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Posts Tagged ‘National Hearing Conservation Association’


Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

National Hearing Conservation Association Recognizes Laurie Wells, Au.D., With Prestigious Michael Beall Threadgill Award

Westminster, CO ― March 6, 2012 ― 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 at http://www.hearingconservation.org or call 1-303-224-9022. Follow the NHCA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nhcaorg, on Facebook at http://bit.ly/vLRg5, and on LinkedIn at http://bit.ly/3X2DfT.

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Posted in Health/Medical, Hearing Protection |


Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

NHCA Responds To OSHA’s Withdrawal of Their Proposed Noise Control Interpretation

Westminster, Colo. – January 25, 2011 - On October 19, 2010, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a proposal to revise the interpretation of the noise standard. The revised interpretation would require noise control (administrative or engineering), where economically and technologically feasible, for work environments which expose employees to or above the permissible exposure limit of 90 dBA (eight hour time-weighted average). The basis for this initiative was the continuing occurrence of permanent, significant hearing loss in employees; the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported 125,000 such cases since 2004. The National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) supported OSHA’s proposed interpretation as a significant step forward in reducing the incidence of work-induced hearing loss and other health conditions related to excessive noise exposure.

In response to feedback from manufacturers and their associations, legislators’ comments, and an executive order advising federal agencies to be mindful of the impact of regulations on economic growth, OSHA withdrew its proposed interpretation of economic feasibility. In a recent news release dated January 19, 2011, Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, indicated that OSHA was still committed to the goal of reducing the incidence of work-related hearing loss; they were suspending work on this policy modification to study other approaches, such as greater outreach, compliance assistance, and additional stakeholder meetings to elicit input from manufacturers, as well as safety and health professionals.

While hearing conservation strategies such as education and effective, consistent use of personal hearing protection help to reduce the risk of injury from this hazard, they are meant to supplement, not replace, hazard abatement. Noise control is a crucial component of hearing loss prevention, and should be recognized as a primary strategy for effectively reducing the amount of noise exposure in the work environment.

NHCA continues to support OSHA’s efforts to comply with its Congressional mandate; to ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees through the provision and enforcement of effective safety standards. While disappointed by the recent events, we are encouraged by Dr. Michaels’ confirmation that OSHA is not abandoning the cause of abating this pervasive workplace hazard. It is our hope that OSHA will continue to address the concerns surrounding noise control, and to emphasize the critical role it plays in preventing occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

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’s membership includes audiologists, industrial hygienists, physicians and occupational health nurses, educators, researchers, professional service organizations, safety 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 at http://www.hearingconservation.org or call 1-303-224-9022. Follow the NHCA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nhcaorg, on Facebook at http://bit.ly/vLRg5, and on LinkedIn at http://bit.ly/3X2DfT.

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Press contact: Don Goncalves, 1-781-793-9380, dgoncalves@tizinc.com

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Posted in Business, Health/Medical, Hearing Protection |


Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) Announces Call for Papers for 36th Annual Conference

nhcaWestminster, Colo. ― July 6, 2010 ― The National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) announces a call for papers for presentations and posters for its 36th Annual Conference, to be held February 24-26, 2011 in Mesa, Arizona. The theme of the conference is “The Future of Hearing Conservation: Technology & Innovation.”

Paper submission topics should reflect NHCA’s mission of “prevention of hearing loss due to noise and other environmental factors in all sectors of society.” Presentations may address basic scientific research, applied research, practical applications of research results, or other findings or concepts which may enhance hearing loss prevention efforts.

Submissions are being solicited for Platform (Panel) Presentations and Poster Presentations. All proposals must be submitted electronically – either online or by e-mail.
• Platform (Panel) Presentations proposals are due July 31, 2010. To submit, visit: http://ht.ly/21J5N
• Poster Presentations proposals are due September 1, 2010. To submit, visit: http://ht.ly/21J5N

NHCA’s conference features three days of engaging workshops, presentations, panel discussions and poster presentations on current issues relevant to the practice of hearing loss prevention. Key topics include the latest research on:
• Occupational hearing loss
• Music-induced hearing loss
• Hearing loss after impulse noise
• Novel strategies for measuring noise risk and pre-clinical effects of noise on hearing
• Hearing protection device innovations
• Public and personal health issues related to hearing loss
• Hearing loss prevention training and education
• Health communication strategies

Over 300 professionals attend the NHCA annual conference for professional development and networking opportunities.

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 for over 600 members. 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 at http://www.hearingconservation.org or call 1-303-224-9022. Follow the NHCA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nhcaorg, on Facebook at http://bit.ly/vLRg5, and on LinkedIn at http://bit.ly/3X2DfT.

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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, Hearing Protection, Manufacturing, Public Safety |


Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Dangerous Decibels Educator Training Workshop: A fun, interactive way to teach noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus prevention

nhcaDangerous Decibels Educator Training Workshop
February 28, 2010 – March 1, 2010
Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, FL
*Immediately following the NHCA Conference

Come to Orlando to learn a fun, interactive way to teach noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus prevention.

Join us in Orlando for the Dangerous Decibels Educator Training Workshop.  We will prepare and equip you to present a K-12 classroom program that is effective at changing knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors in students regarding their hearing health.

dd_smallThis two-day workshop (16 hours) is lead by Oregon Health & Science University, Portland State University, and University of Northern Colorado hearing conservation, health communication, educational outreach experts. Participants will receive an educator kit with graphics, simulations, supplies, a script and a sound level meter needed to present the classroom program.

The workshop will include background information on hearing, anatomy, physics of sound, children and noise, etc. Instruction includes classroom management, hands-on activities, and an opportunity to deliver the program to instructors for critique and feedback.  Workshop instructors are available after the workshop for continued support and as a resource through email or phone.  We look forward to your participation!

For more details and registration go to: http://www.dangerousdecibels.orgteacher_guide or contact Linda Howarth at howarthl@oshu.edu.

If you are interested in attending this workshop you must register through the OHSU Foundation directly.  Registration for this event is not included in the NHCA Conference materials.

Click here for a printable registration form.

Deadline to register: February 1, 2010

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

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Posted in Hearing Protection, Public Safety |


Monday, December 7th, 2009

NHCA Recommendations to EPA on NRR Change Intend to Improve Utility of Hearing Protection Devices at Work and at Home

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WESTMINSTER, Colo., Dec. 7, 2009 — In response to the recent announcement of the impending change to the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) for hearing protection devices, the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has provided its recommendations to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Based on expert member input and review, NHCA’s recommendations are intended to improve the utility of hearing protection devices for occupational hearing conservation programs and for personal use.

“Noise-induced hearing loss is a progressive and permanent disease which has a pervasive impact on people’s lives. While noise control efforts are the preferred way to reduce occupational and community noise exposures and prevent hearing loss, many Americans depend on earplugs and earmuffs to protect their hearing,” said Rick Neitzel, PhD, CIH, NHCA President. “The current Noise Reduction Rating methodology is obsolete and needs to be updated to reflect a more real-world approach to hearing conservation. Also, the new NRR needs to account for the fact hearing protectors are used both in the workplace, where users should be trained on how to protect their hearing and how to wear protectors correctly, as well as recreationally, where users are likely to be less knowledgeable about how to best protect their hearing.”

In its letter, posted at http://bit.ly/7qnVhq, NHCA asks for two major changes to the EPA’s proposed legislation.

First, NHCA believes that the labeled values should be based on the ANSI S12.6-2008 Method B protocol, which accounts for hearing protectors fit by trained and naive hearing protection device (HPD) users alike.

“The EPA should also ensure that the de-rating of labeled values is eliminated from the new NRR scheme. Over the years, de-ratings have created a great deal of uncertainty and confusion that has diminished the effectiveness of hearing loss prevention programs in the United States,” said Neitzel.

Second, NHCA urges the EPA to revise and simplify the labeling of hearing protectors. This will help ensure that all users – and especially users who have not been trained on the proper use of hearing protectors – receive adequate protection when they use the devices.

“The required labels should be simplified, made more symbol-based, and provided in multiple languages to ensure that their correct use is clear for all users,” said Neitzel. “Supporting information, such as the performance of the protector at specific test frequencies, should be provided online, as a packaged insert or upon request from the manufacturer in order to further simplify package labeling.”

“NHCA is excited to work with the EPA to increase the effectiveness of hearing protectors sold and used in the United States by making the labeled values on hearing protectors more meaningful to end users. We feel that the proposed changes will help give Americans the protection from noise that they deserve, and will help reduce or eliminate the number of people who needlessly develop NIHL,” said Neitzel.

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 Hearing Protection |


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 |


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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Posted in Buildings & Facilities, Business, Manufacturing |


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