MAY 7, 2021 – 8:00-9:00 AM ON ZOOM

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ABOUT THE SESSION:

Exposures to high-level impulsive noises such as collisions of objects, firearms, or explosions significantly increase the risk for developing noise induced hearing loss. When exposures exceed peak levels of around 140 dB, the damage mechanism changes from metabolic exhaustion to mechanical destruction of the inner and outer hair cells. Although Impulse and impact noise are generated through different processes, they are often grouped into impulsive noise.

The selection of microphone, preamplifier, and processing system are critical to capturing high-quality data. In many cases, recordings are more beneficial than capturing a peak level or a single integrated level to understand the exposure and to mitigate the risk. The risk of noise induced hearing loss can be reduced by appropriate selection of hearing protection devices.

Level dependent passive or electronic protectors, mufflers and noise suppressors can provide a range of noise level reductions and improve communication in critical jobs. However, hearing protectors are not the only tool in the hearing-loss prevention toolbox. With firearms, noise suppressors can reduce exposures at the ear by 10 to 30 dB. Similarly, changes to processes where impact noise is prevalent can reduce noise levels dramatically. Estimating the risk of hearing loss has been challenging due to the range of damage risk criteria (DRC) available to the occupational safety and health professional. The advantages and disadvantages of several DRCs will be presented.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

CAPT William J. Murphy, PhD, United States Public Health Services

William J. Murphy is a Captain in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and is coordinator for the Hearing Loss Prevention cross sector for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. He is an active member of the National Hearing Conservation Association and a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America. His research has focused on hearing protection devices, audiometric testing methods, and characterization of the risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to impulse and impact noise.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Participants will learn about:

1) the different risk for noise induced hearing loss due to impulsive and continuous noise
2) methods to reduce noise exposures
3) methods to measure and assess impulsive noise

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Industrial hygienists, Acoustical consultants, Occupational hearing Conservation providers, and anyone interested in safety and health.

SCHEDULE:

7:30-7:55 a.m. – Logon to ZOOM –
Link provided closer the date of the meeting.
8:00-9:00 a.m. – Presentation and Q & A
9:00 a.m. – Wrap-Up

FEES:

Members – No Charge
Non-Members – $25.00 (GST is not applicable)

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Non-Member Registrations – Cancellations received at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the event date are accepted without charge.  If cancellation is not received by the specified time frame the fee of $25.00 is applicable. Substitutions are welcome.