but also a psychological hazard that may create or exacerbate ergonomic or mechanical hazards. Conventional hearing protection devices (HPDs) are widely applied but also misused in the mining sector. In this investigation ownership and general attitudes were measured by determining how unconventional hearing protectors (custom-made hearing protectors) (CHPDs) is experienced by the mine- workers. The results could indicate whether these protectors, which is perceived by management to be costly, sophisticated and difficult to implement on a large scale, are a viable alternative to conventional hearing protectors. The results indicated certain positive directions in terms of quality hearing conservation and confirmed that CHPDs (with its unique features) do not only protect hearing but has several other occupational benefits. Opsomming Geraasdoofheid is op die prioriteitslys van die Wêreld Gesondheidsorganisasie (WHO). Gehoorverlies wat deur industriële geraasblootstelling veroorsaak word, word as die mees prominente beroepgesondheidsiekte beskou. Geraas (bo 85 dB) is nie net ’n fisiese risiko nie, maar hou ook ook psigologiese gevare in, wat ander meganiese en ergonomiese risiko’s kan veroorsaak of vererger. Konvensionele geraasdempers word op grootskaal in die mynsektor gebruik, maar ook wanaangewend. In hierdie ondersoek is eienaarskap en die algemene gesindhede van gebruikers gemeet deur te bepaal hoe onkonvensionele gehoorbeskermers (doelgemaakte gehoorbeskermers) deur die mynwerkers self ervaar word. Die resultate kan as ‘n aanduiding dien of hierdie beskermers, wat dikwels deur bestuur as duur, gesofistikeerd en moeilik op ‘n grootskaal implementeerbaar is, as ’n lewensvatbare alternatief tot konvensionele gehoorbeskermers oorweeg moet word. Die resultate toon sekere positiewe aspekte ten opsigte van gehalte gehoorkonservering en het bevestig dat doelgemaakte gehoorbeskermers (met hul unieke eienskappe) nie slegs gehoor beskerm nie, maar verskeie ander beroepsverwante voordele inhou.

Hearing Protectors “Real-World” Performance and the European Directive 2003/10/EC

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Canetto ◽  
Jérémie Voix ◽  
Elliott H. Berger ◽  
Jean Jacques ◽  
Martin Liedtke
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
European Directive ◽  
Hearing Protectors

Psychophysical and Physical Techniques for Measuring the Attenuation of Hearing Protectors in the Field

1993 ◽  
Vol 37 (14) ◽  
pp. 999-1003
Author(s):  
Daniel W. Mauney
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Insertion Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Hearing Protectors ◽  
Alternative Measures ◽  
Hearing Protector ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Occlusion Effect

A field-implementable measure is needed to estimate the attenuation workers achieve with their hearing protectors in the field. Manufacturer-supplied values overestimate in-field attenuation and reliance on these values could result in greater noise exposure, thus contributing to hearing loss. Alternative measures for assessing a hearing protector's effectiveness were evaluated through comparison to the standardized real-ear attenuation at threshold (1/3-REAT) method (ANSI S3.19-1974). These measures, termed microphone in real ear (MIRE), used miniature microphones underneath and outside of the hearing protector to physically measure the attenuation of the protector using both insertion loss (IL-MIRE) and noise reduction (NR-MIRE) techniques. Results indicate that the MIRE measures differ significantly from the 1/3-REAT method (a psychophysical technique) for attenuation collapsed across protectors, with absolute differences as great as 6.6 dB and the direction of the difference changing due to frequency. At 125 Hz, the MIRE metrics yielded lower attenuation, while from 500 to 8000 Hz, the 1/3-REAT method generally yielded lower attenuation. These differences may be due in part to the occlusion effect and the bone conduction of sound. The size and consistency of these differences across HPDs suggest that these measures hold promise for providing quick and relatively accurate estimations of an HPD's attenuation in the field.

Hearing threshold shift measured by otoacoustic emissions after shooting noise exposure in soldiers using hearing protectors

2007 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jurek Olszewski ◽  
Jarosław Miłoński ◽  
Sławomir Olszewski ◽  
Joanna Majak
Keyword(s):  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Hearing Protectors

Model of Interactive System for Training in the Proper Use of Hearing Protection Devices

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-15
Author(s):  
Paweł Górski
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Interactive System ◽  
Central Institute ◽  
Training Materials ◽  
Video Tutorials ◽  
Hearing Protectors ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
Environment Noise ◽  
Workplace Noise

Abstract In 2011, over 520 thousand persons worked in hazardous conditions (according to the GUS). Among hazardous factors related to working environment noise was found to be the most common one, threatening 199,6 thousand people (52.9% threats-per-persons related to working environment). The prevalence of workplace noise and increasing awareness of effects of its impact on the human body causes increase of the demand for knowledge of the methods of noise reduction. Due to the lack of knowledge concerning the proper use of hearing protectors, effective noise exposure in the real world may be about a dozen dB higher than the declared assumed protection value. For this reason, in Central Institute for Labour Protection - NRI “The interactive system for learning the correct use of hearing protectors” has been developed. The system includes a multimedia guide on hearing protectors supplemented by video tutorials, training materials with training hearing protectors, and software for evaluation of the activities of the trainee.

scholarly journals Noise perception and hearing protector use in metallurgical industries

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-28
Author(s):  
I. C. Wictor ◽  
A. A. de P. Xavier
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
The Social ◽  
Hearing Protectors ◽  
Temporary Solution ◽  
Increasing Risk ◽  
Hearing Protector ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Safety Procedures

Although hearing protectors are defined as a temporary solution, they are often widely employed as the only measure against noise exposure. However, it is also known that unless workers wear the hearing protector continuously, their effectiveness will be very low. In this regard, there are some surveys that show that workers do not always wear their protectors properly and consistently while exposed to noise. The purpose of this article is to present the results of an investigation about noise perception, relating with noise exposure in working environment and the hearing protectors’ use. Was consider that noise perceptions effects can support minimizing risk and improve industries safety polities. The study sample was carry out in 5 metallurgical industries and 243 workers from Parana – Brazil. The survey data was collected and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The questionnaire results showed that workers are exposed at high noise levels, in increasing risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). About the hearing protection use, it can be evaluated that the use is more effective in companies with a higher level of noise exposure. The perception of risk plays a fundamental role, which predicts the use of hearing protectors; therefore, the perception of the work environment, regarding the lower or higher risk, can be directly linked to the use of hearing protectors. The companies with more rigorous safety procedures also indicate a greater report of effective use of hearing protectors.

A Prototyping Model of Intelligent Hearing Protection Device

2015 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lim Ming Han ◽  
Zaiton Haron ◽  
Zanariah Jahya ◽  
Nadirah Darus ◽  
Mohamad Fauzi Abdul Hamid
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Protection Device ◽  
Technical Procedure ◽  
Hearing Protectors ◽  
Noise Data ◽  
Exposure Problem ◽  
Procedure Development

The occupational noise exposure problem is getting serious and the workers have low self-efficacy in using the hearing protectors during the working period. In this paper, it reveals a prototyping model, namely, Intelligent Hearing Protection Device (IHPD) as a new hearing technology to cope with current problems. This device could measure the noise level in the workplace, detect the regularity of worker in the usage of IHPD and indicate the high noise area. Meanwhile, the IHPD is required to connect with the Dosiwatch and the Integrated Noise Exposure Software (INES) to improve its functionalities. The Dosiwatch is an electronic device to display the noise level and indicate the risky area, where it helps the workers to perceive the risk of noise in a workplace. The INES receives the noise data wirelessly, plots the instantaneous noise charts and supervises the regularity of workers in using the IHPD. By the way, the technical procedure development and the typical function of electronic gadgets are significant in this invention. A prototyping model was developed to ensure the technical procedure development meets the conceptual design of IHPD, dosiwatch and INES.

scholarly journals Vibration and Noise Exposure during Pre-Commercial Thinning Operations: What Are the Ergonomic Benefits of the Latest Generation Professional-Grade Battery-Powered Chainsaws?

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1120
Author(s):  
Martin Huber ◽  
Stephan Hoffmann ◽  
Frauke Brieger ◽  
Florian Hartsch ◽  
Dirk Jaeger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Vibration Exposure ◽  
Safety Standards ◽  
Safety Requirements ◽  
Commercial Thinning ◽  
Hearing Protectors ◽  
Thinning Operations ◽  
Action Value ◽  
Video Documentation

In order to compare the vibration and noise exposure of STIHL’s battery-powered MSA 220 C and the combustion driven MS 201 C, a professional operator was monitored during a pre-commercial thinning operation in a twenty-year-old hardwood stand. The vibration levels were measured with a tri-axial accelerometer on the front and rear handle of both the chainsaws, and assigned to five different work elements using a video documentation. Additionally, noise levels were recorded in one-minute intervals, with a dosemeter worn by the operator. The results show that battery-powered chainsaws, when compared to combustion-driven chainsaws, can reduce the daily vibration exposure by more than 45% and the noise dose by about 78.4%, during pre-commercial thinning tasks. Replacing combustion-driven chainsaws with battery-powered ones is therefore generally recommended, to reduce occupational health risks for operators, in this respect. However, the daily vibration exposure of about 2.42 m/s2, caused by the battery-powered chainsaw on the front handle, is still very close to the daily exposure action value set by the EU directives for health and safety requirements. The daily noise exposure of 89.18 dB(A) even exceeds the upper exposure action value. Consequently, a further reduction in the vibration exposure during work is desirable. With respect to noise exposure, additional measures must be implemented for conformity with the current safety standards, making the use of hearing protectors mandatory for electric chainsaws, too.

scholarly journals Workers of the hospital maintenance sector: protection, hearing symptoms and noise exposure

Revista CEFAC ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-514
Author(s):  
Flávia Elisa Antunes Lemes de Oliveira Ramos ◽  
Adriana Bender Moreira de Lacerda ◽  
Evelyn Joice Albizu
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Speech Comprehension ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Hearing Protectors ◽  
Maintenance Service ◽  
Hearing Protector

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the use of hearing protection and symptoms in hospital maintenance workers and evaluate the noise level of the machines. Methods: a cross-sectional quantitative study held with workers from a public hospital maintenance service. A questionnaire related to personal, clinical and occupational history was used. Measurement of the noise level of the machines in the sector was carried out using a sound pressure level meter. Results: 57 male workers participated, mean age of 43.28 years, among the workers, carpentry prevailed (10.53%), length of time at the job averaged 8.9 years and 9.3 daily work hours; 45.76% did not know what could be done to reduce maintenance noise; 59.65% wore hearing protectors at work, ear plug model (47.37%), and 82.45% thought that the noise was reduced when they wore the hearing protector correctly. Auditory and non-auditory signs and symptoms were denied by most workers. Noise perception in the maintenance service was medium (53%) and high (44%), evidenced noise levels of 62.0 to 101dB (A). Conclusion: the hearing protector was worn by 59.7% of the workers, the plug model was the most used (47.4%) and 75.8% reported that occupational noise decreased with the use of hearing protectors. Most workers use hearing protection and have no hearing symptoms. However, the presence of symptoms such as otalgia (8.8%), otorrhea (5.3%), dizziness (14.0%), tinnitus (17.5%) and difficulty in speech comprehension (7, 0%) should be pointed out. Noise assessment showed high levels from some maintenance machinery, representing a risk for hearing. The sectors of the woodwork and metalwork were the noisiest.

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