Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) has been a perennial occupational hazard in the workplace. This is truly evident in the mining professions. This presentation covers details about hearing loss, its causes and tools developed to educate the workforce regarding its existence.

1. Hearing Loss Prevention: Listen Now so You can Hear it Later! TRAM October 14-15, 2009 Presenters: Alex Salas and Jessie Mechling

3. The effects of sound on hearing

4. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and how to prevent it

5. How to use our products for the training and education of miners2

6. Hierarchy of Controls 3

8. Yet it’s highly preventable

9. Over 30 million Americans are exposed to hazardous noise

10. It could negatively affect the body and mind

11. Over 75% of miners retire with significant hearing loss 4

12. Anatomy of Hearing Sound travels through the three anatomical regions of the ear: Outer Ear- Sound enters the ear canal Middle Ear- Sound vibrates the ear drum and three small bones in the ear Inner Ear- The oval window, a snail shell-like structure called the Cochlea and the auditory nerve 1 2 3 5

13. Types of Hearing Loss Conductive Hearing Loss: Obstruction of the ear canal Ear infections Ear wax impaction Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Noise exposure over 85dB(A) for an 8 hour shift Chemically induced Auditory nerve malfunction Presbycusis Sensorineural (PERMANENT) Conductive 6

14. Damaged This Is Your Ear… Healthy This Is Your Ear on Noise… 7

15. Sound Differences? All criteria are set on an 8 hour Time weighted average (TWA8) 8

16. Training and Worker Empowerment Interventions 9

18. Positive changes in beliefs

19. Increased intention to conserve hearing10

20. Click to play sound Click to play sound Click to play sound Click to stop sound NIOSH Hearing Loss Simulator Normal Impaired25 years of 95 dB(A) exposure, 55-year old worker – noise “notch” at 4,000Hz Severely Impaired25 years of 105 dB(A) exposure, 55-year old worker – noise “notch” at 4,000Hz Click on picture for sound Simulated effects of exposure, age, sex based on ANSI S3.44 method 11

22. Identification of hearing loss in an audiogram

23. Causes of hearing loss

24. Value of retaining test records12

25. Simplified Roll-Pull-Hold Instructions Simplified Original Result: Better protection 13

26. NIOSH Roll-Pull-Hold Earplug Technique Just three easy-to-remember steps: Pull Hold Roll 14

28. MP3 player housed in ear muff plays test sounds

29. Excellent training device for empirical exercises 15

31. Green LED will start flashing and will start playing 1000Hz “whooshing” sound 16

35. Press the “TEST” button

36. The original sound will be boosted up by 15dB 19 15 dB increase!

38. Determination of Sound Exposures Software (DOSES) So, you collected all that sound level data… Now what? DOSES analyzes your time motion study data for you DOSES does it! 21

39. Determination of Sound Exposures Software (DOSES) Graphic Display Comparison Analyses Multiple Report Formats 22

41. Mobile audiometric studio

42. Up to four test subjects simultaneously

43. Deployed for mine site and health promotion visits 23

44. Questions? Presenters contact info: Alexander Salas Jessie Mechling Health Research Scientist Electronics Technician Ph: (412) 386 5369 (412) 386 5167 ASalas@cdc.govJMechling@cdc.gov CDC/NIOSH 626 Cochrans Mill Rd. MS PO5 PO Box 18070 Pittsburgh, PA 15236 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining 24