Hearing Conservation

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!