Effects of Noise Exposure

On their website, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publishes a detailed brochure about hearing and noise in aviation occupations. It explains how the ear works, general types of noise and the effects of noise exposure, both in everyday activities and in the aviation industry in particular.

Written specifically for pilots, the FAA explains that hazardous noise occurs not only on the ground but also in the air. We would expect aircraft equipment, jet efflux, propellers, and rotors to cause noise induced hearing loss, but cabin conditioning and pressurization systems also give off noise that can cause hearing loss with prolonged exposure. Cockpit or cabin noise can be so loud that pilots have to shout to be heard. Over time, even cockpit noise can cause hearing impairment.

How can pilots and other aviation workers protect themselves from noise induced hearing loss?

The FAA recommends limiting the duration of exposure to noise, but also recommends insertable-type earplugs. The FAA’s brochure states, “To be effective, earplugs must be inserted properly to create an air-tight seal in the air canal.” Custom Protect Ear’s dB Blockers™ are made to fit the individual’s ear exactly. It’s made of medical grade silicones that are soft and flexible, creating a comfortable, custom fit.

In fact, it’s no secret that we help aviation employees protect themselves from long term hearing loss. Some of our customers are big names in the aviation industry like WestJet, Air Canada, Lockheed Martin, and Boeing. Passengers can also protect themselves from the effects of prolonged exposure to noise when flying across the country. dB Blockers worn on such flights allow those wearing them to arrive much more refreshed and less tired. If you or someone you know works in the aviation industry, share the FAA brochure with them and tell them about CPE’s custom ear protection. We are here to help.

Custom Protect Ear’s contribution to NAOSH WEEK: Safety & Health

“If I told you it was NAOSH week, would you

• - Find a NAOSH and hug them.
• - Send money to the save the NAOSH Fund
• - Demand a public inquiry into why NAOSH aren’t fairly treated.”

What is NAOSH Week

NAOSH, North American Occupational Safety and Health Week is a continent wide event focusing attention on workplace health and safety and involving USA, Canada, and Mexico. Many companies in participate in NAOSH week by bringing in speakers to discuss workplace safety, set up awareness campaigns with posters and contests, host a public symposium on health and safety issues in the community, work with a local businesses etc. Click here to see more NAOSH events. 

The purpose of the event is to highlight public, government and industry importance of increasing knowledge, raising awareness and reducing injuries and illness in the workplace, home and community. NAOSH Week is led by Threads of Life, in concert with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and partners in Mexico, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), and

Custom Protect Ear’s involvement to NAOSH WEEK

Custom Protect Ear (CPE), also a member of the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), is North America’s largest personalized industrial hearing protector manufacturer, making hearing conservation is their only business. Custom Protect Ear serves over 4,500 companies and businesses around the globe. Their ISO certified Technicians do custom on-site fittings at their industrial sites. CPE’s mission is to be known as the “hearing conservation specialists” promoting hearing protection and hearing conservation in the workplace, community and at home.

The goal of the North American Occupational Safety & Health (NAOSH) Week is to focus the attention of employers, employees, the general public and all partners in occupational safety and health on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community.

CPE will contribute to the awareness campaign on occupational safety and health by striving to:

• 1. Increase understanding of the benefits of investment in implementing hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

• 2. Raise awareness of the long term effects that hearing loss can have on an individual during their time in a noise exposed environment.

• 3. Educate and raise awareness to the health and safety professionals about the types of programs available to their facility when it comes to hearing protection.

During NAOSH week Custom Protect Ear will continue to provide information and expertise on how to prevent “noise induced hearing loss” (NIHL), and how to implement hearing conservation programs in the workplace. To learn more please visit their blog (www.protectear.com/blog) and follow their social community: Twitter/protectear & Facebook/hearingprotection.

About North American Occupational Safety and Health Week

North American Occupational Safety and Health Week – was first launched in June 1997, marked by an agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. NAOSH Week presents an excellent opportunity to focus, reinforce and strengthen commitment to occupational safety and health.

Participation and involvement in NAOSH Week has been shown to:

• - improve attitudes towards safety
• - increase understanding of the importance of occupational health & safety
• - foster a safety-minded culture
• - increase cooperation
• - raise awareness
• - assist in team building, and improve communication between employees, safety committees and safety professionals.

Press Release – (May 1 – 2, 2012) 

Mississauga, March 27, 2012 — Partners in Prevention 2012 Health & Safety Conference & Trade Show – the flagship event of the Health & Safety Ontario conference series — will welcome over 4,500 health and safety professionals, peers, industry experts and solution providers from across Canada to the Mississauga International Centre May 1 - 2 , 2012, for two-days of learning, sharing and networking in aim of preventing workplace injuries, illness and fatalities.

“Rapid changes in workplaces, our economy and workforce require all workplace parties and leaders to continuously engage in conversations supported by evidence and expertise.  Tragedies are preventable and remind all Ontarians to act, lead and engage in prevention,” says Elizabeth Mills, President & CEO of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.  “Partners in Prevention is a catalyst for change.  This event brings together business leaders, employers, workers, researchers, educators, and solution providers and affords them deeper understanding and an increased ability to strengthen their workplace health and safety programs.”

60+ sessions, workshops and courses
Partners in Prevention 2012 offers over 60 interactive sessions, workshops and professional development courses focused on providing health and safety best practices, compliance advice and business solutions relevant to all industry sectors.  Conference content will have a strong focus on the four leading hazards affecting Ontario workplaces: motor vehicle incidents; strains and sprains; falls; and contact with machinery.

Provocative conversations with today’s leaders

Executives recognized for their organizations’ commitment to health and safety, will answer tough questions during a special, half-day session entitled View from the Top – Provocative Conversations with Today’s Leaders.  Moderated by Amanda Lang, Senior Business Correspondent with CBC News, this panel will speak candidly about their investment in health and safety and their resulting achievements of sustainability and profitability.  CEO panelists include Michelle DiEmanuele, Credit Valley Hospital and Trillium Health Centre; Stewart Hardacre, Habitat for Humanity Canada; Dean Johnson, Sodexo Canada Limited; and Senior Vice President, Energy Sector Siemens Canada Limited, Bill Smith.  This session draws high attendance from delegates eager to learn from health and safety leaders.

Three inspiring keynotes

On Tuesday, May 1, John Furlong, CEO Vancouver 2010 Olympics Organizing Committee opens the conference with his presentation, Living Leadership; the story of how he built a resilient and supportive, people-led team culture for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee.  On Wednesday, May 2, Tod Maffin, Digital Technology & Marketing Guru and once founder and CEO of a multi-million dollar technology firm, shares his personal experience of depression and addiction and his struggle to hide it from employers, colleagues, family and friends.  Later that day, Michael Kerr, Motivational Speaker, Business Trainer and Humour in the Workplace Expertpresents Inspiring Workplaces — The Way Work OUGHT To Be! — an engaging discussion about how to create healthier, happier and more productive work environments.

Two trade shows and 400 exhibitors under one roof

Partners in Prevention 2012 is once again co-locating with CANECT – the Canadian Environmental Conference & Trade Show — to offer attendees access to over 400 exhibitors from across the world.  Attendees can investigate the latest products and services, ask individualized questions, build contacts with leading health and safety solution providers and participate in a number of interactive trade show presentations and booths.

Registration for Partners in Prevention 2012 is now open.  Registration details, media accreditation instructions and additional conference and trade show information can be found on theconference website.

Health & Safety Ontario (HSO) is the result of a bold move to reorganize the independent efforts of 12 health and safety associations into four streamlined organizations to better serve more than 236,000.  HSO is comprised of Infrastructure Health & Safety Association, Public Services Health & Safety Association, Workplace Safety North, and Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.  Together HSO provides health and safety solutions to employers so that they can reduce and eliminate workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.

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For more information, contact:

Meagan Wadeson
Communications Specialist
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
1-877-494-9777, ext. 2233
meagan.wadeson@wsps.ca

Shane McKenna
Communications Specialist
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
1-877-494-9777, ext. 2247
shane.mckenna@wsps.ca

Types of Noise Induced Hearing Problems

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be temporary or permanent, but is always caused by – you guessed it – noise! People with exposure to loud noise can suffer two types of NIHL (temporary NIHL and long-term NIHL). These can be prevented by wearing form fitting ear protection, but once the damage is done, it is usually irreversible. One thing is certain, if you work in noise and YOU don’t take responsibility for protecting your hearing, you will lose some or all of it before you retire.

Temporary NIHL

Temporary noise induced hearing loss occurs when a person is subjected to a sudden, extremely loud noise like a gun shot, explosion or fireworks display. It can also be caused by loud music at a rock concert. The symptoms can include muffled hearing, dizziness, and pain in the ear. The symptoms can last from several hours to several days. While hearing will likely return to normal, the damage usually has been done. In some cases hearing loss will be immediate and permanent .If you are exposed to these sounds often, it will lead to a degree of permanent hearing loss.

Long-term NIHL

Long-term noise induced hearing loss happens when a person has been exposed to continuous loud noises over a long period of time. Often long-term NIHL usually occurs in a noisy workplace environment. Common industries where employees report long-term NIHL are manufacturing, music, mining, transportation, railway and construction. But recreational activities like snowmobiling, mowing the lawn, and woodworking, and even blow drying hair can cause long-term NIHL. Long-term hearing loss symptoms appear gradually. Sounds may be muffled or a person may have trouble hearing in a restaurant or public place with a lot of background noise.

How Can My Hearing Be Protected?

Wearing hearing protection can help but only if it is sufficient for the noise you are in and worn effectively.  While we often can’t control the noise in our environment, we can control how we deal with the noise. We recommend everyone who has frequent exposure to noisy situations, whether on the job or at home, wear custom hearing protection. Sure, we recommend it because we are a hearing protection company, but we also care about everyone’s hearing, and for over 30 years it’s been our goal to help prevent noise induced hearing loss before it’s too late.

Learn More About Custom Hearing Protection for You and Your Company

800-520-0220 or email us below

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, 15 percent of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have noise induced hearing loss that was caused by exposure to loud noises, either at leisure or at work.

That’s 26 million people in the United States that have trouble hearing high frequency sounds.  That’s 26 million people for whom music sounds poorer and understanding a person speaking can be a challenge.

Temporary Hearing Loss vs. Permanent Hearing Loss

The effects of loud noise exposure may seem temporary when our hearing seems to “return to normal” after a period of time. The fact is that Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) can appear to have a temporary effect but long term effects often happen gradually.  Temporary hearing loss results from exposure to loud noises over a short period of time, such as a rock concert or fireworks display. When that happens, sounds may seem muffled. This affect can last from several hours to several days.

Permanent hearing loss can occur suddenly when an extremely loud noise happens close to the ear, such as a gunshot or blast. It can also happen over time when a person is exposed to loud sounds repeatedly over many years. On-the-job (occupational) noise is one of the most common sources of harmful noise, largely because a person is subjected to the sounds all day, every day, for many years.

Noises above 82 decibels cause damage. What is 82 decibels? City traffic that you can hear from inside your car measures about 82 decibels. Many occupational tasks emanate sounds louder than 82 decibels.
For example:

• Power saw at 3 feet away: 110 dB
• Sandblasting: 115 dB
• Pneumatic riveter at 4 feet away: 125 dB
• Power mower at 3 feet away: 107 dB

Now 110 dB doesn’t appear to be that much louder than 82 dB, but at 110 dB you reach your TOTAL daily permissible noise exposure in only 1 minute and 52 seconds. That’s only starting a lawn mower unprotected before hearing damage occurs.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss is 100% Preventable

And are you ready for this? If you have already been exposed to noise levels above the recommended levels, you can stop further damage from occurring. How? The National Institute of Health recommends knowing what sounds occur above 85 dBs, and wearing earplugs or other hearing protective devices.

We are truly concerned about the effects that environmental and occupational noises have on hearing loss. That’s why we started Custom Protect Ear. We are devoted to helping people live healthier lives by preventing noise induced hearing loss in a safe, effective and comfortable way. We encourage you to learn as much about hearing loss prevention as you can, so we invite you to return to our blog where we will provide informative and enlightening articles about hearing, noise levels, ear protection, environmental and occupational noise hazards.

Sudden Hearing Loss Research

The first national treatment guideline for sudden hearing loss has been developed by a panel of 19 medical experts led by Robert J. Stachler, M.D., an otolaryngologist in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.  Sudden hearing loss is a condition which sends thousands of individuals in the United States to the emergency room each year. The guideline was published this month in the Journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. 

Dr. Stachler, said:

“In most cases, patients will have multiple visits with several physicians and undergo extensive testing before a diagnosis is made. There’s also been a lack of one or more uniformly accepted treatments, or a consensus on how to counsel patients who do fully recover their hearing. By focusing on opportunities for quality improvement, the guideline should improve diagnosis, reduce unnecessary tests and imaging procedures, and improve hearing for patients affected by sudden hearing loss.”

The team of experts developed the guideline after examining the literature and reaching a consensus for patient diagnosis, management and follow-up care. The panel included Christopher A. Lewandowski, M.D., a physician in emergency medicine, and Henry Ford’s Kathleen L. Yaremchuk, M.D., chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Sudden Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing loss is a rapid loss of hearing in one or both ears which can happen to an individual all at once or over a period of up to 3 days. Usually, patients report that their ear feels full or blocked. Dr. Stachler notes that as symptoms of sudden hearing loss are so prevalent and non-specific, evaluation and treatment are often delayed in several cases. Sudden hearing loss can be caused by a range of issues, such as infectious diseases, induced hearing loss, head trauma, noise induced hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, and circulatory problems.

The new guideline, which is intended for all clinicians who see patients aged 18+, includes:

• > Information for patients regarding the benefits and risks of medical intervention
• > Recommendations to assist clinicians in determining whether a patient with sudden hearing loss is suffering from conductive hearing loss or from sensorineural hearing loss. Although both are common causes of hearing loss, they have extremely different treatment strategies.
• > Recommendations advising clinicians to not order computerized tomography (CT) of the head/brain as part of the initial patient assessment.
• > A range of amplification and hearing assistive technology available to those patients with incomplete recovery of hearing.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss 

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), a subset of sudden hearing loss is also covered in the guideline. Each year in the United States approximately 4,000 new cases of SSNHL are reported. Even though the majority of patients recovery completely without the need for medical intervention, roughly 15% of patients with SSNHL experience progressive hearing loss over time.

> The guideline is published as a supplement to Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and is available here.

> To learn more about the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Henry Ford, click here.

Exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss, and each year approximately 30 million people in the United States are exposed to hazardous noise in the workplace.

Noise-related hearing loss has been listed as one of the most prevalent occupational health concerns for more than 25 years. Thousands of workers every year suffer from preventable hearing loss due to high workplace noise levels. In 2009 alone, BLS reported more than 21,000 hearing loss cases. Neither surgery nor a hearing aid can help correct this type of hearing loss. Learn more about Occupational Noise Exposure. 

Short term exposure to loud noise can also cause a temporary change in hearing (your ears may feel stuffed up) or a ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short term problems may go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noisy area. However, exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent tinnitus and/ or hearing loss. The effects of hearing loss can be profound. Noise Induced hearing loss limits your ability to hear high frequency sounds, understand speech, and seriously impairs your ability to communicate. Learn more about the symptoms of  Noise Induce Hearing Loss (NIHL) 

What are the warning signs that your workplace may be too noisy? Noise may be a problem in your workplace if:

• You hear ringing or humming in your ears when you leave work
• You have to shout to be heard by a coworker an arm’s length away
• You experience temporary hearing loss when leaving work.

 Laurie Wells, Au.D., Manager of Audiology for Associates in Acoustics, Inc., received the Michael Beall Threadgill Award during a ceremony at the annual conference of the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA). This award, established in 1985, recognizes an individual whose committed leadership and insight has furthered the NHCA’s mission of preventing hearing loss from environmental factors in all sectors of society.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Wells has been strong proponent of hearing conservation, both within and beyond the NHCA. Dr. Wells has represented the American Academy of Audiology on the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC) since 2007; currently, she is the Vice-Chair of Education for CAOHC. She has provided occupational audiology services to local employers while employed at the University of Northern Colorado Speech-Pathology and Audiology Clinic. Her efforts are by no means confined to the United States: she has provided hearing conservation education and implementation in Belgium, China, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, India, Spain and the West Indies.

In 1999, Dr. Wells accepted the role of Secretary on the NHCA Executive Council; she remained on the council for the next seven years, serving as Vice-President, President-Elect, President, and finally Past President in 2007. During this time she planned and participated in multiple NHCA Excellence Seminars, acted as Program Chair for two consecutive conferences, contributed to and served as Associate Editor for the NHCA Spectrum, and served on multiple task forces within NHCA.

 “Dr. Wells has selflessly donated her time and energy to our organization, and to the cause of hearing loss prevention. She exemplifies the ideals of the NHCA with her dedication,” said Laura Kauth, NHCA President and Chair of the Nominations Task Force.

Dr. Wells was also recognized as the 2011 Outstanding Lecturer for her thought-provoking presentation at the 2011 conference, titled “From Here to There to Hear”.

About the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA)

The mission of the NHCA is to prevent hearing loss due to noise and other environmental factors in all sectors of society. NHCA provides networking, resources and professional development opportunities to improve skills, practices, and services in hearing loss prevention. NHCA’s membership includes audiologists, researchers, industrial hygienists, educators, professional service organizations, safety professionals, medical professionals, engineers, audio professionals, students, and others who have dedicated their work to the advancement of hearing loss prevention. For more information about the National Hearing Conservation Association, visit the NHCA online athttp://www.hearingconservation.org/ or call 1-303-224-9022. Follow the NHCA on Twitter, on Facebook, and on LinkedIn.

This years 2012 Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo includes diverse educational tracks, national speakers and the most current safety and health industry information will be highlighted at the Conference, March 12-14, 2012: 7:00AM – 5:00PM, being held at the Indianapolis Marriott East. Indy Car driver Davey Hamilton and Mike King, voice of the IMS Radio Network, will set the pace for a great conference!

About the 2012 Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo

The three-day event draws over 70 exhibitors and offers more than 50 courses with a variety of education tracks. Among them: construction safety; occupational health, industrial hygiene; worker’s compensation and ergonomic safety; safety management practices; and safety fundamentals. Course information is designed to benefit safety managers/directors, industrial hygienists, contractors, plant managers, safety engineers, human resources managers, maintenance supervisors and other related personnel.

For more information on this event click here:

Join Custom Protect Ear at the 2012 Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo on March 12-14, 2012 at the Indianapolis Marriott East.

Who Should Attend:
•    Safety Managers/Directors
•    Industrial Hygienists
•    Occupational Health Nurses or Practitioners
•    Contractors
•    Construction Managers
•    Safety Committee Members
•    Safety Consultants
•    Plant Managers
•    Loss Control/Risk Managers
•    Facility Building Managers
•    Safety Engineers
•    Maintenance Supervisors
•    Personnel and HR Managers

Here’s what people had to say about the Indiana Safety & Health Expo and Conference:

“I really enjoyed the conference. I can’t wait to get back to work and put some of the things I’ve learned to practice.” – Craig Koenig, Koch Development (Holiday World)

“I had a great time meeting other peers and sharing ideas! I gained beneficial knowledge I can take back to my employees. And the participating vendors were great assets regarding the latest products and technology available to improve safety for each of our industries.” – Tim Roberts, Farbest Foods, Inc.

“This conference was very good, and I would attend again. It provided a lot of information I can use in daily work functions.” – Cristine McKinley, Caterpillar

“I loved the expo. There was a huge variety of vendors. I learned a lot in the sessions.” – Dawn Query, Crown Equipment

“I’m very pleased with the top notch speakers and quality of safety information. I’m pleased with the information to take back to our company and share with our employees.” – Karmen L. Glaspy, Corporate Safety and Training Manager, Syndicate Sales, Inc.

“The seminars were among the best I had ever seen or sat through!” – Debbie Peetz, Acuity Brands Lighting
“This conference is very informative and a great opportunity to meet with other safety professionals.” – Wayne Orcutt, INDOT

Here is a preview from 2010.

Custom Protect Ear will be attending  two-day conference March 6-7, 2012, in Eugene that will showcase the latest workplace safety and health information.Workers and employers are also invited to attend.

About the Cascade Occupational Safety & Health Conference

The Department of Consumer and Business Services, Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) is one of several partners presenting the Cascade Occupational Safety and Health Conference at Eugene’s Valley River Inn, located at 1000 Valley River Way. The event is built around the theme, “By choice, not chance – don’t gamble with safety,” and will highlight training to improve on-the-job safety performance.

On March 6, keynote speaker Todd Conklin will present, “Preventing Human Errors: What’s Stopping Us!” – a look at what’s behind human performance and why the perception of human error needs to change. Conklin is a senior adviser to the associate director at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico and earned excellent reviews following a presentation at the Pendleton safety conference in 2011. Attendees remarked, “One of the best speakers I’ve ever heard” and “thought provoking.”

Conference attendees can also take advantage of a networking session and workshops focused on hazard identification, safety leadership, and risk management theory and best practices.

Other topics include:

• Emergency preparedness
• Fleet safety
• Safety committee improvement

About the Oregon OSHA

We’re dedicated to improving workplace safety and health in Oregon and committed to working with labor, business, and other government agencies to accomplish that goal. We do that in the following ways.

We hope to see you there!  ~ Custom Protect Ear