Category Archives: Uncategorized

NDD Spirometer and Promotion

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The NDD EasyOne and EasyOne Plus spirometers have been discontinued. These spirometers have been replaced by the NDD EasyOne Air. The NDD EasyOn-PC spirometer is still available.

EasyOne Air is the new, all-in-one revolution in lung function testing. Built for healthcare providers large and small, EasyOne Air puts the power of the most advanced spirometry testing tools in the palm of your hand.

Revolutionary TrueFlow ultrasound technology means unprecedented accuracy for reliable diagnosis and rusted treatment. Equipped with ready-to-use EMR connectivity and a user-friendly interface, the EasyOne Air makes the best in lung care available anywhere.

NDD is offering promotions, please contact Workplace Integra for more information.

Please contact us for a quote or to answer any questions: info@wpintegra.com








TO APP OR NOT TO APP?

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FOLLOWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUND LEVEL METER APPS
The smartphone is one of the technological developments that has taken the world by storm over the last decade. Statistics released in June 2016 forecast the number of smartphone users to grow from 2.1 billion in 2016 to around 2.5 billion in 2019, with just over 36 percent of the world’s population projected to use a smartphone by 2018. In addition, app downloads reached nearly 200 billion in 2017 and are expected to reach over 350 billion by 2021.

It is no surprise, then, that the smartphone is cited by many industrial hygienists as their favorite piece of work equipment. Industrial hygienists can use smartphones to make notes and take photographs while on site, email measurement results to colleagues, access websites for guidance, and even make the occasional phone call.

WE’VE GOT AN APP FOR THAT?
It should also come as no surprise that there are hundreds of sound level meter apps available. As a manufacturer of professional sound level meters, Casella urges users to exercise some caution (we would say that, wouldn’t we?). But we don’t want to appear Luddite in our actions. (The Luddites were a radical group of English textile workers in the 19th century who destroyed weaving machinery that they believed was threatening their jobs. This was a form of protest against the use of machinery in a “fraudulent and deceitful manner” to get around standard labor practices.) Buying instrumentation that claims to meet a standard is already a case of “buyer beware.” Products often only get “found out” when tested by a capable, ISO 17025-approved verification laboratory.

Indeed, there are many benefits of using an app with common tools of the industrial hygiene trade. For example, apps used with noise dosimeters or personal air sampling pumps can warn of low battery or a failed measurement and can run remotely from a discrete distance without having to disturb the worker. This improves the productivity of both the industrial hygienist and worker alike; there is nothing worse than having to repeat a measurement or miss a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity.

See full article here.

FOR SALE -TREMETRICS RA 650 AUDIOMETER

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Workplace INTEGRA has a used 4 station Tremetrics RA 650 audiometer available for sale for $5,275.00. This price includes the 4 audiometers and 1 Oscar 6, bio-acoustic simulator. The audiometers will be calibrated prior to delivery. Shipping will be additional or you can pick up the unit in Greensboro, NC.

All of the equipment is in good condition and working great. This equipment is sold as is.

Please contact us at info@wpintegra.com or call 888 974 0001 ask for Jim, for more information.

More on the Tremetrics RA 650

PC Based Audiometer

  • Allows the operator to test up to eight people simultaneously
  • Fully compatible with HT ProTM Software Suite
  • Audiometer modules can be purchased one at a time or all at once, allowing you to buy modules as needed

 

• Extremely reliable unit, leaving you the ability to test with no worries about being down for repairs

Unparalleled reliability and accuracy at a very competitive price

With the ability to test as many as 32 people in an hour with an eight station system, the RA650 will save you both time and money. The RA650 also maintains a small footprint, using a control module housed with the audiometer modules to link all the stations together. Tests can be started, stopped and paused without interrupting other tests.

When used in conjunction with the HT Pro Software Package, the RA650 becomes the total package for hearing conservation. With the addition of the RA650 and HT Pro, you are in a position to excel in your mobile testing environment. All three devices can create features that include a live feed of tests as they are occuring, nearly unlimited filtering and reporting capability, separate databases for separate companies, and the ability to network your computers to keep your data safe.
Specification 

RA650 chassis, power supply/controller audio channels: Accepts up to a maximum of four (4) RA650 audiometer channels 

Two RA650 chassis can be used to test up to eight subjects; Control Channel: One control model per chassis 

Power: Auto-selectable 90-240 VAC ± 10%, 50-60 Hz 

Dimensions: 6.5” W x 12.5” D x 9” H 

Weight: 6.5 lbs. (1-station without earphones or handswitch); Communications: RS232C at 19200 Baud 

Software interface: Manages up to eight (8) audiometer modules 

Audiometer Module 

Equals or exceeds ANSI S3.6-1969-2010 

Test frequencies: 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, 8000 Hz (8000 Hz selectable) 

Frequency accuracy: Better than 1%, crystal controlled 

Distortion: Total harmonic distortion below -40 dB (1%) 

HL attenuator: -10 to 100 dB in 5 dB steps 

HL accuracy: ±1 dB Calibration: EEPROM calibration, frequency requires no adjustment; calibration date entered at time of calibration 

Rise/Fall time: Meets ANSI specifications 

Earphones: Telephonics TDH-39, 10 ohm earphones in Model 41 cushions 

Dimensions: 1” W x 11.25” D x 6.25” H 

Weight: 0.5 lb 

Power: Supplied by mainframe 

Options Foshm 

Windows based hearing conservation data management software 

Audiocups – Noise attenuating enclosures 

OSCAR 6™ – Electro-acoustic ear 

RA650 Group Audiometric Testing System 

Microphone provides talk-over communication with any or all test subjects 
Proven reliability and support 

The RA650 series has a proven track record in both the military and civilian group testing market. Systems are backed by a nationwide dealer network and factory support group. Both are committed to quality customer service and fast response. 

System Features 

Windows-based program software requires minimal operator training 

PC monitors progress of test and automatically instructs subject as required 

Flexible group testing – audiometer modules can be added as needed 

Full automatic, semi-automatic or manual operation 

Independent error checking with automatic test restart 

Selectable retest criteria: automatic retest if HTLs vary 15 dB or more from baseline 

Intercom – talk-over communication with any or all test subjects 

Distinctive graphic symbols and color coding for quick and accurate set up 

Automatic pre-test instructions 

Power supply indicator 

Printer Requirements 

Windows compatible, laser or inkjet recommended 

Computer Requirements 

The RA650 must be used with a PC Data Management System. The PC and database management software are not included in the price of the RA650. 

Tremetrics can provide pricing for the FOSHM PC Data Management System upon request. PC running WindowsTM 98, ME, XP, NT or 2000 with a minimum of 40 MB available space on the hard disk for program and storage, minimum 256 MB of RAM, CD-ROM drive (CD-RW is recommended for data back-up), and 600 x 800 minimum color monitor. 

Multimedia requirements: sound card, microphone, speaker(s) and 1/8” stereo cable (male connector on each end). Input/Output: one serial port (RA232C) and one parallel port for printer.

 

Hearing aids could get way smarter with official Android support

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Google is making life a bit easier for people who suffer from hearing loss.

On Thursday, the company announced that it’s working with GN Hearing to bring hearing aid streaming support to future versions of Android. This means people will be able to connect, pair, and monitor their hearing aids from their Android device.

This follows Apple’s Made for iPhone hearing aid program, which allows people to connect and control their hearing aids from iOS devices. You can read more in CNET’s feature on the Apple program here.

Although Apple was first, Google’s move has potentially bigger impact since 85 percent of the world’s smartphones run Android (compared to 14.7 percent for iOS).

A World Health Organization statistic from March says that around 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, meaning a lot of people could potentially benefit from Android’s support.

See full article here.

TSHC & VPPPA TOGETHER IN NASHVILLE FOR 2018 Safety + Symposium

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Attend a variety of 120 workshop choices, and walk the expansive exhibit hall.
Registration is now open for Safety+ 2018.
Tuesday, August 28 – Friday, August 31, 2018
Gaylord Opryland Convention Center
Nashville, Tennessee
Preliminary agenda: www.vpppa.org/symposium/agenda

VPPPA is excited to partner with the Tennessee Safety & Health Conference (TSHC) for the 2018 Safety+ Symposium.

Visit Workplace INTEGRA in booth 920

Georgia 25th Annual Conference

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Have you already registered to join us at the 25th Annual Conference? This year we are partnering with the Georgia State Council/Affiliate Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) to bring you an agenda of outstanding speakers, fun conference activities and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Attendees: You still have time to register as an attendee here. Join the 450+ safety, health, environmental and human resource professionals who have already registered to attend!

Conference Hotel: The Marriott is currently sold out, but space is still available at our overflow hotels. The cutoff for The Brice is August 22nd, subject to availability.

Kid’s Chance Silent Auction: We are actively seeking donations for the Kid’s Chance – if you would like to donate an auction item please contact Carol Hensen @ cshenson02@gmail.com

Conference Cocktail: watch for a poll soon to help us determine our official 2018 conference cocktail!

We look forward to seeing you in Savannah!

Cheers,

The Board of Directors

AirPods to get Live Listen feature in iOS 12

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Steven Aquino Contributor
Steven Aquino is a freelance tech writer and iOS accessibility expert.

Apple has one hardware-specific feature planned that wasn’t announced at Monday’s WWDC keynote. In iOS 12, users will be able to use Live Listen, a special feature previously reserved for hearing aids certified through Apple’s Made for iPhone hearing aid program, with their AirPods.

After enabling the feature in the iPhone’s settings, users will be able to use their phones effectively as a directional mic. This means you can have AirPods in at a noisy restaurant with your iPhone on the table, for example, and the voice of whomever is speaking will be routed to your AirPods.

Live Listen is a feature Apple developed and eventually launched in 2014 that allows iPhone users with hearing aids to hear people in noisy environments or from across a room, such as a crowded restaurant or lecture hall. If a compatible hearing aid is paired to a user’s phone, there are options to turn Live Listen on and off, adjust volume and even set it as their preferred Accessibility Shortcut.

Live Listen support in AirPods is key. The inclusion of this feature makes AirPods more capable and more alluring; it’s significant given they are almost universally hailed as one of Apple’s best products in years. Soon, anyone — particularly someone with limited hearing — will have access to this feature without needing to buy dedicated hardware to get it.
Still, it’s critical to note AirPods with Live Listen is not a full replacement for a hearing aid. It’s obviously best to speak with your audiologist to determine the best solution for your ears.

See full article here.

Dr. George R. Cook Selected to Serve on NCIC Legislative Drafting Team

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Workplace Integra, Inc. is pleased to announce that George R. Cook, AuD, CCC-A Director of Audiology, has been selected to be a member of the National Center for Interstate Compacts’ (NCIC) Legislative Drafting Team. The National Center for Interstate Compacts is a joint effort of the National Council of State Boards and American Speech and Hearing Association.  He is one of six members charged with the task of creating draft legislation for interstate licensing compacts for Speech Pathology and Audiology (SLH). The purpose of these compacts is to allow speech, language and hearing professionals (SLH) to be licensed in multiple states thru a single entity rather than applying to and maintaining licensure in each individual state. The final legislation will go to individual state legislations creating interstate licensing agreements.

Technology has created the field of Telehealth. Speech Pathologists are increasingly using telepractice to reach remote districts and individuals in remote areas. Occupational Audiologists serve nationwide companies and corporations in professional supervision of hearing conservation programs mandated by various agencies, OSHA, MSHA, FRA, etc. In the past few years, individual states have developed licensing requirements for telepractice in their state creating the need for individuals to obtain and maintain licensure in multiple states. For further information on the need for licensing compacts, please read the letter to the editor, International Journal of Telerehabilitation, by Dr. Cook in the fall of 2017 at the following link.    http://telerehab.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/Telerehab/article/view/6234/6734 (click on  ‘Download PDF’).

The Drafting Team currently is having a number of telephone conferences and will meet for two days, May 21-22, 2018 in Washington, DC. Drafting is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Once legislation has been drafted and approved it would be presented to states in late 2019 and/or in 2020.

Can Improved Cardiovascular Health Enhance Auditory Function?

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Hull, Raymond H. PhD; Kerschen, Stacey R. AuD

The Hearing Journal: February 2018 – Volume 71 – Issue 2 – p 22,23
doi: 10.1097/01.HJ.0000530647.09559.0e
Hearing and Cardiovascular Health

The cardiovascular system has been found to directly influence the viability of the cochlea and the central auditory system, and if the blood supply is restricted, can frequently compound other damaging influences including noise, injury, and disease. The relationship between cardiovascular health, the resulting reduction of blood and nutrient supply to the cochlea and the health of that system has been confirmed by a great deal of research dating back over the past 80 years. Among those who conducted that research are Bunch and Raiford (Arch Otolaryngol. 1931;13[3]:423 http://bit.ly/2FlTsph), and Crowe, Guild, and Polvogt (Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp. 1934;54:315). Other notable research on the topic includes work by Jorgensen (Arch Otolaryngol. 1961;74[2]:164 http://bit.ly/2FjdjW3); Proctor (Arch Otolaryngol. 1961;73:444); Kirikae, et al. (Laryngoscope. 1964;74:205 http://bit.ly/2FjhP6X); Schuknecht (Arch Otolaryngol. 1964;80[4]:369 http://bit.ly/2FjEJes); Johnsson and Hawkins (Ann Oto. 1972;81[2]:179 http://bit.ly/2EpK2Ic); Makishima (Otolaryngology. 1978;86[2]:ORL322 http://bit.ly/2EoBRf9); Susmono and Rosenbush (Am J Otol. 1988;9[5]:403 http://bit.ly/2EsmuCf); Gates, et al. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1993;119[2]:156 http://bit.ly/2EqplMl); Schuknecht and Gacek (Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 1993;102[1 Pt 2]:1 http://bit.ly/2Eq8kSc); Cocchiarella, et al. (Occup Med (Lond). 1995;45[4]:179 http://bit.ly/2ErNVfs); Brant, et al. (J Am Acad Audiol. 1996;7[3]:152 http://bit.ly/2EpRgMk); Rubenstein, et al. (Gerontology. 1977;23[1]:4 http://bit.ly/2EpMKxc); Torre, et al. (J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2005;48[2]:473 http://bit.ly/2ErKd5w); Helzner, et al. (J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011;59(6):972 http://bit.ly/2EquQdX); Lin, et al. (JAMA Intern Med. 2013;173[4]:293 http://bit.ly/2Bfqfdw), among many others.

One research project that is of interest to this author is by Rubinstein, et. al, on the possible relationship between chronic cardiovascular disturbance and hearing status in adults (Gerontology. 1977 http://bit.ly/2EpMKxc). They found that adults with cardiovascular disease and signs of peripheral circulation disorders had significantly poorer thresholds in the 500 to 8,000 Hz frequency range compared with other subjects without cardiovascular disease. The researchers felt that this was related to a disturbance of the cochlea’s microcirculation. There are many possible causes of peripheral hearing loss, but whatever those might be, cardiovascular disease appears to exaggerate the degree of potential impact of those causes, and thus the degree of hearing loss.

Even among younger adults, there seems to be a relationship between early onset arteriosclerosis and changes within the cochlea. Nomiya, et al., compared temporal bones of young adult subjects who had arteriosclerosis with temporal bones from seven patients without arteriosclerosis (Otol Neurotol. 2008;29[8]:1193 http://bit.ly/2EoOuGU). They found that the temporal bones with generalized arteriosclerosis had significantly fewer ganglion cells at the basal turn of the cochlea, along with an atrophic spiral ganglion, which is associated with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.

See full article here.