About 14% of U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous occupational noise each year. The best way to reduce worker noise exposure is to follow the Hierarchy of Controls, beginning with eliminating the noise hazard; replacing the loud equipment or process; and using engineering controls to reduce noise levels at the source. These are considered the…
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By: Garry Gordon, MS, and Robert M. Traynor, Ed.D., MBA, F-NAP, Contributors In the workplace, when noise levels and exposures exceed OSHA guidelines, industry is required to provide adequate hearing protection as part of a comprehensive hearing conservation program. Several providers now offer custom-fit hearing protection devices (HPDs). These options present questions and, sometimes, concerns…
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TASCO Products Include Innovations in Earplugs and Earmuffs, With Highest Independently Tested NRRs in the Industry Gateway Safety is thrilled to announce that TASCO Corp., a market leader in hearing protection, is now part of the Gateway Safety family! TASCO products include the industry-leading Tri-Grip® reusable earplug, top-performing SoftSeal™ disposable earplug and a benchmark line…
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By: Ted Madison, Contributor Some of the most effective actions employers can take to prevent noise-induced hearing loss involves training people who work in noise to protect their hearing; and conducting fit testing of hearing protectors[1]. To change the attitudes of workers, focus on how valuable it is to hear well and how hearing damage…
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By: Phillip Rauscher MPH, CIH, CSP, Contributor When one thinks of an effective hearing conservation program, there are a few things that often come to mind. The first elements are an in-depth audiogram in which a skilled technician or medical professional provides feedback on results—good or bad—to help the employee make sound decisions when in…
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Bang! Crack! Pop! Impulsive noise is generated by firearms, hammer strikes and even balloons. Technically, gunshots and explosions (including firecrackers or balloons) produce “impulse” noise, while objects that collide (such as hammers, punch presses and drums) generate “impact” noise. While the manner of sound generation is different for impulse and impact noise, there are commonalities in the actual waveforms.…
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UK acoustic instrument specialists, Cirrus Research plc, today announce the formation of an exclusive partnership with NoiseMeters Inc for the distribution of sound measurement equipment in the USA with immediate effect. NoiseMeters has supplied sound level meters and noise dosimeters to the US for over 20 years through their successful online retail business. By working…
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By: Gregory A. Flamme and Kristy K. Deiters, Contributors Employers may elect to adjust observed hearing threshold changes as an attempt to account for typical age-related change. However, there is no guarantee that age “correction” correctly represents the influence of age, and adjusted threshold shifts are not interpretable for individuals or small groups—because age-related changes…
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By: Tim Turney, Contributor Approximately 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous occupational noise each year1. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels can cause life-changing damage, because the harm to the sensory cells and other structures within the ears is irreversible—often resulting in permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL is more common than diabetes or…
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Before time and money are invested in implementation of noise controls, the first step should be to ensure the noise concern is not due to improper equipment setup and/or maintenance related. The recommended step here is to meet with engineering and maintenance representatives to ascertain their opinions on the matter as it relates to elevated…
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