Fit testing of a hearing protection device with integrated in-ear noise exposure monitoring

2018 ◽  
Vol 143 (3) ◽  
pp. 1910-1910
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Smalt ◽  
Shakti K. Davis ◽  
William J. Murphy ◽  
Chucri A. Kardous ◽  
Joe Lacirignola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Protection Device ◽  
Exposure Monitoring ◽  
Fit Testing

Hearing loss as a predictor for hearing protection attenuation among miners

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-106838
Author(s):  
Elon D Ullman ◽  
Lauren M Smith ◽  
Marjorie C McCullagh ◽  
Richard L Neitzel
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Mining Sites ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Midwestern Usa ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Fit Testing

ObjectiveThis study investigated risk factors for poor earplug fit, with a focus on the association between hearing loss and personal attenuation ratings (PARs).MethodsEarplug fit was assessed by obtaining PARs using a real ear at attenuation threshold (REAT) system. Hearing loss was assessed using the unoccluded hearing thresholds measured during the REAT testing and the results of a speech-in-noise test. Potential predictors of PARs were modelled using both simple and multiple linear regression. Hearing loss was the primary predictor of interest.ResultsData were collected from 200 workers at ten above-ground mining sites in the Midwestern USA. Workers reported wearing their hearing protection on average 73.9% of the time in a high noise environment (mean 8-hour time-weighted average noise exposure 85.5 dBA, range 65–103 dBA). One-quarter (26.7%) of workers were found to have a hearing loss (hearing threshold ≥25 dB across 1–4 kHz), and 42% reported symptoms of tinnitus. Workers with a hearing loss had a significantly lower PAR than those without a hearing loss (β=−5.1, SE=1.7).ConclusionsThe results of the adjusted regression models suggest that workers with hearing loss achieved significantly lower PARs than those without hearing loss. This association between hearing loss and hearing protection devices (HPD) fit brings into focus the potential benefit of fit checks to be included in hearing conservation programmes. Workers found to have hearing loss should be prioritised for fit testing, as their hearing impairment may be associated with poor HPD fit.

scholarly journals Method for protected noise exposure level assessment under an in-ear hearing protection device: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-69
Author(s):  
Vincent Nadon ◽  
Fabien Bonnet ◽  
Rachel E. Bouserhal ◽  
Antoine Bernier ◽  
Jérémie Voix
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Protection Device

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.

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.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Hearing Protection Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11693
Author(s):  
Chanbeom Kwak ◽  
Woojae Han
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Sound Localization ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Random Effect Model ◽  
Sound Attenuation ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Protection Devices

To prevent intensive noise exposure in advance and be safely controlled during such exposure, hearing protection devices (HPDs) have been widely used by workers. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of these HPDs, partitioned into three different outcomes, such as sound attenuation, sound localization, and speech perception. Seven electronic journal databases were used to search for published articles from 2000 to 2021. Based on inclusion criteria, 20 articles were chosen and then analyzed. For a systematic review and meta-analysis, standardized mean differences (SMDs) and effect size were calculated using a random-effect model. The funnel plot and Egger’s regression analysis were conducted to assess the risk of bias. From the overall results of the included 20 articles, we found that the HPD function performed significantly well for their users (SMDs: 0.457, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.034–0.881, p < 0.05). Specifically, a subgroup analysis showed a meaningful difference in sound attenuation (SMDs: 1.080, 95% CI: 0.167–1.993, p < 0.05) when to wear and not to wear HPDs, but indicated no significance between the groups for sound localization (SMDs: 0.177, 95% CI: 0.540–0.894, p = 0.628) and speech perception (SMDs: 0.366, 95% CI: −0.100–1.086, p = 0.103). The HPDs work well for their originally designated purposes without interfering to find the location of the sound sources and for talking between the workers. Taking into account various factors, such as the characteristics of the users, selection of appropriate types, and fitting methods for wearing in different circumstances, seems to be necessary for a reliable systematic analysis in terms of offering the most useful information to the workers.

scholarly journals Noise Exposure and Use of Hearing Protection Among Adolescents in Rural Areas

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Leigh Ann Reel ◽  
Candace Bourland Hicks ◽  
Courtney Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Rural Adolescents ◽  
Rural Children ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Sources ◽  
Heavy Machinery ◽  
12Th Grade ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
Power Tools

Purpose: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been found in rural children, potentially due to occupational and recreational noise exposure without consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). However, questions remain regarding the specifics of rural adolescents' noise exposure and use of hearing protection around different types of noise. As such, the purpose of the current study was to provide preliminary results on rural adolescents' noise exposure and use of hearing protection for gunfire, heavy machinery, power tools, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and music. Method: A questionnaire was administered to 197 students (seventh to 12th grade) from rural schools in West Texas. Questions were related to noise exposure and use of HPDs for specific categories of noise. Testing was performed at the schools, with an investigator recording each student's responses. Results: Approximately 18%–44% of adolescents reported exposure 12 or more times a year to gunfire, heavy machinery, power tools, and ATVs. Only 1%–18% of the adolescents reported never being exposed to such noise sources. Almost half of rural adolescents never used hearing protection around gunfire, and 77%–91% reported never wearing hearing protection when exposed to heavy machinery, power tools, and ATVs. Conclusions: The current study revealed that rural adolescents are exposed to noise sources that could damage their hearing. However, the majority of rural adolescents do not consistently wear hearing protection. Additional research is now needed to extend these findings by assessing rural adolescents' duration of exposure to different noise sources, in addition to investigating prevention of NIHL in this population. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17139335

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document