WOW, THAT’S LOUD!

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Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss Prevention

by Josh Frantz, Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist and Occupational Hearing Conservationist

We have all heard that car with the huge speakers turned all the way up roll by, rattling the windows of nearby buildings. Or we have been to a concert (maybe stood a little too close to the stage) with the music blaring so loud our ears were left ringing for hours afterward. These are the obvious, rare, and usually avoidable overly loud situations. But what about the noise our employees may be exposed to on a regular basis? How do we know when the volume is too loud, and more importantly, what can we do about it?

According to the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), “Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the United States, and is more prevalent than diabetes or cancer. Occupational hearing loss, primarily caused by high noise exposure, is the most common U.S. work-related illness. Approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous occupational noise.”

How much volume is too much?

Measuring the sound level in the work environment is how we determine if an employee may be one of those people regularly exposed to excessive loud noise. Government agencies, such as OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the DOE (Department of Energy), each have their own standards that are similar but do have important differences.

Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and the higher the number of decibels the louder the sound is. The generally accepted level and exposure time to limit potential damage to a person’s hearing is 85 decibels over an 8-hour work day. As the noise level increases, the amount of allowable exposure time goes down. OSHA mandates that for every 5 dB louder, the exposure time is cut in half. The DOE exchange rate stipulates to cut the exposure time in half for every 3 dB increase in volume. This means that with 100 dB noise level (which is the noise level at a typical construction site with several tools and machines running), OSHA allows for one hour of exposure while the DOE allows for just 15 minutes.

How do I know if the work environment is too loud?

OSHA documents refer to a “quick and dirty” method of making a rough estimate as to the loudness of the work area. “A good rule of thumb to determine if a noise is too loud is the 3-foot rule. If an employee is standing 3 feet from someone and must shout to be heard, the noise level is probably over the OSHA action level and DOE exposure limit.” Here is my personal unwritten rule; if the noise is so loud that I involuntarily scrunch my face up like I just ate a lemon, it’s too loud! This amount of loudness likely requires hearing protection.

The most accurate way to measure noise at a work site is to use a noise dosimeter. These instruments are designed to measure the weighted noise level over a specific period of time and compare them to the standards provided by the government. This testing should be arranged if it is believed the work environment may be louder than 85 dB.

We have a loud area, what do we do now?

If a workplace is over the threshold for loudness, the employer should institute a Hearing Conservation Program. This type of program has many components, including regular employee hearing screening, record keeping and reporting, as well as hearing loss prevention. NIOSH (The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) recommends a three-step approach to controlling noise:

1. First, prevent or contain the escape of the hazardous workplace noise at its source (Engineering control)
2. Control exposure by relocating the worker to a safe area or creating shorter shifts in the loud workspace (Administrative controls)
3. Control the exposure with barriers between the worker and the noise (personal protective equipment)

It all adds up!

Our hearing is precious and should be conserved as much as and whenever possible. Be aware of the noise level in the work environment and the steps an employee can take to limit exposure. Most noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, not repairable, and most importantly, preventable.

About the author: Josh Frantz, NBC-HIS/COHC is Certified by the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences, a Certified Occupation Hearing Conservationist and co-founder of Advanced Hearing Providers. Advanced Hearing Providers delivers hearing claims administration and cost containment in the workers’ compensation space. Any questions can be directed to Josh at: jfrantz@hearingprovider.com

Works Cited

Blackwell DL, Lucas JW, Clarke TC. Summary health statistics for US adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2012. Vital health statistics, series 10, no. 260. Atlanta, GA: National Center for
Health Statistics, CDC; 2014. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_260.pdf
Themann CL, Suter AH, Stephenson MR. National research agenda for the prevention of occupational hearing loss—part 1. Semin Hear 2013;34:145–207.
Tak S, Davis RR, Calvert GM. Exposure to hazardous workplace noise and use of hearing protection devices among US workers—NHANES, 1999–2004. Am J Ind Med 2009;52:358–71.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division, Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss – A Practical Guide

CAOHC UPDATE

CAOHC,

Certification Extensions & Cancellation of Courses due to COVID-19

The response to the COVID-19 virus has resulted in many questions. CAOHC understands many courses have been cancelled or will be cancelled as a result of government efforts to limit the spread of disease. While considering the well-being of our community, CAOHC will be immediately implementing the following:

All OHC certifications that were current between March 16, 2020 and March 30, 2021 have automatically been extended until March 31, 2021. All other OHC expiration dates will remain the same.

If a longer OHC extension is needed, please fill out an extension form on the CAOHC website by clicking here.

If an OHC needs to cancel attendance at a course, please contact the course director directly.  Course Directors information can be found by clicking here.

Any Course Directors (CDs) or Professional Supervisors (PS’s) that expired between March 16, 2020 and December 30, 2020, has automatically been extended until the end of the year (until December 31, 2020). All other CD/PS expiration dates will remain the same. 

Classes offered by Workplace INTEGRA:  WPI CAOHC SCHEDULE

For any questions, please contact CAOHC. Info@caohc.org or 414 276 5338

WPI & COVID-19

Coronavirus, COVID 19, Pandemic

Workplace Integra has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 Coronavirus and we are following the recommendations of the CDC and other relevant agencies. As a responsible company, we want to take care of each other as well as our business partners and clients.

We continue to monitor and evaluate the situation constantly to be able to operate the business in the best possible way. This means that we have setup rules for behavior for employees and for people in contact with Workplace Integra. The rules follow the guidance of authorities and the CDC, even sometimes involving stricter precautions.

• We have available written protocols for our associates who visit our clients.

• We have intensified cleaning, disinfection and extra hygiene alertness                                                                                                                                            

•We have applied strict limitation on visitor access.  

• We are currently not attending seminars and conferences 

• Office to office meetings are being done via virtual meetings as the primary collaborative tool.

• Employees with critical on site and customer-facing tasks are working on sites and in shops following authorities’ guidance and with high safety, health and hygienic alertness.

• Employees who don’t depend on equipment or presence at work, are working from home if possible.

• Any employee with any flu like symptoms (signs of respiratory illness with a fever, cough or shortness of breath) shall get guidance from a medical professional if contagious and/or required to medically stay out of work. I addition, all employees have been given the following directive:

• If you have been travelling (business or pleasure) in the high risk zones within the last 14 days, or

• If within the last 14 days – you have been in close contact with others that are under surveillance for infection or

• If you already have been at work after such incidents/travels, Then you shall stay away from work (work from home if possible) until a period of 14 days passed – and follow health authorities´ recommendations concerning medical help and/or screening.

Our first priority is the health of your employees, your staff and you. We are doing our best to ensure our service to you is maintained to the best of our abilities given the circumstances. We are taking all possible actions to ensure continued reliable service and product delivery. We greatly appreciate your understanding and thank you for your loyalty to Workplace Integra.

We also appreciate the fact that this outbreak affects not only your business with Workplace Integra, but your daily life and that of your family, employees and staff. Please stay safe and know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

If you have any questions, please contact us. info@wpintegra.com, 336 834 8775

Occupational Audiologist Tamara Thompson Joins Workplace Integra

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We welcome Tamara Thompson, MA/CCC-A, CPS-A to Workplace INTEGRA, Inc.  Tami has over 20 years of experience in Occupational Audiology.  She has worked in all facets of hearing conservation from providing hearing tests and training to individual employees to providing extensive training to corporate personnel and hearing conservation audits.  Tami assists clients not only in developing or improving their hearing conservation programs but works to educate people of all ages about the dangers of exposure to loud noise.

Tami is knowledgeable of OSHA, MSHA, FRA and DOD regulations and provides work relatedness evaluations and hearing protection recommendations and troubleshooting. She enjoys visiting clients to see the different types of work areas and exposures that are involved in all types of industry.   More information on Tami: Click here

CAOHC Updates Position on COVID-19 Testing

CAOHC, Coronavirus, COVID 19
CAOHC logo

The CAOHC Council has generated an updated position statement addressing Resuming Occupational Hearing Conservation Audiometric Examinations during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic. The CAOHC Council encourages everyone to continue monitoring the situation closely and strictly adhere to Federal, State and local guidelines.

Click here to view the added position statement. Or www.caohc.org

OSHA on Hearing Conservation & COVID-19

Coronavirus, COVID 19, OSHA

OSHA has weighed in on COVID-19, Hearing Conservation, and enforcement. The following is an example from OSHA that addresses mobile testing:

Annual Audiograms Example-Employer contracts with a service that provides a mobile audiometric testing facility.  The service was scheduled to arrive at the employer’s facility on March 27, 2020, but due to on-site visitor restrictions and social distancing protocols, the employer cancelled the arrival of the mobile facility.  OSHA will not cite the employer for failing to conduct annual audiograms, provided the employer considered alternative options for compliance, implemented interim alternative protective measures, where possible, and shows a good faith effort to reschedule the mobile facility as soon as possible.

Here is the entire OSHA posting for more information:

https://www.osha.gov/memos/2020-04-16/discretion-enforcement-when-considering-employers-good-faith-efforts-during

Workplace Integra has implemented COVID-19 protocols with our mobile van services. If you are an existing Workplace Integra mobile client you will be contacted to schedule the testing and review the new protocols. If you are interested in using Workplace Integra for mobile testing please contact us: info@wpintegra.com, or 888 974 0001.

ACOEM Advises Suspension of Routine Occupational Spirometry Testing During COVID-19 Pandemic

Coronavirus, COVID 19

 Here is a link to ACOEM’s emergency statement about occupational spirometry testing https://myemail.constantcontact.com/ACOEM-Advises-Suspension-of-Routine-Occupational-Spirometry-Testing-During-COVID-19-Pandemic.html?soid=1102647720683&aid=idWxyX21cJ4 ACOEM’s COVID-19

Update page https://acoem.org/Statement-on-Coronavirus

CAOHC and COVID-19

CAOHC, COVID 19

CAOHC Certification Training In response to the COVID-19 virus, the CAOHC Administrative office will be immediately implementing the following:

Any OHC certification that expires between March 16th and September 30th will automatically be extended for 6 months from the date of expiration.

All other expiration dates will remain the same. CAOHC understands many courses have been cancelled or will be cancelled as a result of government efforts to limit the spread of disease.

• If a longer extension is needed, please fill out an extension form on the CAOHC website by clicking here.

• If you need to cancel attendance at a course, please contact the course director directly. Course Directors’ information can be found by clicking here.

Do You Need a New Audiometer?

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Maico audiometer circa 1960

Do You Need a New Audiometer?

How is the old audiometer working these days?  Is it time for an upgrade? Speaking of upgrades, take a look at the Tremetrics RA 660 Audiometer-

This device is a combination:

Audiometer

Bio-Acoustic Simulator

HearCon Software

Optional – External Type 2 Microphone, (no booth, no problem)

This audiometer sells for $4,495.00. Add a second audiometer to the same location for $2,495.00.  Don’t have a booth, add the external Type 2 microphone for background noise monitoring for $1,195.00. The audiometer has the option to pause the test if the background noise levels exceed the allowable levels per the OSHA Standard.

With HearCon software (and if you already have Workplace Applications or HT Pro software), this audiometer works by showing the baseline and the live test results on the screen as the person is taking the test.

Tired of giving the same test instructions? Set the instructions to be presented to the individual prior to the start of testing under the headset, oh and you can set the instructions to be given in the language of your choice.

Are you testing in a mobile environment?  This audiometer can be used in a mobile environment with separate booths, or a single testing room with multiple audiometer stations.

Contact us at info@wpintegra.com  to answer any questions you may have, set up a complimentary demonstration via GoToMeeting, or for a formal quote.

 Following are the features and specifications for

The RA660- “Total Hearing Conservation in One Box”

  • Fully integrated Bio-Acoustic Simulator
  • Quickly test up to 8 people simultaneously using the easy & intuitive HearCon Software Package
  • Wall mount included, which conveniently houses the audiometer, patient response switch, & headset
  • Simplified installation, with only one cable into the sound booth
  • Lightweight and portable, weighing only 1 pound
  • Optional real time OSHA and ANSI compliant octave band monitor

With the ability to test as many as 8 people simultaneously, the RA660 will save your hearing conservation program time & money.

This innovative audiometer also features a built-in Bio-Acoustic Simulator, which saves space, and will simplify the functionality of the system. With HearCon Software your hearing conservation program will be up and running quickly & easily.

The Tremetrics RA660 also features an optional integrated real time octave band monitor to constantly analyze the ambient conditions in your environment. This ensures full compliance by both OSHA and ANSI standards. The included wall mount and single ethernet wire system facilitates a clean and simple installation.

 Quality designed PC based audiometer with combination Bio-Acoustic Simulator

RA660

System Features

  • Includes HearCon Software Program, which requires minimal operator training
  • The PC monitors progression of test and automatically instructs subject as required
  • Flexible group testing – audiometer modules can be added as needed
  • Fully automatic, semi-automatic, or manual testing operation
  • Independent error checking with automatic test restart
  • Selectable retest criteria
  • 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
  • Integrated Bio-Acoustic Simulator
  • Optional room monitor with zoning

Printer Requirements

Windows compatible, laser or ink jet recommended

Computer Requirements

Windows 7 or 10 PC required to run RA660 Software.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: This warranty is extended to the original purchaser of the instrument, by Tremetrics, through Workplace Integra or manufacturer from whom it was purchased.

The warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of delivery of the instrument to the original purchaser. Accessories which are purchased from Tremetrics at the same time as the instrument are warranted for one year from the date of purchase.

Interface Module

  • RA660 Interface Module provides power and communication for up to a maximum of eight (8) RA660 audiometer modules
  • USB Interface to PC
  • Power: Auto-selectable 90-240 VAC ± 10%, 50-60 Hz
  • Dimensions: 8.5” W x 4.5” D x 1.5” H
  • Weight: 1 lb

Audiometer Module

  • Equals or exceeds ANSI S3.6-1969-2010
  • Test frequencies: 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000,6000, 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
  • Rise/Fall time: Meets ANSI specifications
  • Earphones: Telephonics TDH-39, 10 ohm earphones in Model 41 cushions
  • Includes wall mount bracket
  • Dimensions: 7” W x 7” D x 4” H
  • Weight: 1 lb
  • Power supplied by Interface Module
  • Optional Room Monitor
  • Interface Module

 

Your Skull Shapes Your Hearing

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Scientific American By Christopher Intagliata on October 17, 2019

The resonant properties of your skull can amplify some frequencies and dampen others—and, in some cases, affect your hearing. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

Certain concert venues, like Boston’s Symphony Hall, are known to beautifully reflect the sounds of an orchestra. It turns out there’s a similar process at play in your cochlea, deep inside your ear—where a tiny bony cavity houses the organ that allows you to hear.

“It’s like its own tiny little acoustics chamber, if you will. So anything and everything you hear is going into our ear and then going into this little bony chamber.”

Mike Gordon, a psychologist at William Paterson University in New Jersey. But while studying this process, he also found there’s actually a lot of variability in the way people hear. Some frequencies can appear tens of decibels louder or quieter than average—based on the resonant properties of a person’s skull. 

See full article here.