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Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Anoxomat Anaerobic System Offers Clinical Laboratories “Green” Advantages Over Gas-Bag Methods That Generate Hazardous Waste

Advanced Instruments announced that its AnoxomatTM Anaerobic System for the laboratory cultivation of bacteria provides important “green” advantages over gas-bag methods that generate large quantities of hazardous waste.

“The Anoxomat system is an ideal solution for clinical laboratories desiring ‘green’ alternatives that eliminate hazardous waste generation, handling, and cost,” said Anthony Pappas, North American Sales Manager, Advanced Instruments.

In less than 3 minutes, the Anoxomat creates anaerobic and microaerophilic environments in reusable jars with no hazardous gases or materials. By contrast, gas bags require that each consumable plastic bag be disposed of after a single use, and then processed as hazardous waste at considerable trouble and expense.

“We estimate that a lab employing gas bags can generate up to several hundred pounds of hazardous waste per year as it grows bacterial cultures,” said Pappas. “With the Anoxomat, there is no hazardous material produced and the jars can be reused for years and then recycled.”

In addition, there are significant savings in reduced gas costs. “The Anoxomat was an easier operation … on gases alone. In the first year of operation, it probably saved us around $8,000 over gas bags,” said Frank Hollis of Hackensack Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey.

The Anoxomat system is highly efficient and cost-effective at cultivating pathogens and attaining growth performance that equals or exceeds that of gas bags. In addition, a built-in quality assurance system tests for leaks before incubation. The system checks whether the catalyst is capable of achieving the desired conditions and warns if there is a threat of failure.

To learn more about Anoxomat’s green advantages, visit the Advanced Instruments Web site at www.aicompanies.com or call +1 800.225.1620 or +1 781.320.9000.

About Advanced Instruments, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Advanced Instruments, Inc. (www.aicompanies.com) is the world’s largest supplier of freezing-point cryoscopes and osmometers used in dairy, clinical, and pharmaceutical laboratories. The company is also a leading supplier of analytical instruments for the food and industrial microbiology markets. Based in Norwood, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the company also produces Fiske® Associates brand diagnostic instruments and operates Spiral Biotech, Inc., D & F Control Systems, Inc., Mart® Microbiology, and Delta Instruments as wholly owned subsidiaries. A worldwide network of direct sales people and independent distributors supports Advanced Instruments’ products.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Don Goncalves, dgoncalves@tizinc.com, 781-793-9380, for Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Health/Medical, Manufacturing |


Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

New White Paper Details Six Common Bad Assumptions About Hearing Protection

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA – December 1, 2009 – In the world of personal protective equipment, bad assumptions are hazardous and can result in injury — or worse. Yet, despite 25 years of government regulation, a handful of persistent bad assumptions are widespread — endangering both the effectiveness of occupational Hearing Conservation Programs (HCPs) – and worker hearing.

A new free, white paper from Howard Leight, “Bad Assumptions about Hearing Protection” provides an insight into the common and potentially dangerous misconceptions associated with hearing protection. It is available to download from: http://www.hearforever.org/badassumptionsarticle.

The white paper is authored by Brad K. Witt, MA, CCC-A, past president of the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) and Director of Hearing Conservation at Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC, a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions.

“Specifically, the white paper details the six most common ‘bad assumptions’ about hearing protection for noise-exposed workers. These assumptions, if left unchecked, have the ability to torpedo an otherwise healthy Hearing Conservation Program, and leave the door open for hearing loss among workers exposed to hazardous noise,” said Witt.

The white paper discusses:

  • Bad Assumption #1: Hearing protection is self-explanatory.
  • Bad Assumption #2: Any earplug in the ear is blocking some noise.
  • Bad Assumption #3: An earplug halfway in the ear blocks about half the noise.
  • Bad Assumption #4. Cut the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) in half to predict real-world protection.
  • Bad Assumption #5. There’s no way to measure real attenuation on a worker wearing earplugs.
  • Bad Assumption #6. There’s no way to measure the noise dose of a worker under the hearing protectors throughout their workday

“Bad assumptions sink many well-intentioned workplace hearing safety initiatives. But avoiding these simple bad assumptions about hearing protection helps a Hearing Conservation Program stay on solid ground, and do just what it is designed to do: prevent noise-induced hearing loss,” Witt said.

To download the new white paper, “Bad Assumptions about Hearing Protection,” visit: http://www.hearforever.org/badassumptionsarticle.

About Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC

Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

Visit the HearForever website at www.hearforever.org. Follow us on Twitter (#HearForeverOrg) at twitter.com/HearForeverOrg and find us on Facebook at facebook.com/HearForever.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations


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Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

EH&E / Consumer Product Safety Commission Study Links Chinese Drywall to Corrosion in Homes

Needham, Mass. – November 24, 2009 – Environmental Health & Engineering Inc. (EH&E), a leading Massachusetts-based engineering consulting firm, has completed a major indoor air quality study for the U.S. government which found a strong association between the presence of Chinese drywall, low level concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, and corrosion of metals in homes. The drywall issue has affected thousands of homes in the United States for more than two years.

The five-month EH&E study included 51 homes in five southern states; 41 homes where property owners had reported corrosion of wiring or piping, and ten similar homes about which no complaints had been filed. The following findings were presented by John F. McCarthy, Sc.D., C.I.H., president of EH&E, in a Congressional briefing at the U.S. Capital on Monday, November 23, 2009:

· In homes with suspect drywall, the following conditions were determined:

o High rates of sulfur-based corrosion on copper and silver test coupons.

o Visible corrosion of copper wires in electrical outlets.

o Low level concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas.

o Low ventilation rates.

o Associations of corrosion with hydrogen sulfide concentrations in air, temperature and humidity.

· A reliable real-time method of “fingerprinting” suspect drywall using state-of-the-art inspection equipment was developed and validated.

The EH&E presentation to Congress and report prepared for the Consumer Product Safety Commission are available for review at this website: http://www.eheinc.com/cpsc_drywall.htm.

EH&E was selected for the project based on its high level of building science expertise and field experience in characterizing complex indoor environments and in homes, schools, and offices.  The company had been the prime contractor for indoor air quality to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and two of its principals, John D. Spengler, Ph.D., and John F. McCarthy, Sc.D., C.I.H., edited what is considered the most comprehensive guide available today on indoor air quality, the “Indoor Air Quality Handbook”.

About EH&E

EH&E (www.eheinc.com) has provided an extensive range of analytical and engineering consulting services for over 20 years. Our team consists of more than 60 experts with an outstanding record of providing solutions for complex issues that affect the built environment. EH&E has a depth of knowledge and credibility unmatched in the industry and our wealth of readily-accessible information has become a powerful resource for our clients.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Lifestyle, Public Safety |


Friday, November 20th, 2009

Hearing Protection Quiz: Fact or Fiction…

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Ear plugs go in your ear. Ear muffs go over your ear. Think that’s enough you need to know about hearing protectors?

Think again!

Check your know-how with this quick test of fact and fiction about hearing protectors and work place hearing safety: http://www.hearforever.org/quiz/fact-or-fiction-hearing-protectors

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Find HearForever on Facebook.

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Lifestyle, Manufacturing, Public Safety |


Monday, November 2nd, 2009

National Hearing Conservation Association Petitions OSHA to Lower Permissible Exposure Limits for Noise

nhca_wname1Westminster, CO ― November 2, 2009 ― Citing the fact that nearly 22 million American workers are exposed to hazardous noise on a daily basis and that occupational hearing loss continues to plague industry, the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has made a request to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for noise exposures.

 

“Noise-induced hearing loss is an insidious, permanent, and irreversible disease which has a tremendous negative impact on people’s lives. The good news is that this disease is 100% preventable,” said Rick Neitzel, PhD, CIH, NHCA President. “The bad news is that OSHA’s 30-year-old noise exposure regulation is not consistent with current scientific knowledge, is not uniformly applied across all industries, and has not proven effective in preventing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).”

 

NHCA has requested that OSHA lower the PEL in the Occupation Noise Standard 29 CFR 1910.95 from 90 dBA to 85 dBA, and the Action Level from 85 to 80 dBA. Citing recent research by NIOSH and other organizations, American workers face a considerable risk of NIHL associated with long-term work at the current PEL of 90 dBA and a 5 dB time/intensity exchange rate. NHCA has also requested that the time/intensity exchange rate be reduced from 5 to 3 dB.

 

In the letter, NHCA also requests that OSHA extend the PEL to other industries, such as construction, agriculture, oil and gas drilling and servicing, and shipbuilding, that are not covered by the existing regulation. NHCA also asks OSHA to rescind a policy (OSHA Field Operations Manual, 3/2009) which permits exposures up to 100 dBA without requiring implementation of noise controls.

 

“Nearly every other nation on earth has adopted a more protective 85 dBA exposure limit - which means that U.S. workers have a substantially greater risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss than do the workers of almost every other nation,” said Neitzel. “Also, workers in industries like construction, agriculture, and oil and gas drilling are currently not covered by an effective regulation, which is unacceptable, given the high levels of noise exposure associated with these industries.”

 

“The National Hearing Conservation Association is a multidisciplinary organization committed to the prevention of hearing loss, and as such is uniquely positioned to advocate for contemporary U.S. noise exposure regulations,” said Neitzel. “We feel that the proposed changes will help give American workers the protection that they deserve, and bring workplace noise regulations in the US in line with current scientific knowledge about noise and noise-induced hearing loss.”

 

NHCA’s letter to OSHA can be found online at: http://bit.ly/42a3GT.

 

About the National Hearing Conservation Association [NHCA]

The mission of the National Hearing Conservation Association 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 for over 600 members. NHCA’s membership includes audiologists, researchers, students, industrial hygienists, educators, professional service organizations, safety professionals, medical professionals, engineers, audio professionals and others who have dedicated their work to the advancement of hearing loss prevention. For more information about the National Hearing Conservation Association, visit us online at www.hearingconservation.org.

 

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations<–>

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Health/Medical, Lifestyle, Manufacturing, Public Safety, Technology, Uncategorized |


Monday, October 19th, 2009

Latest Innovations in Hearing Conservation to be Detailed at National Safety Council Congress

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA, October 19, 2009 – Leading experts in hearing loss prevention will discuss the latest innovations in hearing conservation technology during “Hear Tomorrow: A Personalized Approach to Hearing Conservation,” a featured workshop session at the National Safety Council 2009 Congress & Expo in October.

At the session, attendees will learn why measuring data in a precise and personalized way is the key to a successful hearing conservation program (HCP) — and how recent advances in earplug fit testing and in-ear dosimetry make this more than a possibility. Experts will detail how the newest hearing protection devices (HPDs) can help safety managers develop and refine their HCP efforts.

“The session’s focus on new hearing loss prevention technologies is especially timely given the Federal Environmental Protection Agency’s current proposed rule changes regarding Noise Reduction Rating, said Dr. Theresa Y Schulz, Hearing Conservation Manager, Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection.

“The proposed new rules will place even greater responsibility on safety managers to protect their employees against noise-induced hearing loss. By learning about — and using— the latest innovations in HPDs and technology, safety managers will gain a valuable head-start on their programs. The information will help everyone involved in a Hearing Conservation Program to be responsible and accountable,” she noted.

Session experts will include Dr. Schulz along with Brad K. Witt, Director of Hearing Conservation, Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection; Kevin Michael, President, Michael & Associates, Inc.; and moderator Jerry Elvin Rivera, Director of Safety, National Electrical Contractors Association.

“Hear Tomorrow: A Personalized Approach to Hearing Conservation” will be presented on Monday, October, 26, 2009, 1:30PM to 3:00PM, in Room 307D at the National Safety Council 2009 Congress & Expo in Orlando. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/3QeEad.

About Howard Leight

Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

About Sperian Protection

With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext’s Eurolist and on the SBF120.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Nucor Steel Improves Worker Hearing Protection with New Howard Leight Technology

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, USA, October 14, 2009 – Though most companies are committed to employee Hearing Conservation Programs, many still struggle to obtain a true assessment of the specific effectiveness of their efforts – and of the individual hearing protection products they deploy – on a worker-by-worker basis.

 

A new free case study, “Nucor Provides Measurable Worker Hearing Protection with Howard Leight Technology” details how Nucor Steel is using new state-of-the-art VeriPRO® earplug fit testing technology from Howard Leight® to evaluate whether each individual employee is receiving optimal on-the-job hearing protection.

 

The case study is available free to download from: http://www.hearforever.org/nucor.

 

“You could look at an earplug and the NRR rating on it but you weren’t actually sure which earplug gave the best protection for a specific individual,” explained Randy Cooper, site manager of safety, health, and security at Nucor Corporation complex in Huger, South Carolina.

 

“There was never a way to actually measure the fit and ultimately workers risk hearing loss while companies risked monetary damages and potential regulatory citations,” he said.

 

VeriPRO measures attenuation of earplugs by having the user balance tones presented to each ear at easily-heard levels. This means there is no need for a sound booth or quiet room. Accurate VeriPRO earplug fit testing can even be administered in moderate background noise.

 

At Nucor, the reportable Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) measurements, provided by VeriPRO aid managers with the transition to the EPA’s recent Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) change from a fixed number to a range.

 

In addition, the VeriPRO earplug fit testing system also lets Nucor managers determine whether employees are receiving optimal protection, require additional training on earplug fit testing, or should try a different model.

 

The case study details Nucor’s use of VeriPRO technology to:

  • Obtain objective data to fit the best earplugs for each employee
  • Provide breakthrough measurement of in-ear noise exposure on the job
  • Document information to help prevent worker compensation claims
  • Improve resources for the company’s hearing protection and successful Hearing Conservation Programs

 

Download the free case study, “Nucor Provides Measurable Worker Hearing Protection with Howard Leight Technology” at http://www.hearforever.org/nucor.

 

About Howard Leight

 

Howard Leight/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

 

About Nucor

 

With 2008 sales of $23.6 billion, Nucor Corporation is one of the largest producers of steel and steel products in the U.S. It was founded in 1940 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. Nucor employs 20,000 people nationwide, including 900 at its plant in Huger, South Carolina.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Applaud Proposed EPA NRR Rule Changes for Acknowledging “Real World” Experience, Placing More Responsibility on Safety Managers, Expert Says

SMITHFIELD, RHODE ISLAND, U.S.A. — October 6, 2009—The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed changes governing Noise Reduction Ratings will help to “refocus hearing conservation programs to prevent employee hearing loss, and reflect real-world realities in the workplace,” according to Brad Witt, Director of Hearing Conservation for Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC.

 

“If enacted, the changes will place greater responsibility on the shoulders of safety managers for determining how much protection a noise-exposed worker is obtaining from earplugs and earmuffs, and this can result in better hearing protection for workers,” he said.

 

One part of the proposed rule (published in August in the Federal Register) involves revising the labeling of hearing protection devices (HPD) from a single-number estimate of protection to a two-number range, showing high/low values of estimated protection. A second change redefines the test methods by which HPDs are tested, and rated in the laboratory by manufacturers. A third involves including a class of hearing protection that has been excluded in the past—namely electronic hearing protectors which provide active noise reduction or impulse noise suppression. A fourth requires manufacturers to retest their products every five years.

 

Witt said he applauds the proposed changes for defining protection levels based on the user’s training and proper fit. “With its proposed new rating methods, EPA is confirming that protection is very dependent upon how well the user fits the products, that lab conditions are not field conditions, and that there’s new technology out here that can contribute greatly to a Hearing Conservation Program,” he said.

 

“The current single number rating system can mislead purchasers to believe the same earplug will provide everyone the same level of protection. But in real-life, protection levels vary widely among individuals, due to their training, fit, and usage, and some will suffer hearing loss. This is not acceptable, and we applaud EPA for recognizing this in their proposed labeling.

 

“Implementing the proposed two-number range gives safety managers a more realistic estimate of how much protection their workers are really capable of achieving. Individual training will determine whether their workers receive protection toward the low side of that range or, with proper training, toward the higher side of that range.

 

“The proactive employers will train their employees well in hearing conservation practices. Employers can even fit-test the protection of earplugs and earmuffs now. A manager who simply passes out earplugs to his employees—and then leaves them to fend for themselves—will be inadvertently pushing his workers toward the lower end of the protection range,” Witt said.

 

Witt said he views the proposed rule changes as a “renewal of the true focus of HCP to stop hearing loss.” For that reason he urged employers, safety managers, risk managers, insurers, and workers themselves to actively support the new regulations.

 

Witt and other experts and interested parties will formally comment on the proposed NRR rule changes during a public hearing at the EPA in Washington, DC, on October 7, 2009.

 

About Howard Leight

Howard Leight®/Sperian Hearing Protection, LLC is a leading global provider of passive and intelligent hearing protection solutions, and the founder of the HearForever™ initiative. For over 30 years, Howard Leight has pursued the prevention of occupational hearing loss through innovation in hearing protection design, technology, performance and comfort, and the promotion of progressive Hearing Conservation Programs. Leading solutions include the highest attenuating Max® single-use earplug; patented Air Flow Control™ technology for optimal earmuff attenuation; QuietDose™ personal in-ear dosimetry; and the industry-changing VeriPRO® earplug fit testing system. Visit: www.howardleight.com.

 

About Sperian Protection

With nearly 6,000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that all workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence. Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext’s Eurolist and on the SBF120.

 

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Manufacturing, Public Safety |


Monday, September 21st, 2009

New White Paper: “Environmental Monitoring and Certification in Controlled Environments: Meeting Regulations and Achieving Effective Microbial Control for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers” – From Microtest Laboratories

microtest-logo1

AGAWAM, MASS. – September 21, 2009 – Environmental testing and monitoring programs are essential elements in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing. Companies must understand industrial sterilization and contamination control procedures to bring products to market on time and on budget.

In attempting to meet regulatory demands from sources such as the U.S. FDA and the European Pharmacopoeia, the greatest challenge for medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers may be determining what exactly is required for compliance. How must manufacturers design, implement, certify, and maintain correct sterilization and environmental monitoring programs?

Unfortunately, there is no single reference document that U.S. manufacturers may rely upon to help them design, validate, and demonstrate room class compliance. Nor, given the monumental scope of the task, is it likely that one will be drafted anytime soon.

A new white paper, titled “Environmental Monitoring and Certification in Controlled Environments: Meeting Regulations and Achieving Effective Microbial Control for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers,” and available for free download at www.microtestlabs.com/environmentpaper, may help.

The white paper reviews the key elements of a best-practice environmental testing program, including sterilization standards, FDA requirements, and the critical factors in maintaining controlled environments. Topics include: What Is Required; Viable vs. Nonviable Particulates; Sampling Plans; Validation Management; Sterilization Programs; Cost/Product Savings; Critical Factors; and The Benefits of Experience. The paper also discusses how these challenges may be met with the assistance of an update-to-date testing laboratory.

The author of the white paper is Steven Wieczorek, Supervisor, Environmental Sciences. He leads the Environmental testing, monitoring, and certification groups at Microtest Laboratories, a leading provider of regulatory microbiology and contract laboratory services.

Download the white paper, “Environmental Monitoring and Certification in Controlled Environments: Meeting Regulations and Achieving Effective Microbial Control for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Manufacturers,” from www.microtestlabs.com/environmentpaper.

About Microtest

Microtest Laboratories offers reliable, accurate programs for testing of product bioburdens; viable aerobic, anaerobic, or fungal microorganisms; and nonviable air particulates. The company’s expertise at characterizing, controlling, and understanding environmental bioburden levels and trends are the cornerstones to defining and implementing a solid Environmental monitoring program which fully supports sterilization validation and release activities. Microtest is based in Agawam, Massachusetts, USA. For more information, visit http://www.microtestlabs.com or call 1-413-786-1680 or 1-800-631-1680.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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Posted in Biosciences, Buildings & Facilities |


Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

2010 National Hearing Conservation Association Conference to “Explore the World of Hearing Loss Prevention”

nhcaWestminster, Colorado — September 16, 2009 — The National Hearing Conservation Association [NHCA] announces that its 35th annual conference will be held February 25-27, 2010 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Titled “Explore the World of Hearing Loss Prevention,” the conference will focus on various topics of local and international concern, including “whole life” hearing loss prevention; chemicals, ototoxicity and otoprotection; and the impending change to the Noise Reduction Rating in the United States.

“National boundaries are no longer obstacles to the transfer of knowledge, and hearing conservation is not limited to industry,” said Thais C. Morata, Ph.D., NHCA 2010 Conference Chair. “Sharing good practices is at the core of NHCA’s efforts towards building a culture that promotes healthy hearing. Our 2010 conference seeks to optimize the exchange of experiences and skills, facilitate new partnerships and expedite the research process worldwide in the pursuit of hearing loss prevention in all walks of life.”

The 2010 NHCA conference will feature a full slate of workshops, presentations, panel discussions and poster presentations on a wide range of topics, including: an international perspective on the latest research on hearing loss prevention; public and personal health issues related to noise exposure and hearing loss; recent public health and military initiatives for hearing loss prevention; novel strategies in hearing loss prevention programs in different settings; music exposure; firearms exposures; hearing loss prevention training and education; health communication strategies; new and upcoming legislations and recommendations; hearing protection device innovations and measurement; and approaches to noise control.

The conference program will include several featured speakers, including:

  • Hugh Davies of the School of Environmental Health, University of British Columbia, Canada, will present the keynote lecture “Noise and Cardiovascular Disease: Can Hearing Conservation Programs Prevent Heart Attacks, Too?” on Friday, February 26.
  • Jean-luc Doumont of Principiæ’s Training, Consulting and Publishing, Belgium, will present “Effective Slides: Design, Construction and Use” as the featured luncheon lecture on Friday, February 26.
  • Christine Harrison, of the Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia, Canada, will present the motivational Gasaway Lecture “Have Hard Hat, Will Travel: Hearing Conservation in the Great White North” on Saturday, February, 27.

Eight workshops will take place on Thursday, February 25. New to the workshop offering include “Effective Presentations: Structure and Delivery”; “Hearing Loss Prevention for Music-Related Professions”; “Persisting Challenges of the 1980-85 Hearing Conservation Amendment”; and “Hands-On Hearing Protection Fit Testing.” The program will also include recurring topics, such as: “The Basics of Hearing Loss Prevention”; “Recreational Firearm Noise Exposure”; “Acoustics and Audiology in Forensics and Legal Practice”; and “Issues in Professional Service Organizations.”

The 2010 Safe-In-Sound Awards™ will be presented during the conference. The Safe-in-Sound Award recognizes organizations that document measureable achievements in hearing loss prevention programs in construction, manufacturing and service sectors. In addition, the award recognizes “Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention” across all sectors.

For more information on the 35th Annual NHCA Conference, please visit http://www.hearingconservation.org/conf_info2010.html.

About the National Hearing Conservation Association [NHCA]

The mission of the National Hearing Conservation Association 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 for over 600 members. NHCA’s membership includes audiologists, researchers, students, industrial hygienists, educators, professional service organizations, safety professionals, medical professionals, engineers, audio professionals and others who have dedicated their work to the advancement of hearing loss prevention. For more information about the National Hearing Conservation Association, visit us online at www.hearingconservation.org.

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Public Relations contact, Boston: Tiziani Whitmyre Inc., http://www.tizinc.com/public-relations

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