Pdf File/0008/383921/Noise- Exposure

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Pdf File/0008/383921/Noise- Exposure TINNITUSTODAY To Promote Relief, Help Prevent, and Find Cures for Tinnitus Vol. 44, No. 2, Summer 2019 The Beauty and Dangers of Music Understanding Why People Are Drawn to Loud Music Famous Musicians with Tinnitus Tinnitus Retraining Therapy Findings Tinnitus Tools • Internet Music and Radio for Tuning Out Tinnitus • High-Fidelity Earplugs that Maintain Sound Quality A publication of the Visit & Learn More About Tinnitus at ATA.org ATA thrives through the dedication of a vast number of people, all of whom make a difference. Join the Jack Vernon Legacy Society Jack Vernon co-founded ATA in 1971 to lead the way in researching a cure, developing effective treatments, and creating broad-based support and awareness of tinnitus. ATA invites individuals and organizations to join our journey. How can you contribute? Monthly or annual financial Gifts of stock contributions Gifts of real estate Name ATA in your trust or estate Deferred gift annuities Ask ATA to create a Tribute Page in Donations to ATA in lieu of flowers in memory of a loved one memory of a loved one Convert stock and/or real estate into a unitrust We hope you’ll be a part of the legacy of securing silence for those with tinnitus through a variety of treatments, as well as finding a cure for the millions who endure incessant noise and anxiety. For more information about adding ATA as a beneficiary or ways to reduce your taxes through charitable contributions, please contact Torryn Brazell, ATA’s Executive Director, via email at: [email protected] Table of Contents Vol. 44, No. 2, Summer 2019 PERSONAL STORIES SPECIAL FEATURES The Dangers of Loud 14| Music: Let’s Turn the Music Was Magic Until Why Do We Like Volume Down 6 | the Ringing Began 4 | Listening to Loud Music? Michael Santucci, 11 | Hearing Conservationist for America’s Music Legends Dangerous Decibels: 26 | The Drive to Educate One Loud Night and Change Listening 22 | Too Many Behavior How Tinnitus Musicians Should Changed My Life Music Therapy to 33 | 13 | Invest In Custom-Fit 38 | Heal the Mind and High-Fidelity Earplugs Emotions YOUR HEALTH A Musician’s Exposure to SCIENCE & RESEARCH NEWS Does Tinnitus 9 | 36 | Retraining Therapy Loud Music: Most People Prefer Improve Quality of Life? A Case Study 17 | Music at Lower Volumes Gender Association of 41 | Tinnitus and Suicide Neurofeedback to Alter Attempts 24 | Brain Waves Associated With Negative Tinnitus TINNITUS TOOLS & RESOURCES Be Ear-Responsible: 21 | High-Fidelity Auditory Injury Earplugs for 19 | is Permanent, Safer Quality so Wear Sound Earplugs An Endless Variety What 42 | of Music and 31 | Noise Level Sounds Is Safe? Tinnitus Retraining 34 | Therapy Trial Support Group Demonstrates 44 | Locations TRIBUTE the Importance of Spotlight on Patient Counseling and Sound ATA Board of Directors Enrichment 46 | Providers 43 | Tribute FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Music to My Ears MANAGING EDITOR In my youth, my friends and I attended rock concerts Joy Onozuka American Tinnitus Association and afterward laughed about the ringing in our ears that was so bad we could hardly hear one another—a concert PUBLISHER souvenir we thought was a normal part of the experience. Torryn P. Brazell, CAE American Tinnitus Association We always assumed our hearing would return to normal by morning. Little did we know that we were laying the PODCAST PRODUCER AND WRITER groundwork for possible future hearing difficulties and John A. Coverstone, AuD Sentient Healthcare, Inc. tinnitus, which are permanent, not transient, conditions. Back then, we thought we were invincible. Sadly, we EDITOR-AT-LARGE were simply uninformed about the danger loud sound Robert Sweetow, PhD University of California, San Francisco posed to our hearing health. Exposure to loud sound— even when we love the sound—can cause tinnitus, EDITORIAL ADVISORY PANEL Jill Meltzer, AuD hearing loss, and hypersensitivity to sound. But how James A. Henry, PhD Chair, Board of Directors National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory loud is too loud? Is it bad to wear headphones? As an Research (NCRAR) audiologist, my answer is generally, “No, it’s not inherently U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs dangerous to wear earphones. It depends on how loud Gail M. Whitelaw, PhD and how long.” Department of Speech and Hearing Science Today, more student musicians and adults are using The Ohio State University hearing protection, such as high-fidelity earplugs, which DIGITAL DESIGN & PRODUCTION TEAM offer different levels of noise protection depending on JML Design, LLC the filters used. Famous musicians who have spoken ADVERTISING publicly about their struggles with tinnitus and hearing Tinnitus Today is the official publication of the loss have raised awareness. American Tinnitus Association. It is published Researchers continue to study species, such as fish three times per year in April, August, and December and mailed to members and and birds, that regenerate damaged hair cells in hopes donors. The digital version is available online of discovering how this can be done in humans—a at www.ata.org. To grow your company’s complicated objective. Our best strategy is to protect our brand reach, contact [email protected]. hearing by using earplugs and limiting our time around ATA HEADQUARTERS loud noise. American Tinnitus Association 8300 Boone Blvd, Suite 500 Vienna, VA 22182 USA T: 800.634.8978 (Toll Free) T: 202.800.6590 www.ata.org TO GIVE TO THE ATA American Tinnitus Association PO Box 424209 Support the American Tinnitus Association by Washington, DC 20042-4049 Shopping at The American Tinnitus Association is a non- When you’re shopping for yourself, friends and family on Amazon, the American Tinnitus profit corporation, tax-exempt under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, engaged in Association hopes you’ll link your shopping account to , the online retailing educational, charitable, and scientific activities. company’s generous program that enables you to shop and contribute to your favorite nonprofit organization at the same time. Amazon pays all program expenses and donates half Tinnitus Today magazine is © copyrighted by of a percent of the cost of your eligible purchases to your favorite earmarked charity. Won’t you the American Tinnitus Association. choose the American Tinnitus Association to help us advance tinnitus research and treatments? ADVERTISEMENT Publication of any https://smile.amazon.com/ch/93-0749558 advertisement does not in any way or manner constitute or imply ATA’s approval or endorsement 2 TINNITUS TODAY SUMMER 2019 of any advertised product or service. FROM THE PUBLISHER ATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jill Meltzer, AuD, Chicago, IL—Chair My Music Therapy for John Minnebo, MBA, Philadelphia, PA—Vice Chair Thomas Lobl, PhD, Valencia, CA—Secretary Tinnitus and Life David Hadley, MBA, San Francisco—Treasurer Ron Zagel, Grand Rapids, MI—Assistant Treasurer When you have tinnitus, self-care strategies for Phillip Gander, PhD, Iowa City, IA staying mentally and physically healthy are essential. On Bar-Giora Goldberg, San Diego, CA the basis of research and testimonials, I know yoga and Michael E. Hoffer, MD, FACS, Miami, FL meditation are great practices for cultivating a sense of Jeannie Karlovitz, AuD, Downington, PA control over tinnitus. But, for me, music is my therapy and Gordon Mountford, CPA, South Pasadena, CA personal passion. Every day that I am swept away by the Robert Travis Scott, Baton Rouge, LA world of music is a good one. LaGuinn P. Sherlock, AuD, Bethesda, MD— Wherever I go and whenever I can, I attend live Immediate Past Chair music performances. And, yes, every handbag, glove Robert M. Traynor, EdD, MBA, Ft. Collins, CO Joseph Trevisani, New York, NY compartment, and set of keychains has a pair of earplugs, Ted Turesky, PhD, Boston, MA or ear defenders, ready for me so I can make the most of Torryn P. Brazell, CAE an evening surrounded by loud sound without amping up Melissa Wikoff, AuD, Atlanta, GA Publisher Jinsheng Zhang, PhD, Detroit, MI my tinnitus or further damaging my hearing. Torryn P. Brazell, Vienna, VA—Ex-officio Like some of the people described in this issue, I am drawn to loud music for the sense of community it HONORARY DIRECTOR engenders, the excitement, the opportunity to talk to William Shatner, Los Angeles, CA The opinions expressed by strangers, and the power of music to silence personal contributors to Tinnitus Today ATA SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE concerns. But it’s not exactly an escape, because I am are not necessarily those of Michael E. Hoffer, MD, FACS—Chair the publisher or the American University of Miami Health System, never really off-duty in my mission to raise awareness of Tinnitus Association. This Miami, FL USA tinnitus and prevent others from developing it. publication provides a variety Carey D. Balaban, PhD I arrive at every concert with spare earplugs to pass of topics related to tinnitus for University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA out to others in my midst. And although the American informational purposes only. Shaowen Bao, PhD Tinnitus Association doesn’t endorse products because ATA’s publication of any adver- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, tisement in any kind of media Berkeley, CA USA what works for me may not work for you, I have lots of personal favorites that I share because they’re affordable does not, in any way or man- Christopher R. Cederroth, PhD ner, constitute or imply ATA’s Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden and don’t interfere with the quality of the sound that I paid approval or endorsement of Marc Fagelson, PhD good money to hear. So, I hope you too enjoy live music any advertised product or East Tennessee State University, and have an array of high-fidelity earplugs to make that service. ATA does not favor Johnson City, TN USA experience ear healthy and safe! or endorse any commercial Fatima T.
Recommended publications
  • Technology Fa Ct Or
    Art.Id Artist Title Units Media Price Origin Label Genre Release A40355 A & P Live In Munchen + Cd 2 Dvd € 24 Nld Plabo Pun 2/03/2006 A26833 A Cor Do Som Mudanca De Estacao 1 Dvd € 34 Imp Sony Mpb 13/12/2005 172081 A Perfect Circle Lost In the Bermuda Trian 1 Dvd € 16 Nld Virgi Roc 29/04/2004 204861 Aaliyah So Much More Than a Woman 1 Dvd € 19 Eu Ch.Dr Doc 17/05/2004 A81434 Aaron, Lee Live -13tr- 1 Dvd € 24 Usa Unidi Roc 21/12/2004 A81435 Aaron, Lee Video Collection -10tr- 1 Dvd € 22 Usa Unidi Roc 21/12/2004 A81128 Abba Abba 16 Hits 1 Dvd € 20 Nld Univ Pop 22/06/2006 566802 Abba Abba the Movie 1 Dvd € 17 Nld Univ Pop 29/09/2005 895213 Abba Definitive Collection 1 Dvd € 17 Nld Univ Pop 22/08/2002 824108 Abba Gold 1 Dvd € 17 Nld Univ Pop 21/08/2003 368245 Abba In Concert 1 Dvd € 17 Nld Univ Pop 25/03/2004 086478 Abba Last Video 1 Dvd € 16 Nld Univ Pop 15/07/2004 046821 Abba Movie -Ltd/2dvd- 2 Dvd € 29 Nld Polar Pop 22/09/2005 A64623 Abba Music Box Biographical Co 1 Dvd € 18 Nld Phd Doc 10/07/2006 A67742 Abba Music In Review + Book 2 Dvd € 39 Imp Crl Doc 9/12/2005 617740 Abba Super Troupers 1 Dvd € 17 Nld Univ Pop 14/10/2004 995307 Abbado, Claudio Claudio Abbado, Hearing T 1 Dvd € 34 Nld Tdk Cls 29/03/2005 818024 Abbado, Claudio Dances & Gypsy Tunes 1 Dvd € 34 Nld Artha Cls 12/12/2001 876583 Abbado, Claudio In Rehearsal 1 Dvd € 34 Nld Artha Cls 23/06/2002 903184 Abbado, Claudio Silence That Follows the 1 Dvd € 34 Nld Artha Cls 5/09/2002 A92385 Abbott & Costello Collection 28 Dvd € 163 Eu Univ Com 28/08/2006 470708 Abc 20th Century Masters
    [Show full text]
  • Hearing Loss 2012
    Everyone Goes Home “SAFE”! Hearing Loss 2012 Our hearing conservation program is designed to provide protection against damage from noise by measuring noise levels, requiring hearing test and requiring hearing protection. All company employees included in the hearing conservation plan have an initial or baseline, then annual test are done to see if there is any change so actions can be taken if needed. In order for a hearing conservation program to work employees need to be active participants by wearing the appropriate hearing protection and to do their part maintaining equipment to reduce noise levels. As you reach the end of the year annual audiograms should take place in a timely manner in following your company’s protocol. Noise Exposure Noise is all around us at both at work and at play, if above certain levels it can cause damage that may affect your ability to hear some kinds or levels of sounds. Hearing loss caused by noise is a serious risk and a permanent one. Both the level of noise and the length of time you listen to the noise can put you at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Noise levels are measured in decibels, or dB for short. The higher the decibel level, the louder the noise. Sounds that are louder than 85 dB can cause permanent hearing loss. The hearing system can be injured not only by a loud blast or explosion but also by prolonged exposure to high noise levels. Hearing Protection Hearing protectors MUST reduce the noise coming into the ears to at least 90dBA and employees and contractors are required to use hearing protection in all operating units, all posted high noise areas and when working in the vicinity of power tools or other high noise equipment.
    [Show full text]
  • Personal Hearing Protection Devices ______
    Safe Operating Procedure (Revised 10/14) PERSONAL HEARING PROTECTION DEVICES _____________________________________________________________________ When employees are exposed to sound levels in excess of occupational exposure or action limits, the first course of action is to reduce the noise with source and pathway controls (engineering controls). When sound levels cannot be reduced to less than an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 85 dBA through source and pathway control(s) and/or receiver controls (administrative controls), hearing protection should be used to protect workers from work-related hearing loss. Choosing the right kind of hearing protective device and correct use are essential to protection from hazardous noise exposures. This SOP describes the most common types of hearing protectors used at UNL. There may be specialty hearing protectors prescribed for certain UNL employees exposed to impulse noises which are not addressed in this SOP. Regardless, all employees participating in UNL’s Hearing Conservation Program will receive instruction in proper use of the hearing protectors prescribed for their exposure situation. Types of Hearing Protection There are two main types of hearing protection devices: ear plugs and ear muffs. Ear Plugs Ear plugs (figure 1) are commonly available in the following styles: roll-down foam; pre-molded; and semi-insert. Roll-down foam earplugs are rolled before each use and inserted into the ear canals. They conform to the shape of individual’s ear canals. One size of roll-down foam will fit most workers although workers with extremely small or large ear canals may need a different size. One disadvantage of roll-down foam ear plugs is that workers need to roll them each time they wear them, thus making it harder to use if workers have to take ear plugs out frequently during a work shift.
    [Show full text]
  • Digital Active Noise Reduction (DANR) Custom Earplugs PIN 05-021001
    THE SOUND OF SAFETY USER MANUAL Digital Active Noise Reduction (DANR) Custom Earplugs PIN 05-021001 INSIDE: Custom DANR Earplugs 2 Identification . 2 Earplug Insertion Tips . 3 Correct Earplug Insertion 3 Typical Earplug Insertion 4 Waxguard Replacement 5 Replacement Parts . 5-6 Warning . 6 Caution . 7 Contact . 8 DANR Custom Earplugs Connectors Coiled Cables Left Earplug Right Earplug (blue) (red) Replaceable Engraved Serial Waxguard Number Identification Each earplug is molded with a serial number that is used to identify the user. There is a ‘P’ at the beginning of each serial number to indicate the text orientation. 2 | DANR THP & THPC EARPLUGS Earplug Insertion Tips • Inspect the earplugs before each use. The earplugs should be free of debris, Helix tears, and other physical damage. Tip • Inspect the coiled cable and the cable connection to the earplug. Left Earplug Right Earplug • Lubricate the earplugs with water or Aegisound Ear Gel around the canal tip, being careful not to allow water or gel into the opening at the earplug tip. • Gently insert the tip of the earplug into the ear canal with the helix rotated forward. • Rotate the earplug backwards while pushing the earplug until the tip slides into the canal and the helix fits into the pocket at the top of the ear. Correct Earplug Insertion Correct Incorrect Insertion Insertion (Earplug (Earplug not locked locked in in helix) helix) Custom Earplug Familiarization • Wearing the custom earplugs for long periods of time may require an adjustment period of a week or more. • Begin by wearing earplugs for one hour at a time for the first several days.
    [Show full text]
  • 4770. House of Representatives
    4770. (jONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE J MAY 19 POSTMAST!:RS James Asa Marmon to be lieutenant colonel, Finance De· The legislative clerk proceeded to read sundry nomina­ partment. tions of postmasters. Walter Davis Dabney to be lieutenant colonel, Finance Mr. ROBINSON. I ask that the nominations of postmas­ Department. ters on the calendar be confirmed en bloc. William Alexander MacNicholl to be lieutenant colonel, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the Finance Department. nominations are confirmed en bloc. Carl Halla to be lieutenant colonel, Finance Department. m THE ARMY William Maynard Dixon to be lieutenant colonel, Finance Department. The legislative clerk proceeded to read sundry norillna­ Richard LeRoy Cave to be lieutenant colonel, Finance tions in the Army. Department. · Mr. SHEPPARD. I ask that the nomiriations in the Army • be confirmed en bloc. · Riley Edward McGarraugh t!) be major, Coast Artillery The PRESIDING OFFICER* Without objection, the Corps. nominations are confirmed en bloc. Egbert Frank Bullene to be major, Chemical Warfare That completes the Executive Calendar. Service. Mark Gerald Brislawn to be major, Infantry. RECESS Carleton Burgess to be major, Cavalry. The Senate resumed legislative session .. John Edward Brown to be major, Ordnance Department. Mr. ·ROBINSON. I move that the Senate take a- recess Arthur Eugene Fox to be major, Field Artillery. 1 until 12 o'clock noon tomorrow. Carleton Smith to be major, Infantry. The motion was agreed to; and (at 2 o'clock and 53 min­ Paul Conover Gripper to be major, Signal Corps. ; utes. p .. m.> the Senate took a. recess until tomorrow, 'Iburs- LeCount Haynes Slocum to be major, Field Artillery.
    [Show full text]
  • Honeywell Howard Leight Arc Flash Protection Brochure
    SOUNDSOURCE™ NO. 7-NA-US Arc Flash Protection What requirements must a hearing protector meet for arc flash protection? Arc flash is the term describing an extremely dangerous electrical hazard when uncontrolled current passes through the air between two conductors. When voltage is high enough (over 480V), the intense heat of the arc flash can create a serious hazard for workers in the arc flash zone; temperatures can reach 35,000° F, and the impulse sound resulting from the explosive expansion from the arc can exceed 160 dB peak. Shrapnel from an arc blast can be propelled over 700 mph. Each year, more than 2,000 persons are treated for arc flash burns (NFPA 70E-2015, Annex K). The National Fire Protection Association publishes its NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace1, which defines arc flash boundary zones, and recommended PPE (personal protective equipment) for each zone. The FAQs on the next page summarize the requirements for hearing protection defined in NFPA 70E-2015. Are hearing protectors required for arc flash hazard zones, according to NFPA 70E ? References: Yes, the 2015 standard requires workers in an arc flash hazard zone to wear insert-type 1. National Fire Protection hearing protection (earplugs), as defined in Section 130.7(C)(5)). Association, NFPA 70E®: Standard for Electrical Safety Does NFPA certify or approve particular hearing protectors as being compliant with in the Workplace®, NFPA 70E-2015? No, the NFPA does not certify or approve any PPE. Any manufacturer 2015 edition. claims that a particular piece of PPE has been tested to NFPA standards, or has been 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Headphone-Safety.Pdf
    Under the Influence of Technology You can’t go anywhere these days without seeing children and adults wearing headphones or earbuds connected to some form of electronic device. People wear headphones or earbuds while exercising, sitting at their work or school desks, walking on the sidewalk or street, and in their homes to hear music, podcasts, audiobooks or the telephone. Headphones are used in school settings, outdoors for people walking along the sidewalk, playing videogames, and even while sleeping to block out noise. The popularity of headphones has given rise to at least 15 types of headphone choices such as earbuds, in ear headphones, over the ear headphones, noise canceling headphones, and wireless headphones. Headphones and earbuds provide good to great sound quality to the listener and they prevent the sounds of the music, podcasts, audiobooks, voice on the telephone or videogames from bothering other people in the area. However, if the headphones or earbuds are turned up too loudly, they can damage hearing permanently and cause annoying ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Worse yet, worn in the wrong situation, they can endanger your safety, your life, and the lives of those around you. By now, we all have been informed of the dangers of texting on a cell phone while driving since driving while visually distracted can and does cause car accidents and deaths. Driving while distracted by earphones is just as dangerous because it can prevent you from hearing other important sounds around you. Some drivers use earbuds/headphones to listen to music while driving. Others use them as Bluetooth devices to talk on the phone while operating a vehicle, as it allows their concentration to remain on the roadway if they do not have to look at their cellphones.
    [Show full text]
  • The Pandemic Could Affect Your Hearing
    October 19, 2020 Did the Pandemic Affect Your Hearing? Updated August 2021 With many of us working — and learning — from home, we spend more time than ever with headphones or earbuds plugged into our ears. As laptops, smartphones, and tablets have become a more significant part of our world, a number of conveniences have arisen. Making plans, getting directions, buying things, and communicating with one another is easier than ever. Of course, several health concerns have come along with this technological shift, and an important one of note is the increased risk of hearing loss and hearing dysfunction. Since iPods, and then smartphones and tablets, increased, the practice of plugging these devices into our ears for hours on end has become a routine. During the pandemic, we, and our children, are on our computers using headphones or earbuds throughout the day. “If used improperly, these devices can certainly pose a risk of hearing loss, as well as tinnitus,” saysTricia Scaglione, Au.D., director of the tinnitus program at the University of Miami Health System. “I’ve seen research on children that have hearing loss comparable to 50-year-olds because of overuse or misuse of their personal listening devices.” Complaints of tinnitus (hearing persistent ringing or buzzing sounds) are also on the rise. “It’s unreal what is happening. This week alone, I’ve seen maybe three new cases of tinnitus,” says Ramzi Younis, M.D., a pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist with UHealth. “These patients are mainly in their teens and 20s.” Dr. Younis attributes the uptick of tinnitus in younger people to their increased exposure https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/headphones-or-earbuds-protect-your-hearing/ 1 / 5 October 19, 2020 to loud noises like music and video games played through headphones for hours at a time.
    [Show full text]
  • Click on This Link
    The Australian Songwriter Issue 108, June 2015 First published 1979 The Magazine of The Australian Songwriters Association Inc. Samantha Mooney performing at the 2014 National Songwriting Awards 1 In This Edition: Chairman’s Message Editor’s Message 2015 Australian Songwriting Contest Update Samantha Mooney: 2014 Winner of the Country Category Frank Dixon: 2014 Winner of the Youth Category ASA History: Tom Louch (1932-2009) Bob King: ASA National Songwriting Awards Photographer ASA Member Profile: Justin Standley Lola Brinton & Trish Roldan: 2014 Winners of the Australia Category ASA Member Profile: Younis Clare 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours: Archie Roach AM Sponsors Profiles Wax Lyrical Roundup Members News and Information The Load Out Official Sponsors of the Australian Songwriting Contest About Us: o Aims of the ASA o History of the Association o Contact Us o Patron o Life Members o Directors o Regional Co-Ordinators o APRA/ASA Songwriter of the Year o Rudy Brandsma Award Winner o PPCA Live Performance Award Winner o Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame o Australian Songwriting Contest Winners 2 Chairman’s Message Dear Members, At the time of writing, we have just about come to the close of our annual National Songwriting Contest. I am licking my lips in anticipation, awaiting all the fantastic songs that will come forth. There is no doubt in my mind that each and every year brings lots of new wonderful tunes, including some that are just ‘gems’. In the meantime, your Vice Chairman and eNewslettter Editor, Alan Gilmour, has come up with another bumper issue to whet your appetite.
    [Show full text]
  • NHCA POSITION STATEMENT Recreational Music Exposure January 12, 2018
    NHCA POSITION STATEMENT Recreational Music Exposure January 12, 2018 Brian Fligor, Colleen G. Le Prell, Frank Wartinger, Cory Portnuff, Elliott Berger, and Michael Santucci National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) Task Force on Prevention of Music-Induced Hearing Disorders This document was prepared by The National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) Task Force on Prevention of Music-Induced Hearing Disorders and approved by the NHCA Executive Council, January 12, 2018. The judgments expressed here represent the best available evidence at the time of publication and shall be considered the position of NHCA and not the individual opinions of the contributing authors or their respective institutions. The contributing authors declare no conflict of interest. Summary There is widespread concern regarding risk to hearing health due to the increasingly common worldwide use of personal audio systems (PAS) (e.g., iPods, tablets, smartphones) and other recreational music listening behaviors. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.1 billion young people worldwide may be at risk for hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits. On October 2, 2015, the WHO invited stakeholders, including PAS manufacturers, earphone manufacturers, hearing experts, and others to Geneva, Switzerland, to develop standards for the WHO’s “Make Listening Safe Initiative”; this meeting was followed by a strategic planning meeting on March 6-7, 2017 (see http://www.who.int/pbd/deafness/mls_consultation/en/). This NHCA position statement briefly reviews the literature and summarizes NHCA’s recommendations for safe listening in recreational music environments to prevent music- induced hearing disorders (MIHDs). Specific recreational music environments are reviewed, along with suggestions for preventing MIHDs in each setting.
    [Show full text]
  • Measurements of Earplug Attenuation Under Supra-Aural and Circumaural Headphones
    International Journal of Audiology 2012; 51: 730–738 Original Article Measurements of earplug attenuation under supra-aural and circumaural headphones Jennifer B. Tufts* , Jillian V. Palmer * & Lynne Marshall† *Department of Communication Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA, and †Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Groton, Connecticut, USA Abstract Objective: Supra-aural audiometric headphones are generally not recommended for use in measuring the attenuation of earplugs, because contact between the headphone and pinna and/or earplug could alter the attenuation obtained, and because of concerns of non-comparability between modes of excitation from supra-aural headphones and the sound-fi eld procedure required by the standardized method. In this study, we compared measurements of earplug attenuation obtained under Telephonics TDH-50P supra-aural headphones with measurements obtained under circumaural headphones designed expressly for such testing. Design: The attenuation of three types of earplugs (foam, premolded quadruple-fl ange, and custom-molded) was measured in a repeated-measures design. Study sample: The study sample comprised 42 normal-hearing adults (21 females, 21 males). Results: With the foam earplugs, nearly all of the attenuation measurements under the supra-aural headphones fell within 10 dB of the measurements under the circumaural headphones. With the fl ange and custom earplugs, approximately 10% of individuals obtained spuriously high attenuation under the supra-aural headphones. Conclusions: We conclude that standard supra-aural audiometric headphones are suitable for measuring the attenuation provided by foam earplugs. However, supra-aural headphones should not be used to measure the attenuation of fl ange or custom-molded earplugs. The potential exists for substantial over-estimation of attenuation, especially of custom plugs.
    [Show full text]
  • NCD Watch February 2016
    Non-Communicable Diseases Watch February 2016 Keep Your Ears Safe Key Messages ※ Hearing is a precious faculty. Once hearing is damaged, very often it cannot be restored. At any age, hearing impairment can have impact on interpersonal communication, psychological wellbeing and quality of life. ※ Globally, the estimated numbers of people with disabling hearing impairment in 2011 was 360 million, including 32 million children younger than 15 years old. In Hong Kong, an estimated 155 200 people (or 2.2% of total population) had hearing difficulty in 2013. ※ In general, prolonged exposure to noise levels at or above 85 dB can cause gradual hearing impairment. More importantly, effect of noise on hearing can accumulate over time. ※ Many causes of hearing impairment can be prevented. For noise-induced hearing impairment, it is preventable by obliging to safe listening practices. A rule of thumb is to avoid noises that are too loud, too close, or last too long. ※ Consult a family doctor if signs of hearing impairment emerge, such as difficulty in hearing high-pitched sounds (such as doorbells and telephones), difficulty in understanding speech, following conversations or ringing in the ear. This publication is produced by the Surveillance and Epidemiology Branch, Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 18/F Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong http://www.chp.gov.hk All rights reserved Non-Communicable Diseases Watch February 2016 Keep Your Ears Safe Hearing is a precious faculty.1 According to the at or acquired soon after birth, including congenital World Health Organization (WHO)’s definition, or hereditary hearing defect, infections during a person who is not able to hear as well as some- pregnancy (such as maternal rubella and syphilis), one with normal hearing, i.e.
    [Show full text]