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Time for a game changer for the ‘insanity’ that is NIHL?
What’s Einstein’s definition of insanity? Keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome! Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the world’s most common occupational disease according to ILO/WHO based reports[1] and this is despite the effects of too much noise exposure having been well documented and legislated against over many decades. NIHL is, therefore, wholly avoidable but once your hearing has gone, it has gone and if you subscribe to the expert view[2] that noise risk reduction has indeed failed, then it is time for a change.
However, a risk assessment remains the first essential step and that typically involves taking some objective noise measurements but according to Cherrie et al[3], the presence of an ‘investigator’ standing beside the worker using a hand-held sound level meter (SLM) to make measurements of noise exposure may cause the worker to change their behaviour, potentially affecting the reliability of the result obtained. The nature of the work may also preclude the practicality of having a third-party ‘shadow’ them.
In the latter case its normal to deploy a personal noise dosimeter that the employee can wear for an entire shift and thereby give a much better representative sample of their noise exposure. Even better if you could deploy multiple instruments over several shifts which then leads to plenty of data on which to more accurately base a risk assessment.
The noise dosimeter has been around for over half a century and you could even argue that it is an early form of wearable technology. But it is something of good news/bad news when it comes to developments over the last decade in noise dosimeter technology which means that they have near equivalent functionality (and therefore value) compared to that of a SLM. Consequently, they can be quite expensive not least because, as the UK HSE point out, there is a need to comply with international standards[4].
According to voice of customer feedback, a low-cost noise dosimeter could be a “game changer” in combating noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Let’s have a look at the issues.
A low-cost noise dosimeter means that more of the people can be monitored, more of the time which will lead to reduced incidences of NIHL It is also a first step towards the more widespread use of wearable technology which can bring productivity improvements and better health outcomes because of the link of noise exposure with stress, heart disease and even dementia, which itself is a growing epidemic.
A low-cost noise dosimeter could empower individuals to take control of their noise exposure, leading to significant reductions in the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss. The combination of affordability, accessibility, and real-time data could drive more widespread ‘game changing’ adoption.
However, a risk assessment remains the first essential step and that typically involves taking some objective noise measurements but according to Cherrie et al[3], the presence of an ‘investigator’ standing beside the worker using a hand-held sound level meter (SLM) to make measurements of noise exposure may cause the worker to change their behaviour, potentially affecting the reliability of the result obtained. The nature of the work may also preclude the practicality of having a third-party ‘shadow’ them.
In the latter case its normal to deploy a personal noise dosimeter that the employee can wear for an entire shift and thereby give a much better representative sample of their noise exposure. Even better if you could deploy multiple instruments over several shifts which then leads to plenty of data on which to more accurately base a risk assessment.
The noise dosimeter has been around for over half a century and you could even argue that it is an early form of wearable technology. But it is something of good news/bad news when it comes to developments over the last decade in noise dosimeter technology which means that they have near equivalent functionality (and therefore value) compared to that of a SLM. Consequently, they can be quite expensive not least because, as the UK HSE point out, there is a need to comply with international standards[4].
Game changer
According to voice of customer feedback, a low-cost noise dosimeter could be a “game changer” in combating noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Let’s have a look at the issues.
- Increased Accessibility. Traditional noise dosimeters can be expensive and hence limit their use to larger corporations and sectors. A low-cost option would make technology accessible to a wider audience, including workers in diverse small-medium enterprises which make up the backbone of many global economies.
- Real-Time Monitoring. Noise dosimetry involves using wearable devices or instruments that could be used to continuously measure noise exposure over time. By monitoring effectively in real-time, it provides accurate data on the actual noise levels that individuals are exposed to throughout their day, rather than relying on spot checks or subjective estimates.
- Personalized Exposure Data. Different individuals may experience different noise levels depending on their tasks or positions in the workplace. Noise dosimetry provides personalized exposure data, which is crucial for identifying those at greater risk and ensuring they receive adequate protection.
- Compliance with Regulations. Noise dosimetry helps ensure compliance with occupational safety standards, such as those set in the US by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). These standards often require monitoring of noise levels to protect workers from NIHL, and dosimetry provides the data needed to comply.
- Identifying High-Risk Areas. By analysing the data from dosimetry, it is possible to identify areas or processes that generate excessive noise, enabling targeted interventions. This can involve modifying equipment, implementing noise controls, or rotating staff to minimize exposure.
- Education and Awareness. When workers see the data from dosimetry, it can increase their awareness of noise hazards and encourage the use of hearing protection. Understanding one's own exposure helps in promoting better compliance with hearing conservation practices.
- Long-Term Tracking. Dosimetry allows for long-term tracking of noise exposure, which is essential for identifying trends and assessing the effectiveness of noise control measures over time. This ongoing monitoring can help to ensure that protective measures remain effective and are adjusted as necessary.
- Early Detection of Problems. By continuously monitoring noise levels, dosimetry can help in the early detection of problematic noise sources or changes in the environment that could increase exposure. This enables prompt intervention to prevent hearing damage before it occurs.
- Tailored Hearing Conservation Programs. Data from noise dosimetry can be used to tailor hearing conservation programs to specific needs, including the correct prescription of hearing protection taking into account the nature of the frequency content, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed, and that protective measures are adequate for the levels of exposure.
Conclusion
Widespread noise dosimetry can provide detailed, individualised, and near continuous data on noise exposure, which is critical for preventing noise-induced hearing loss. It enables proactive management of noise risks, helps in compliance with regulatory standards, and supports the overall goal of maintaining hearing health in noisy environments.A low-cost noise dosimeter means that more of the people can be monitored, more of the time which will lead to reduced incidences of NIHL It is also a first step towards the more widespread use of wearable technology which can bring productivity improvements and better health outcomes because of the link of noise exposure with stress, heart disease and even dementia, which itself is a growing epidemic.
A low-cost noise dosimeter could empower individuals to take control of their noise exposure, leading to significant reductions in the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss. The combination of affordability, accessibility, and real-time data could drive more widespread ‘game changing’ adoption.
References
- Health Effects of Occupational Noise (springer.com)
- Noise risk reduction has failed - it's time to update best practice for Nil NIHL - Industrial Noise & Vibration Centre (invc.com)
- Monitoring For Health Hazards at Work, Cherrie, Semple & Coggins, WILEY Blackwell, Fifth Edition 2021,
- Controlling noise at work; The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Guidance on Regulations, Appendix 2. HSE Publication L108, Third Edition 2021