scholarly journals Development of laboratory-based test methods for the comparative evaluation of performance of advanced hearing protection devices

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore Argo ◽  
Brian Zadler ◽  
Cortney LeNeave ◽  
Jennifer Jerding
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Evaluation Of Performance ◽  
Protection Devices

scholarly journals Protection by noise in quarrying activities: test methods comparison of the hearing protection devices efficiency

2019 ◽  
Vol 128 ◽  
pp. 08005
Author(s):  
Guido Alfaro Degan ◽  
Gianluca Coltrinari ◽  
Dario Lippiello ◽  
Pietro Nataletti ◽  
Diego Annesi
Keyword(s):  
Test Methods ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Attenuation ◽  
Specific Procedure ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Measurement Methodology ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
Maximum Protection

The work operations in the quarry activities are the source of many physical agents such as dust and vibrations but especially noise. This last can have relevant negative effects they cause serious problems for the worker’s health. In order to prevent the hearing loss, the employer must provide to the workers the HPD (Hearing Protection Devices). They are inserted inside the ear following a specific procedure to ensure the maximum protection by the noise. For this reason, the use training represents an essential aspect. Also the material, which the device is made of, can influence strongly the actual noise attenuation. The study is based on tests with different HPD, some made of polyurethane and others by silicone. Two experimental campaigns were carried out under different conditions with the same measurement methodology. The results highlight the importance of the methodology used in the test and the relevant role of the use training.

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.

Comparative study of attenuation measurement of hearing protection devices by real ear attenuation at threshold method

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noorain Alam ◽  
Vikas Sinha ◽  
Rajiv Jalvi ◽  
Deepanshu Gurnani ◽  
DilavarA Barot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Threshold Method ◽  
Attenuation Measurement ◽  
Protection Devices

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