IndustrialHearingTestingNews

Creating an OSHA Hearing Conservation Program? Check Out These Tips

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:45:02 GMT

Many companies may not have a formal hearing conservation program, or their program is almost an identical copy of the OSHA 1910.95 regulation.

But many EHS professionals have told us that doesn’t deliver the outcomes they need. The OSHA regulation tells you what you need to do & where you need to go, but not how to get there. That’s why putting the program in hearing conservation program is so important.

1. The twofold goal of a hearing conservation program

Minimize occupational hearing loss

The main goal of a hearing conservation program is to prevent occupational hearing loss for noise exposed employees. But this isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are several ways to address noise in the workplace, and the best solution can vary by company.

For example, a company with a large safety or environmental budget would be more likely to invest in eliminating or reducing the noise, while a company with a smaller budget may only be able to pay for hearing protection for the employees who are exposed to noise.

However employers choose to address hearing conservation, the end goal is the same: preserve employee’s hearing.

Prevent false hearing loss worker's comp claims

The less discussed goal of a hearing conservation program is to be able to avoid liability for false hearing loss claims. An effective program should be able to prove that employees were not exposed to dangerous noise long enough to cause damage.

This could include documentation of noise measurements, personal Time-Weighted Averages for the employees, and even hearing protection fit testing results to show that the HPDs were compliant & effective.

For example, if an employee files a claim for hearing loss that is likely not work-related, the company should be able to find documentation that the employee did not work in dangerous noise levels, and that hearing testing was made available to all employees that did work in dangerous noise levels.

2. Achieving OSHA compliance and more with an effective hearing conservation program

An effective hearing conservation can even take your company safety policies beyond compliance. This could include custom hearing protection, hearing protection fit testing, and even hearing testing as a company benefit, not just a requirement.

In the Portland, OR area? Claim 3 free sound level spot checks here

Bringing all things hearing conservation together with Anadyne

At Anadyne, we’re here to help you create a true program with a goal and related activities. Instead of having hearing testing records in one place and sound measurements scattered throughout the plant (if they exist at all), we can help develop a cohesive & effective hearing conservation program.

Reach out today for a free consultation!

Best custom ear plugs for long factory shifts (and what to avoid)

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:13:27 GMT

With thousands of options of hearing protection out there, it’s hard to know where to start when choosing what’s appropriate for your employees. And when the employees are working for extended periods of time, choosing comfortable and effective hearing protection becomes even more complicated.

Choosing ear plugs: what to avoid

If employees are exposed to noise for long periods of time, they should have hearing protection that is comfortable to wear all shift long. Otherwise, they won’t wear them.

Uncomfortable universal fit hearing protection

Universal/standard fit hearing protection is often found to be uncomfortable over time. Every ear is unique, so the same level of protection will not be equally realized by everyone using the same product, just because they have taken it from the package and put it in their ear.

Discomfort is one of the main reasons employees do not wear hearing protection when it’s needed. Some may wear them halfway in, but that won’t provide nearly enough protection.

Silicone custom ear plugs

Not all custom ear plugs were created equal, either. Most custom fit products are made of silicone, a soft material. Contrary to what’s expected, soft material leads to more comfort issues than a hard material. Silicone ear plugs must be made slightly oversize to make up for the material’s compressibility. Over a shift, the pressure from the earplug becomes uncomfortable for some wearers.

Silicone ear plugs also have issues with hygiene and longevity. Because silicone is an absorbent material, wax and other contaminants can work their way into the earplug. Not only does this create a hygiene issue, but it also means silicone doesn’t last very long and often becomes more uncomfortable.

An NRR that’s too high

Another reason employee report not wearing hearing protection consistently is because they feel isolated, can’t communicate with colleagues, and can’t hear important warning signals. This is often due to an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) that’s too high.

An appropriate NRR should both protect your employees, and allow them to communicate safely.

Fit testing: what’s the REAL attenuation of your hearing protection?

Anadyne’s custom ear plugs – the best option for factory workers

Communication

The best part about our hearing protection isn’t what they’re made of, it’s what they’re made for. Communicate safely in noise. Hear colleagues, warning signs, and even your radio or phone. No need to pull them out every time someone talks to you.

Comfort

Our custom ear plugs are designed to be the most option for industrial employees. Made from hard, non-porous material and molded to the shape of the ear, their low profile design makes them comfortable to wear all shift long.

What is the true cost of disposable ear plugs?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:13:25 GMT

Hearing protection is often the 2nd largest expense in a hearing conservation program. However, it doesn’t have to be. Investing in custom may seem like a large initial outlay, but the longevity of the earplugs will outlast the price.

Cost of disposable ear plugs

Disposable ear plugs seem so inexpensive – usually less than 50 cents a pair. But employees go through multiple pairs a day (and they should!), as reusing disposable hearing protection often leads to hygiene & comfort problems.

For example, a factory with 300 employees (excluding temporary employees) may go through 600 to 1,200 pairs in a day, and sometimes more. But at an average of 20 cents a pair, that’s anywhere from $120 to $240 on earplugs per day. And multiply that for an entire year, and suddenly the team could be spending from $31,200 to $62,400 on earplugs every year .

Image: Total cost of hearing protection for one employee over 6 years. Orange indicates disposable, blue indicates custom, star indicates point of ROI for custom.

Why Anadyne’s custom ear plugs are less expensive in the long run

1. They’re reusable

Built from materials designed for industrial use, Anadyne’s earplugs are fitted with hygiene and durability in mind. No, they probably won’t survive if they’re run over with a forklift. Yes, they’ll still fit after years of being worn.

2. Comfortable to wear, all shift long

One of the top reasons for not wearing hearing protection is the lack of comfort universal fit products bring. A sure way to waste money on hearing protection is to buy ones your employees won’t actually wear.

Anadyne’s custom fit hearing protection is pre-fit to the employees’ ear, ensuring that it fits correctly the first time, and is comfortable to wear for an entire shift.

On the fence? More benefits of custom hearing protection

Custom hearing protection: the most cost-effective ear plugs

We don’t recommend immediately ordering pairs of custom hearing protection for every employee. Instead, we’ll work with you to identify those who will benefit from custom protection the most, such as supervisors, employees with a longer tenure, etc.

Is a higher NRR rating always better for employees?

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:10:36 GMT

When choosing hearing protection for employees, it may seem like the higher level of protection is the best option. However, it’s important to make sure employees will receive the appropriate level of protection based on the noise exposure of their job.

What is an NRR?

NRR stands for Noise Reduction Rating, and is a measurement of the protection an employee would receive while wearing the hearing protection. As it is a laboratory estimate and assumes the protection is always worn correctly, it is often found to be overly optimistic. Real attenuation is usually much lower than the NRR, which is why OSHA and NIOSH recommend derating the NRR to get a better idea of the protection level.

Interested in how much protection your employees really receive? Consider fit testing

A higher NRR isn’t always the best choice

When deciding what the NRR ‘sweet spot’ is, it’s helpful to consider driving on a sunny day. It wouldn’t be safe to drive with welding goggles because they block more light than sunglasses. You would be overprotected, and unable to see and react to potential issues.

The same principle applies to hearing protection. When employees are working in the 80-100 decibel range, hearing protection is a must. But an NRR that’s too high can block out important danger signals or verbal communications.

Dangers of too little – or too much – hearing protection

Both under and over protection can lead to hearing loss/other injuries, although in different ways.

Over protection

From forklifts backing up to machinery running wrong to shouts from colleagues, over protection runs the risk of employees not hearing warnings.

Employees who are wearing too high of an NRR also are more likely to remove their hearing protection when they need to communicate, exposing them to dangerous levels of noise.

Under protection

Under protecting employees is also dangerous, and can lead to hearing loss. An NRR that’s too low may reduce the noise somewhat, but not enough to fully protect against dangerous levels. It’s important to be aware of employee’s TWA (time-weighted average) of noise exposure, as extended shift periods or moving around facilities can impact the effectiveness of hearing protection.

Request noise mapping or dosimetry

Choosing the best hearing protection options for your team

When choosing hearing protection for industrial employees, there’s more to it than looking at Noise Reduction Ratings.

Will employees wear them correctly and consistently?

Regardless of the labeled NRR, your employees won’t receive protection if they’re not wearing the hearing protectors correctly, every time they’re exposed to dangerous noise. It’s important to provide a choice of protectors that will be worn right, every time.

Are they comfortable for extended periods of time?

If the hearing protection isn’t comfortable, employees won’t wear it. Or they won’t wear it correctly. Either way, the employees won’t receive the labeled attenuation.

Since every ear is unique, this means universal products may not work well for many employees.

Check out custom hearing protection options

Custom hearing protection: the best option for industrial workers

Custom hearing protection ticks all these boxes, and more. From enhanced (and safe) communication options to compatibility with other PPE, a customized solution is more effective for more employees.

Developing an Effective Hearing Conservation Program

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:24:50 GMT

So often, when companies think hearing conservation, they don’t go beyond hearing protection & annual hearing tests, stopping short of removing or reducing the problem. This means they’re throwing money at a problem, without seeing any change to that problem. Is that really the most sustainable approach? Or would you like to save more money long term?

Drafting a hearing conservation program (beyond a copy of 1910.95)

Sure, most employers that need it probably have a hearing conservation program. But many are buried under a mound of dust, with 14 other binders on top of it. And when it's found and dusted off, it probably

a) Hasn’t been updated for years

b) Doesn’t clearly state who, what, where, why, how, and when (and yes, that’s important!)

c) Looks suspiciously similar to a copy of OSHA 1910.95

Hearing conservation policies are hardly ever black & white. The federal & state regulations describe the objective of a hearing conservation program, but don’t provide the tools, knowledge, or authority to achieve those goals.

Many companies in the hearing conservation industry focus on fulfilling one or two parts of a hearing conservation program. This leaves safety teams with data and records scattered and unrelated.

Guide to an effective hearing conservation program

At Anadyne, we provide a complete, end-to-end hearing conservation solution. From noise assessments to hearing testing to beyond compliance services, we’re here to take the hassle out of hearing conservation.

Book a free consultation with our specialists

Measuring noise: where to start

Whether you’re updating your current hearing conservation policy or want to establish if one is needed, measuring the noise exposure of employees is your first step. This will provide a clearer picture of who should be in the program and where hearing protection needs to be worn. Importantly, it will also provide documentation of who should not be in the program – removing the possibility of false liability.

Check out our guide for industrial noise measurement

Implementing noise controls (engineered or administrative)

After you know the main sources of noise, the next move is to get rid of, contain, or control it. Engineering controls such as sound blankets, isolation booths, etc. can help remove the noise altogether. Adjusting work schedules and implementing noise breaks can also be effective in reducing the time employees work in dangerous environments.

Responding to workplace noise

If engineering and administrative controls don’t reduce sound levels to a safe level for all employees, it’s time to implement a hearing conservation program. This should include a range of activities, including noise monitoring, annual hearing testing, hearing protection, recordkeeping, and more.

End-to-end hearing conservation with Anadyne

At Anadyne, we take compliance seriously. But we also recognize that just ticking boxes won’t prevent injury. That’s why we offer beyond compliance hearing conservation services, in alignment with NIOSH and other best practices.

Learn what options are available

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 ! 

Mobile Hearing Testing Services in the Pacific Northwest: What to Know

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:21:30 GMT

When it comes to hearing conservation, 22 of the 50 states run their own hearing conservation policies instead of the federal regulations. This makes choosing a local provider important, as often national providers overlook important details required at the state level.

State level OSHA hearing conservation regulations

Washington & Oregon are two of the states to have their own hearing conservation regulations.

1. Baseline hearing testing in Oregon

Oregon is one of the few states that do not allow a ‘mobile van exception’ for employees newly enrolled in the hearing conservation program. This means new hires should have their hearing tested within 6 months of being included.

Trying to manage baselines, make-ups, and retests? We've got a program for that.

2. Age correction in Washington & Oregon

Washington & Oregon are the only two states with special requirements around age correction. While it can be applied to the recordability of a Standard Threshold Shift, it does not remove the shift altogether.

Learn more on Washington & Oregon requirements

3. Hearing test examiner requirements

Unlike most states across the US, both Washington & Oregon require that the test examiner to have certain qualifications. The hearing test should be performed by either a physician, audiologist, otolaryngologist, or CAOHC certified technician.

Environmental considerations of hearing testing

Even weather can influence a person's response when hearing testing. When temperatures are extremely high or low, mobile testing vans often are uncomfortable for the employees taking the test. This can impact their focus and responses.

Why choose boothless audiometry?

Anadyne: your local mobile hearing testing provider

Hearing conservation needs are often time sensitive. Trying to coordinate around time zones can be challenging. And adding in the fact that many hearing test providers are literally ‘here today and gone tomorrow’ makes any sort of follow up needed challenging.

At Anadyne, we’ve got over 30 years of experience in hearing & the Pacific Northwest. Not only are we familiar with the local regulations, but our location makes us able to provide high quality service efficiently.

Book a free consultation with a specialist

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Why Choose Boothless Audiometry for your Mobile OSHA Hearing Tests?

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:13:49 GMT

Traditional hearing testing usually brings the image of cramming employees into hot, stale, claustrophobic booths. But at Anadyne, we’re here as the pioneers of a more comfortable solution – boothless audiometry.

Traditional mobile hearing testing options

Commonly, employers are limited to 2-3 options for getting employees hearing tested annually. However, none of these options are ideal for most organizations.

1. Local hearing clinic

Sending every employee to a clinic for their annual hearing test can quickly become complicated and time-consuming. Employees are away from their work for long periods of time, and paper shuffling becomes a hassle.

2. Mobile hearing van

Testing 4-16 employees at once is one of the most common ways of getting hearing testing done for companies of all sizes. However, there are a quite a few drawbacks:

Group setting can mean questionable accuracy
Employees often don’t feel comfortable discussing health concerns when there are others present
Multiple employees often away from their workstation for 30+ minutes leads to high negative production impact

3. In-house hearing testing

Many large corporations choose to test employees in-house, on their own schedule. While this can work out when the numbers justify it (think thousands of employees), for many employers it becomes a massive headache. In states such as Oregon & Washington, the test administrator still needs to be certified, and issues must be addressed by an audiologist.

Equipment is also expensive, and must be maintained and calibrated regularly. Finally, the paper shuffling can add a lot of strain on already overstretched safety & HR teams.

Not sure which option is best for you? Book a free consultation today

What is boothless audiometry?

Simply put, boothless audiometry is a hearing test conducted without needing a booth. Specialty equipment is used to ensure background noise does not interfere with the results of the hearing test. OSHA also outlines regulations for the background noise levels where the testing is conducted. At Anadyne, we take compliance seriously, and our procedures are consistent with the regulations.

Pros of using boothless audiometry for your industrial hearing tests

Private, comfortable hearing tests for employees

Testing employees in booths is often a highly unpleasant experience. Cramming employees into a claustrophobic, airless, uncomfortable environment can even lead to higher rates of false responses. On the other hand, boothless hearing testing has a more friendly, clinical feel. Employees give their best responses when they’re most comfortable, leading to better test accuracy.

Improved industrial hearing test accuracy

When the employee and the technician performing the test are not separated by physical barriers, concerns are addressed easier. Many employees are more likely to ask for help or mention issues in boothless environments, while technicians are able to intervene better if there is a problem.

One common complaint of group hearing testing is the questionable accuracy of the results. Employees are distracted by more noises, and often don’t feel comfortable sharing concerns when there are others present.

Don’t take our word for it – check out what customers are saying!

The Quanta industrial hearing testing system: streamlined, accurate, & comfortable

As the pioneers of boothless hearing testing for industrial environments, we’ve dedicated over a decade to developing a hearing testing system that works for any industry.

Comfortable for employees
Private test = accurate results
Low-to-no production impact

Learn more about Quanta

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Ear Fit Testing: Noise Reduction Rating vs Personal Attenuation Rating

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:34:50 GMT

As more and more awareness is raised around hearing protection fit testing , it's important to understand the common terms used when comparing fit tested PPE to lab tested PPE .

Two common descriptions of the effectiveness of hearing protection include the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and the Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR).

Basics of hearing protection fit testing

What is a hearing protection fit test?

There are several types of hearing protection fit testing, but one of the most popular tests is similar to a hearing test. The employee is tested with and without hearing protection, and the results are compared to determine their Personal Attenuation Rating.

Why fit test employee hearing protection?

According to a NIOSH study in 2017, hearing protectors are the 2nd highest expense in a hearing conservation program, second only to the program manager’s wages.

Fit testing allows you to make sure you’re getting the results you need (and paid for) out of the hearing protection . It can also help identify employees who may benefit from using a different type of hearing protector due to fit or use issues.

What is the difference between NRR vs PAR for hearing protection?

The noise reduction rating provides an estimate of attenuation that could be expected under lab conditions. However, it’s important to remember that it’s an estimate, and every ear is unique. To estimate the real-world reduction an employee will receive, you can take the labeled NRR, subtract 7, and divide the result by 2.

For example, a hearing protector with an NRR of 25 would have an estimated reduction of about 9 dB. While this would be adequate protection for a TWA of up to 99 decibels, any higher exposure risks under protecting the employee.

The personal attenuation rating is unique to each person tested – it’s based on their responses with and without hearing protection. PAR is also not subject to derating – and often, it’s higher than the noise reduction estimate.

Hearing protection fit testing: the bottom line

Fit testing your employees throughout the year is an excellent way to ensure they are getting the value out of their hearing protection. Not only will it verify who is using them correctly, but more importantly, it’ll provide warning of employees who may be at risk of a Standard Threshold Shift.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Hearing Conservation: OSHA Noise Standard vs NIOSH Best Practices

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:34:47 GMT

When it comes to hearing conservation, many companies assume that by checking the OSHA noise standard boxes, they’ll never see a recordable hearing loss injury or potential claim.

However, OSHA’s hearing conservation regulations are weaker than those of any other country in North or South America. Hearing loss is also one of the most common workplace injuries in the United States.

Clearly, compliance doesn’t always equal injury prevention.

OSHA vs NIOSH & hearing conservation

It’s important to understand the difference between OSHA & NIOSH. OSHA is a federal regulatory body that can both create and enforce safety standards.

On the other hand, NIOSH focuses on research and improving employee safety. They make recommendations to OSHA of what rules should be established based on the research conducted. Companies that choose to comply with recommended NIOSH best practices will be OSHA compliant, as NIOSH is generally safer than OSHA.

Who should be included in a hearing conservation program?

According to both OSHA & NIOSH, any employee exposed to noise levels over 85 decibels during an 8-hour Time Weighted Average should be included in a hearing conservation program (know as the Action Level).

Not sure of your facility’s sound levels? Reach out today

OSHA noise permissible exposure limit

OSHA’s permissible exposure limit for noise is 90 decibels over an 8-hour TWA. The permissible exposure limit is different from the action level of 85 dB TWA: meeting or exceeding the action level creates the need for a hearing conservation program, while meeting or exceeding the permissible exposure limit means workers should not be exposed to noise levels above it for an 8-hour time period.

NIOSH noise recommended exposure limit

NIOSH’s recommended exposure limit is not a requirement by OSHA. However, its recommended that workers are exposed to no more than an 85 dB Time Weighted Average over 8 hours, as it is recognized that noise levels above that can cause significant damage.

Best practice NIOSH hearing conservation recommendations

While not required, complying with NIOSH’s best practice recommendations can provide an enhanced level of protection from hearing loss injuries & claims.

Hearing protection fit tests for noise exposed employees

NIOSH recommends providing hearing protection fit testing to employees, both when selecting what hearing protection to provide, and when validating the effectiveness of your hearing protectors. This also guards against the risk of overprotecting your employees’ hearing.

Limit worker noise exposure to 85 decibels over 8 hours

Although OSHA requires limiting employee noise exposure to 90 decibels for 8 hours, NIOSH suggests keeping noise exposure below 85 decibels. This can take your hearing conservation program to the next level, as it halves the amount of noise exposure of the employees.

View an increase o f 3 decibels as a doubling of exposure

Decibels increase on a logarithmic scale, meaning as you increase by a certain amount, the exposure is considered to double.

OSHA regulations use a 5-decibel doubling rate, where an increase from 80 to 85 would be considered twice the noise dose, and therefore allowable for half the time. On the other hand, NIOSH recommends using a 3-decibel doubling rate, where an increase from 80 to 83 would be considered double the exposure.

Avoid overprotection when choosing hearing protection

Finally, NIOSH recognizes the risk of overprotection from hearing protectors . They recommend the hearing protection your employees wear reduce exposure to 75-85 decibels.

Overprotection can lead to further injury, beyond hearing loss. When employees can’t hear warning signals, colleagues, or signs that a machine may be functioning incorrectly, struck-by and other fatal accidents have a higher likelihood of occurring.

Filtered hearing protection: communicate safely in noise

Taking hearing conservation beyond compliance

Hearing loss can be costly. Claims for hearing loss alone are estimated to have an average yearly cost of ~$60 million in the United States. The impact on the economy shouldn’t be overlooked, either - in a study conducted by the University of Michigan, it was estimated that over 68% of the working age population with hearing loss are not employed, compared to just 27% of the working age population without hearing loss.

At Anadyne, we believe hearing conservation should be viewed as a living investment, designed to prevent employee injury, as well as the cost of hearing loss claims. That’s why we go beyond just checking boxes – we’re here to truly prevent hearing injury.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

OSHA Noise Level Monitoring: In-Depth Guide

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:34:33 GMT

Even when a hearing conservation program isn’t required, it’s important to remain aware of the noise levels at a facility. If the noise reaches a point where employees have to shout to make themselves heard from 2-3 feet away, it’s a good idea to at least implement a sound monitoring routine.

Why should you measure the noise at your facility?

It’s important to routinely check the sound your employees are exposed to. OSHA requires most companies to implement a hearing conservation when employees are exposed to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time weighted average. Records of noise exposure monitoring can help prevent citations during a surprise OSHA visit.

Keeping track of employee noise exposure can also help prevent permanent hearing injury, as employees can then avoid or reduce the time they are exposed to noise. An accurate picture of noise exposure also helps when choosing hearing protection, to ensure your employees aren’t under or over protected.

How often should noise be measured?

According to OSHA, if the company meets requirements for a hearing conservation program, noise should be remeasured any time “there are significant changes in machinery or production processes that may result in increased noise levels”.

One benefit of periodically checking the noise is that it could remove the need for a program. For example, it could be discovered that role changes no longer require long periods of time in noise, eliminating or reducing the need for a hearing conservation program.

Types of industrial noise measurements

There are two common methods for determining industrial noise levels. It’s often best to start with a sound map, as this provides the key to what areas need further monitoring or what areas do not meet the level.

1. Start with an area noise level test

When you’re first setting out to measure workplace noise, it’s a good idea to begin with an area sound measurement. While many people may think they should start with dosimetry, beginning with a sound map will provide clarity to who should be measured with dosimetry.

2. If needed, add personal noise monitoring

After a sound map is completed, outcomes could include these three things:

No employees are exposed to dangerous levels of noise over long periods of time
Some employees work in louder areas, and may need to be included in a hearing conservation program
All employees work in loud noise, and a combination of the volume and/or the length of their shift means they need to be included in a hearing conservation program

If any employees fit in parts 2 or 3, you should choose a representative group to measure their actual Time Weighted Average with noise dosimetry.

Bringing sound maps & dosimetry together

When comparing the use of sound maps to dosimetry, it can help to think about measuring the UV exposure from the sun. An area sound map would be comparable to measuring how bright sunlight is, while a personal dosimetry measurement would provide the level of UV exposure for an individual over time.

Follow up actions after sound level is established

After you have estimates of the noise exposures of your employees, there are several possible next steps. If any employees have an 8-hour (or equivalent) Time Weight Average of over 85 decibels of noise exposure, they should be considered for inclusion in the company’s hearing conservation program.

Anadyne: OSHA noise measuring + next step consultation

At Anadyne, we understand that hearing conservation can be confusing, and misunderstandings can have costly repercussions. That’s why our noise monitoring services come with the option of a free, 30 minute consultation to discuss results & next steps.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

What Makes An Effective Hearing Protector for Industrial Workers?

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:52:51 GMT

There are thousands (if not millions) of hearing protection options on the market, and choosing the best one for industrial noise can feel overwhelming. It’s important to focus on the goal of the hearing protection, and the best way to get there.

Things to consider when choosing hearing protection for factory employees

Employees are required to wear hearing protection if they are exposed to noise levels over 90 decibels during an 8-hour TWA. According to the CDC, that’s millions of employees across hundreds of industries – from transportation to manufacturing to construction.

NEW RELEASE: Custom hearing protection for the food industry

#1. Choose hearing protection that will provide the appropriate attenuation

When it comes to comparing Noise Reduction Ratings, bigger isn’t always better. The goal of hearing protection is to reduce the noise that reaches an employee’s ear to a safe level, not to isolate them from all the noise around them.

You wouldn’t wear welding goggles to drive on a sunny day, even though they’re darker than sunglasses: it’s not safe. The same applies with hearing protection – your employees should still be able to communicate safely & hear important warning signals.

At the same time, it’s important to make sure your employees are not underprotected. For most companies, OSHA requires that hearing protection is worn if employees are exposed to above 90 decibels over an 8-hour TWA, or 85 decibels if an employee has had a Standard Threshold Shift.

Fit testing: best method to select appropriate attenuation for your employees

#2. Hearing protection should be easy to insert correctly

It’s important to choose hearing protection that’s easy for employees to insert correctly, every time. Many universal fit hearing protectors can be worn incorrectly, and still look like they are being used.

Studies have found that at least half of employees who wear hearing protection receive ½ or less of the possible NRR, because the hearing protectors are either not worn consistently or not inserted correctly.

#3. If they aren't comfortable to wear for the entire shift, keep looking

When hearing protection is removed for 2 minutes while exposed to noise, it becomes 25% less effective. If employees aren’t able to wear the hearing protection the entire time they are exposed to dangerous noise, they are at increased risk of a hearing injury.

Custom hearing protection: the most effective hearing protection for factory & industrial employees

Custom hearing protection has become a favorite for safety teams who are looking to go the extra mile in preserving their employees’ hearing health. At Anadyne, we don’t take a ‘one size fits all’ approach – because one size doesn’t fit all. Our custom hearing protection is manufactured individually for each employee.

Worn consistently & correctly

With our custom hearing protection, there’s only one way to insert it – the correct way. And Anadyne’s filtered options don’t need to be removed for face-to-face or radio communication, protecting your employees the entire time they’re exposed to noise.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Are Earmuffs Truly Effective for Loud Industrial Environments?

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:32:52 GMT

Earmuff hearing protectors often have a higher Noise Reduction Rating than many in-ear hearing protection devices. However, does this higher rating directly equal a higher level of protection?

Like all hearing protection, it’s important to think beyond the NRR when evaluating the effectiveness of a hearing protector. Employees should be able to insert them easily, and shouldn’t need to remove them for communication or comfort issues.

Guide: choosing effective hearing protection

Earmuffs have potential to be effective, but often are not

With a common Noise Reduction Rating of over 30 decibels, earmuffs have a lot of potential when it comes to protecting the hearing of your employees. However, they are often used inconsistently or not maintained properly, leading to reduce noise protection.

Fit testing: track the effectiveness of your hearing protection

Maintaining a proper seal can be challenging

Since earmuffs do not seal into the wearer’s ear, they rely on a firm exterior seal. Many things can interfere with this seal, including safety glasses (or any other kind of glasses), hairstyles, and hats. This significantly reduces the attenuation of the earmuffs, resulting in potentially damaging exposure levels.

Extended use periods can cause comfort issues

Earmuffs also must compress the user’s head to maintain the seal. While this can work for shorter periods of time, over a full shift it often becomes highly inconvenient. Heat can also create a comfort issue, specially when the muffs are worn with a hard hat.

Best earmuff alternatives for factory workers: custom hearing protection

While earmuffs can be effective in extreme environments where double hearing protection is required any way, insert hearing protectors are more likely to be used correctly & consistently.

Custom hearing protection provides the most comfortable option for factory & industrial employees. Molded to the shape of the user’s ear, they are easy to insert & comfortable to wear for the entire time an employee is in noise – one of the determining factors that makes a hearing protector effective.

Learn more about Anadyne’s custom hearing protection options

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Do Earbuds Protect Hearing? The Risks of 'Active Noise Cancelling' in the Workplace

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:13:41 GMT

In today's world, more and more people enjoy their favorite tunes, audiobooks, and more through wireless listening devices such as earbuds. However, using these devices in the workplace can create a false sense of security through the labelling of 'active noise cancelling' technology.

Increased danger of hearing loss

While labeled as 'noise cancelling,' most personal listening devices have not been subjected to the same tests as true hearing protection devices. External noise still reaches the ear at unsafe levels, and often the audio that is played is increased to overcome this difficulty. This can expose the user to noise levels that can cause permanent hearing damage.

Allowing employees in a hearing conservation program to use personal listening devices can also put the employer at risk of hearing injury claims later on.

Reach out to learn more about Anadyne's preventative, end-to-end solutions for workplace noise

Beyond hearing damage: danger of other serious or fatal injuries

Personal listening devices are also discouraged in the workplace due to the decreased situational awareness they can bring. Employees may be unable to hear warnings from colleagues, mechanical signals that something isn't right, or even the simple alert tone of a reversing forklift.

In 2024, a young employee in Georgia suffered a fatal injury when she attempted to recover a dropped earbud. Bending down, she became caught in a machine & later died due to her injuries.

Risk of noncompliance with an internal or OSHA audit

When it comes to hearing protection, OSHA requires that the attenuation of hearing protection must be enough to reduce the employees' exposure to 90 decibels over an 8-hour shift (unless a Standard Threshold Shift has occurred). It's also required that the hearing protection has a Noise Reduction Rating, as directed by the EPA.

It's important for employers to note that most personal listening devices such as earbuds do not have a Noise Reduction Rating and therefore would not be considered a hearing protector in case of an audit - either internal or external.

In a letter of interpretation in 2019, OSHA clearly states "A portable music player is not a substitute for hearing protection." The letter goes on to say that the use of listening devices can be permitted at the employer's discretion unless such use create or augments other hazards.

The solution: end-to-end noise management

When it comes to hearing conservation, it's important to view it as investment, rather than a money or time liability.

An interwoven hearing conservation program

At Anadyne, we offer a complete, interwoven hearing conservation solution. From periodic reviews of sound exposure to controls to eliminate the noise, our team is dedicated to persevering hearing health in the workplace.

The bonus of implementing controls & verifying employees are not exposed to noise above the OSHA Action Level? You could allow employees to enjoy their listening devices once more.

Filtered hearing protection

For companies who aren't able to fully eliminate the noise, Anadyne offers custom filtered hearing protection. This is an ideal solution for employees who need to communicate either face to face or over the radio. Many also enjoy music played in the background, while wearing their custom hearing protection.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Guide to an Effective Hearing Conservation Program

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Mon, 05 May 2025 20:22:40 GMT

It’s estimated that over 22 million US employees are exposed to dangerous noise levels every year. According to Federal OSHA, employees who are exposed to over 85 decibels during an 8-hour time period should be included in a “continuing, effective hearing conservation program”.

While thousands of companies have some components of a hearing conservation program, many still find themselves with OSHA recordable injuries and Worker’s Comp claims to deal with. That’s because often, compliance isn’t enough.

OSHA's noise exposure allows more noise than any other country in the Americas

Goals of implementing a hearing conservation program

The goal of a hearing conservation program is twofold:

Preventing permanent hearing damage

The primary goal of a hearing conservation program is to protect employees from permanent damage to their hearing. This usually involves engineering & administrative controls, and PPE, to reduce the amount of noise that employees are exposed. Early intervention in the event of a shift can also serve as an opportunity to create awareness and prevent further damage.

Protecting employers from false liability

In today’s world, more and more people are exposed to loud levels of noise outside the workplace. This means that employees can show hearing damage that isn’t always work related. That’s where an effective hearing conservation program is essential to avert false liability for the employer.

Beyond compliance: bringing together an effective hearing conservation program

An effective hearing conservation program should be able to both prevent injuries, and false liability. In the event of an injury that is likely not work related, an employer should have a full range of measurements and studies that can be used as proof. This could include the following:

Dosimetry documentation that the employee wasn't exposed to enough noise to cause the damage
Fit testing results proving the employee achieved an appropriate level of attenuation
Sound mapping results demonstrating the employee did not work in a high noise area

Anadyne: relating processes to prevent hearing injury

At Anadyne, we’re pleased to offer beyond compliance hearing conservation services, for teams that are looking to protect employees better than required. We’re now offer a full hearing conservation program establishment or evaluation package – reach out to learn more!

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Fitting Baseline Audiograms Into Your Hearing Conservation Program

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Mon, 05 May 2025 18:37:29 GMT

Baseline hearing tests are essential in a hearing conservation testing program – they provide the reference for determining if an injury has occurred, or intervening before a shift is likely to happen. When companies are hiring employees throughout the year, it’s important that they consider when the baseline audiogram takes place.

When do employees need a baseline audiogram?

Deciding if an employee should be included in a hearing conservation program, and therefore if they need a baseline audiogram, often will vary by company.

Inclusion in a hearing conservation program

Federal OSHA requires that employees who are exposed to an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) of over 85 decibels be included in a hearing conservation program. This should include a range of factors, including hearing protection use, recordkeeping, and hearing testing .

Timeframe for getting the industrial hearing test

The question often comes – how long do I have after employees are included in the hearing conservation program to get the baseline hearing test? Again, the answer varies by agency. However, companies should be aware that federal regulations can be different than the state agency they are under.

In Washington , and most other states, the baseline audiogram should be completed within 6 months – unless testing is conducted with mobile units. Then the regulation known as the ‘mobile van exception’ allows employers 12 months to get their baseline hearing tests done.

However, employers in Oregon should be aware that Oregon OSHA did not adopt the mobile van exception , only allowing employers 6 months to get the baseline audiograms taken care of.

What employers (and employees) should know before a baseline hearing test

It’s critical that your baseline hearing tests are accurate, as this is the documentation that’s used to initially determine if an injury is possible or imminent. Prior to a hearing test, it’s important to note that federal OSHA requires that:

The employee should not be exposed to workplace noise for at least 14 hours prior to the hearing test (however, hearing protection can be used to reduce the noise to a safe level)

Baseline hearing test practices + Anadyne's streamlined solution

While employers have 6-12 months to establish the baseline depending on the agency they are under, best practice would be to get the test done as soon as possible after hire. Since it isn’t always practical to get the test done on the first day of employment, Anadyne’s scheduling options help you get your baselines done in a timely fashion without disrupting operations or needing to send employees to offsite clinics.

Learn more about our custom scheduling programs today

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Ear Fit Testing is Here to Stay: What to Know

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Mon, 05 May 2025 18:22:35 GMT

Ever since the US Department of Defense expanded requirements for hearing protection fit testing towards the end of 2023, employers across many industries are looking to increase their compliance with best practices that could soon become regulations.

What is hearing protection fit testing?

Hearing protection fit testing provides a way to measure the effectiveness of wearing hearing protection , at an individual level. While hearing protectors must be labeled with an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating), it’s important to know that that number is calculated in a lab & likely isn’t the attenuation every employee will receive.

Instead, fit testing provides employees with an individual PAR (Personal Attenuation Rating). This number provides a much more accurate measurement of how much attenuation an employee will receive in field conditions.

How does hearing protection fit testing work?

There are two common types of hearing protection fit testing systems – quantitative & qualitative. Whichever system is used will compare sound levels outside/without the hearing protection, to the sound level inside the ear while the hearing protection is worn.

Quantitative ear fit testing

These systems are designed to measure the noise inside an employee's ear canal while hearing protection is being worn and compare it to noise levels outside of the ear canal. However, they aren’t always compatible with many types of hearing protection and can be awkward to use.

Qualitative ear fit testing

Qualitative hearing protection fit testing systems are designed for ease of use. The difference in employees’ responses to different tones is compared while wearing the hearing protectors & with the hearing protectors removed. Anadyne’s fit testing system is compatible with any type of insert hearing protection – from universal fit to custom molded.

Is hearing protection fit testing required for my company?

Most employee safety agencies – aside from the Department of Defense – do not yet require fit testing to be implemented. However, as technologies for fit testing have updated, in 2025 NIOSH released new recommendations for fit testing of individual’s hearing protection.

What are the benefits of fit testing my employees' hearing protection?

Fit testing employee’s hearing protection comes with many benefits, and helps take your hearing conservation program beyond compliance.

Early identification of those at risk of an STS

Fit testing the effectiveness of hearing protection can provide early warning of employees who are at risk of Standard Threshold Shifts. If an employee is not reaching the necessary level of attenuation for their job, fit testing provides an opportunity to pre-empt possible injuries and evaluate different types of hearing protectors for the affected employee.

Reduce wasted resources on ineffective PPE

Considering the average manufacturer can spend thousands of dollars on hearing protection for their team every year, it’s important to track if the protectors are effective. If employees are not receiving the needed level of attenuation, fit testing can help reduce waste on the PPE.

Choosing appropriate hearing protection

Anadyne's streamlined & effective fit testing system

Hearing protection fit testing solutions integrate with your hearing conservation program, including providing context about appropriate hearing protection device selection for individuals. Anadyne’s system is designed to be easy to use & an effective part of your HCP – reach out today.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Choosing a Mobile Hearing Testing Provider

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:51:30 GMT

There are hundreds (or thousands) of OSHA mobile hearing testing services out there. But not all OSHA hearing testing companies are the same. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing a hearing testing provider – beyond the hearing test itself.

Hearing conservation services in the Pacific Northwest

Hearing conservation in the Pacific Northwest is unique - both Washington & Oregon have their own state-level guidelines that employers should comply with. Choosing a local hearing testing provider helps you stay compliant with the regulations that apply in your state.

Check out our pages on Oregon & Washington regulations

Factors to consider when choosing your mobile hearing testing provider

Choosing a hearing conservation partner can be difficult. Do you go with the cheapest option, or the company known for their reliability? Is it better to choose a company that provides cookie-cutter services, or a local provider with decades of industry knowledge?

#1. Anadyne provides much more than just a hearing test

Many hearing conservation providers do nothing past the actual conducting of hearing tests. However, our team isn’t just here to give hearing tests – we provide customer support year-round, from consultations on next steps to best practice recommendations.

Unlike many industrial hearing service providers, Anadyne is committed to responsiveness – someone from our team will respond to any call within 24 hours.

As Tara, an HSE coordinator at a Portland metal company, put it, “the best part is the customer service, whenever I have a question, [the Anadyne team has] always given me a callback or answered the phone promptly.”

#2. Anadyne's local expertise & regulatory compliance

When choosing a workplace hearing testing provider, it’s important to consider their experience & compliance track record. Our team has over 30 years of experience in the hearing industry in the Pacific Northwest.

The states of Oregon & Washington have unique requirements that many national providers overlook, but it’s important to be sure you are in compliance with the correct agency. Anadyne’s team of hearing conservationists are CAOHC certified, in compliance with state-level regulations in Oregon & Washington .

Below are just a few differences that should not be overlooked:

Age-correction should not be applied to standard threshold shifts in Oregon or Washington
The baseline mobile van exemption does not apply in Oregon
Oregon & Washington require that the testing technicians be CAOHC certified or a physician, audiologist, or otolaryngologist

#3. Putting the mobile in mobile hearing testing

When choosing an industrial hearing service provider, it’s important to make sure they are truly ‘mobile’.

Our most popular hearing testing option adapts to your needs, from complex shift patterns to multiple plant locations to quality & security protocols.

Case study: hearing conservation for the food/beverage industry

#4. Anadyne's full hearing conservation service range

Finally, it’s important to make sure your OSHA hearing testing provider can do more than just your mobile hearing testing. Hearing conservation is made up of many moving parts, from dosimetry to hearing protection fit testing to recordkeeping.

Anadyne provides complete, customizable hearing conservation services – our packages can include any arrangement of custom hearing protection , sound studies, and more.

Reach out to learn more about the services we offer

Anadyne's m obile hearing testing services: the bottom line

When it comes to choosing an OSHA hearing testing partner, it’s important to consider the level of service they’ll provide. And that’s beyond the hearing tests – that includes responsive, report turn-around times, and a wide range of other factors. Whatever your hearing conservation needs consist of, Anadyne’s team is here to continue providing the ‘top-tier’ customer service hundreds of PNW companies already enjoy.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

OSHA Hearing Testing Employees Below the Action Level

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 17:06:54 GMT

Workplace safety is becoming more than just compliance – more and more companies are going above and beyond to protect their employees. And for many companies, hearing conservation hasn’t been left behind.

As workplace safety becomes more and more emphasized, a developing trend is including employees who are not exposed to the OSHA Action Level for noise in a hearing conservation program. This is an excellent way to comply with hearing conservation best practices and go the extra mile in preserving the hearing health of your employees. However, safety teams should be aware of some key details when considering implementing such as hearing testing program.

When does OSHA require industrial hearing testing?

Depending on the state and/or the agency the company is under, the answer could vary. However, Federal OSHA requires that employees who have an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) of over 85 decibels should be included in a hearing conservation program, including annual hearing testing .

A general rule of thumb is if your employees have to shout to hear each other from 2-3 feet away, the noise levels are likely near the 85 decibel mark.

Not sure what the noise levels are at your facility? Ask about our dosimetry & sound measurement services

Testing employees who aren't exposed to the noise action level

Providing hearing tests to employees who may not be exposed to the 85 decibel level can be a good idea; however, there are some considerations employers should be aware of when implementing such a program.

Ensure your industrial hearing testing service provider is aware of the program

It’s key to keep your hearing testing provider informed if you decide to implement hearing testing for employees who aren’t exposed to the action level. This will help you minimize headaches later, especially if an employee who doesn’t meet the action level shows a recordable injury.

Anadyne offers a comprehensive Wellness Program, which can be set up as a standalone service or in addition to hearing conservation testing. It’s simple to set up & easy to maintain, and our team works with yours to ensure the records are kept straight.

Verify your OSHA hearing testing provider can process the data correctly

When you have a hearing testing program for employees below the action level, it’s also important that your hearing testing provider can process the data correctly. Many companies may have internal policies for hearing testing benefits, but their provider may not have a structured approach to processing the data.

At Anadyne, we’re set up to maintain your Wellness Program without compromising hearing conservation compliance. This means you won’t need to worry about false-flagged recordable injuries , and keeps your records accurate & up-to-date.

Industrial hearing testing for employees below the action level: the bottom line

Providing hearing testing services as a workplace benefit is an excellent preventative measure for your employees. However, it should be addressed up front with your provider, and your provider should be able to maintain the data separately from the main hearing conservation group.

Reach out today to learn more about implementing an effective hearing conservation program & an accurate comprehensive Wellness Program!

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-971-4420 !

Industrial Hearing Services for Controlled & Cleanroom Environments

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:26:10 GMT

From semiconductors to soda, there are many industries that have strict product quality & safety protocols that must be adhered to. This can make employee safety programs difficult to administer, including hearing conservation. However, you shouldn’t have to choose between product safety & employee safety – our flexible process can tailor to your needs.

NEW RELEASE: food-grade detectable custom hearing protection

Hearing conservation in the food & beverage industry

From mixing to bottling to milling, employees working in food & beverage industries are routinely exposed to noise levels above the OSHA Action Level of 85 decibels. At this point, most employers are required to implement an effective hearing conservation program, including annual hearing testing and providing employees with hearing protection .

OSHA noise standards in the Pacific Northwest

Where hearing conservation meets quality & safety standards

However, many industries have tight quality standards that require employees to maintain an exceptionally clean working environment, from doffing & donning of food defense gear to decontamination processes. When it comes to hearing conservation, traditional industrial hearing testing services just don’t cut it.

Traditional OSHA hearing testing services just don't cut it

From production delays to inaccurate hearing testing to compromised product safety, traditional industrial hearing testing systems are never quite right for industries with high quality standards.

The old way #1: mobile hearing testing trucks

A common but unpopular way of complying with OSHA's industrial hearing testing guidelines is to bring in an external mobile hearing testing truck. While this can be often for a very few employers, it's not a recommended method for those looking for hearing testing alternatives.

Why? Hearing testing with trucks comes with a hidden cost - major increases in employee downtime.

One Oregon manufacturer discovered truck-based hearing testing forced them to shut down 1/3 of their production lines during the hearing testing event, causing a major drop in output & an operations headache .

Interested in our OSHA hearing testing options? Reach out today !

The old way #2: sending employees to local hearing testing clinics

Employers who realize that mobile hearing testing trucks are not a good long term solution may explore sending employees to local hearing testing clinics. However, this becomes extremely inefficient, and makes keeping track of hearing test records difficult.

Anadyne's flexible mobile hearing testing system for food & beverage manufacturers

A frozen food processing plant in Washington was struggling to manage their hearing conservation program alongside their food safety protocols. There were at least 6 individual steps that employees had to take from when they left their workstation to when they returned after receiving a hearing test:

Remove gowns
Walk outside
Take a hearing test
Walk inside
Decontaminate
Re-gown & glove
Back to task

This meant employees were away from their work for over 30 minutes at a time.

Anadyne set up in accordance with food safety protocols in an easily accessible area for the employees, and provided hearing tests without them needing to leave the 'clean' processing area.

Anadyne's mobile hearing testing event cut the time away from task per employee to less than 10 minutes.

Hearing conservation in the food industry: the bottom line

The strict protocols of this industry call for a more adaptable option than traditional hearing testing services provide.

It’s less disruptive for one of our technicians to go through the decontamination process, than your whole team.

Our hearing testing & custom hearing protection solutions are designed to accommodate the unique needs of every company.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-971-4420 !

Industrial Hearing Protection & the Food Industry

tw@anadyne.com (Thalia Whitney) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 19:24:17 GMT

Understandably, food manufacturers have strict protocols when it comes to food safety. From gloves to hairnets, regulations on what must be worn versus what shouldn’t be worn during shifts help protect consumers, reduce recalls, and avoid public relations issues. Personal protective equipment is often required to ensure food is safe for consumers – but what about when PPE is required to protect employees?

Why detectable hearing protection is important

In the food manufacturing industry, it’s not uncommon for employees to be exposed to noise levels over the 85 dB(A) OSHA Action Level. Employees should wear hearing protection while exposed to these loud levels of noise.

However, most types of hearing protection are small and barely noticeable. If the protectors are not fitted correctly, they are likely to end up in the products employees are working on. And if they’re not fully detectable, the risk of them going unobserved is high.

Anadyne's fully detectable custom hearing protection

Custom shouldn’t only refer to the shape of your hearing protection. We’re excited to release a new, metal-detectable hearing protection option, to enhance the safety of your employees and the quality of your products.

Learn more about our custom hearing protection options

Easier to catch with the human eye

Your first layer of defense against foreign-object contamination isn’t always your equipment. It can be your employees & colleagues. A hearing protector should be easily visible whether it’s being worn or not.

Our detectable hearing protection follows the common food industry practice of molding objects that should be noticed in a dark blue color. This improves the visibility of the hearing protection to the human eye, increasing protection against foreign-object contamination.

X-Ray & metal-detectable custom hearing protection

Our custom hearing protection is also metal detectable, with several individual metal pieces to maximize detectability. From the handle to the filters, our hearing protection can be detected by both magnetic and x-ray detection systems.

Choosing detectable hearing protection your employees will wear

There are a wide range of detectable hearing protection options on the market. While the detectability features are an important factor to consider, there are other factors that should be considered as well.

It’s important to be sure your employees will actually wear their detectable hearing protection. If they’re not worn correctly, the protectors are much more likely to find their way into the food product.

#1. Is the hearing protection comfortable enough to be worn for an entire shift?

When employees find their hearing protectors are uncomfortable, they’ll likely remove them during their shift. Considering that 2 minutes of exposure to noise without hearing protection makes that protection 25% less effective, investing in hearing protection that your employees find comfortable will be well worth it.

The most comfortable hearing protection for your employees

#2. Can your employees communicate safely while wearing the hearing protection?

Another major reason for employees removing or even not wearing their hearing protection is when the hearing protection is overprotecting them. When employees remove their hearing protection to communicate with each other, they are at increased risk of standard threshold shifts.

Learn how our hearing protection options enhance safe communication

#3. Is the detectable hearing protection compatible with other PPE?

Hearing protection likely isn’t the only PPE your employees are required to wear on the job. From face shields to safety glasses, anything that breaks the seal of earmuffs significantly decreases the attenuation of the muffs.

Our custom metal detectable hearing protection can be worn with other PPE without negative effects, while the small mold ensures it can be worn as an effective double protection, as well.

Detectable hearing protection: the bottom line

Anadyne's detectable custom hearing protection options have multiple layers of defense against foreign-product contamination. With a comfortable fit, a visible make, and enhanced detectable options, our custom hearing protection keeps your food safe for consumers while protection your employees hearing.

Click to learn more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Filtered Industrial Hearing Protection Explained

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 23:37:18 GMT

With thousands of varieties of industrial hearing protection, finding the right options for your employees’ needs is challenging. The hearing protection should be comfortable enough to be worn the entire time employees are exposed to noise, and the need for communication shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing hearing protection for your employees.

Solid vs filtered vs electronic hearing protection

When it comes to industrial earplugs, there are three main categories they can fall into: solid, active electronic/shooter’s, and filtered.

Solid industrial hearing protection

Solid hearing protection is one of the most common types of hearing protection: universal fit earplugs are the best-known example. If worn correctly & consistently, these have an average attenuation of up to 40 dB in the high frequencies, and only up to 20 dB in the lower frequencies.

The problem? Most industrial noise is louder in the low & mid frequencies, and speech clarity depends on hearing the higher frequencies. This means your employees will need to remove their hearing protection to communicate with each other, or even to hear important warning signals or alarms.

Learn more about Anadyne’s custom hearing protection options

Active electronic & shooter's hearing protection

Electronic hearing protection devices are designed to work best for impulse noise exposure, such as hunting or shooting. When in use, they electronically monitor the ambient noise levels, and reduce the volume before they reach your ears.

The technology isn’t inexpensive, however, making them impractical for many in industrial environments.

Reach out to learn about our connected communication devices

Filtered hearing protection

Passive filtered hearing protection devices combine the protection of solid hearing protection with the communication benefits of electronic protection. Your employees are protected from the dangerous levels of noise and able to communicate with each other face to face – without needing to remove their hearing protection.

Similar to turning the volume down, our hearing protection reduces the noise level evenly across all frequencies, allowing employees to communicate with each other safely. Filtered industrial hearing protection is also easy to use and more cost effective than electronic hearing protection – no need to worry about battery life, expensive replacements, and fit issues.

Filtered hearing protection – learn more

Anadyne's filtered hearing protection: the difference

Not all filtered hearing protection is created equal. Even when it comes to filtered hearing protection, there are hundreds of choices & varieties. But there are – key factors that make Anadyne’s options unique & more effective than any other filtered hearing protection on the market today.

Even attenuation across all frequencies

Most filtered hearing protection attenuate more noise in the higher frequencies, meaning the filtered earplug you paid extra for is blocking noise just like a standard earplug would. However, Anadyne’s communication options attenuate noise evenly across all frequencies. This blocks out the dangerous noise employees are exposed to, while allowing conversation clarity between employees.

IP rated noise filters for extended lifespan

Custom hearing protection needs to last. Employees aren’t always working in a spotlessly clean and dry environment, and you need to be sure their noise filter will continue working regardless of dust & debris.

That’s why our most popular options have IP rated filters to enhance the lifespan of your hearing protection. These filters are rated IP55 or IP54 depending on the attenuation chosen, so you know your employees will remain protected.

Visible & labeled noise filter

Some filtered hearing protectors don’t have a visible filter. This can lead to questions – is the filter even there? Is it still in a working condition?

Our most popular filters are manufactured for protection and visibility. A large footprint with up to 7 layers in one filter and a color-coded label ensures these durable filters will be obvious if they’re not there.

Guaranteed effectiveness for 6 years

Finally, our most popular filtered hearing protection is guaranteed for up to 6 years, ensuring your employees are guaranteed protection. Our protectors have a longer lifespan – up to 10 years with fit-testing.

Filtered hearing protection for employees: the bottom line

Custom fit & filtered hearing protection is a worthwhile investment for employers who are looking to get more value out of the hearing protection they’re providing to their employees. By wearing their hearing protection more consistently while in noise, employees will be better protected and able to communicate safely with each other.

Click to learn more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Why Choose Custom Hearing Protection for Your Employees?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 23:41:29 GMT

Hearing protection is only effective when worn correctly and consistently – the entire time employees are exposed to noise. You may be providing your employees with a choice of hearing protectors, according to safety regulations. But if they’re uncomfortable, don’t allow for communication, and aren’t easy for your employees to use in the field, you’re likely not receiving any value from the hearing protectors.

The real goal of providing hearing protection

When choosing hearing protection for your employees, it’s important to keep in mind the objective of providing hearing protection.

The purpose of hearing protection isn’t to isolate your employees from hearing every sound during their work shift.

Remember: 2 minutes of exposure to dangerous noise levels without hearing protection makes the hearing protection 25% less effective. But your employees still need to communicate with each other.

Instead of blocking out all the noise your employees are exposed to during a shift, filtered custom hearing protection allows your employees to communicate with each other face to face, without needing to remove their protectors.

Interested in exploring our communication protection devices? Contact us today!

Benefits of choosing industrial custom hearing protection

When choosing industrial hearing protection for your employees, it’s important to keep the “Cs” of hearing protection in mind. Anadyne’s custom hearing protection checks all the boxes, and then some.

#1. Comfortable to wear, all day long

One of the top reasons for not wearing hearing protection is the lack of comfort typically associated with hearing protectors.

Earmuffs become uncomfortable for extended periods of time, especially when in confined spaces or high temperatures. Universal fit earplugs are often uncomfortable for a variety of reasons, from improper insertion techniques to the uniqueness of ear canal shapes.

Custom fit hearing protection is pre-fit to the employees’ ear, ensuring that it fits correctly the first time, and is comfortable to wear for an entire shift.

Learn about our fit guarantee

#2. Easy to use & compatible with other PPE

Hearing protection doesn’t need to be a hassle for your employees to use correctly. Our custom hearing protection is easy to insert – no special techniques or accessories are needed to secure a proper fit.

Many types of hearing protection can’t be worn correctly with other required safety equipment such as helmets, glasses, etc. Anadyne’s options are compatible with any other PPE that is required and can be used effectively under earmuffs for employees who need to wear dual hearing protection.

Are earmuffs a good choice for your employees?

#3. The need for safe communication

Another major reason employees report for not wearing their hearing protection the full time they are exposed to noise is their need to communicate. Whether it’s a quick conversation or an in-depth discussion, hearing protection can get in the way.

But 2 minutes without hearing protection while in noise makes them 25% less effective.

And that decreased effectiveness adds up over a shift, to the point where the people who wear hearing protection are at increased risk of permanent hearing injuries.

The solution? Filtered hearing protection blocks out the dangerous noise your employees are exposed to but allows face-to-face conversations and important warning signals to be heard.

Industrial custom hearing protection: the best way to prevent occupational NIHL

Providing custom hearing protection to your employees is one of the best ways to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Employees are still able to communicate with each other effectively, and a comfortable fit ensures that they are worn all shift long.

Learn more, or visit our Frequently Asked Questions

Industrial Hearing Testing for Temporary Employees

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:02:44 GMT

With over two million temporary employees in the workforce in the USA during 2023, there is no reason they should be overlooked when it comes to safety training and hearing conservation. However, in many industries temporary workers can be twice as likely to experience a workplace injury – and the topic of hearing conservation is no different. ‘Host employers’ can often overlook the OSHA noise standard requirements as related to their temporary workers.

OSHA hearing conservation program guidelines

Who should be included in a hearing conservation program?

According to federal OSHA, employees who are exposed to a time-weighted average over 85 decibels for an 8-hour shift should be enrolled in the hearing conservation program. However, it’s important for employers to know that individual states and even different agencies can have unique requirements.

We also offer Wellness hearing testing services for those looking to provide hearing testing as an employee benefit – reach out to learn why this can be beneficial to your company.

When is annual hearing testing required?

Federal OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.95 states that audiometric testing program should be established for all employees whose noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels.

Mobile hearing testing FAQs

Annual hearing testing for temporary employees

Who is responsible to provide the hearing testing?

According to OSHA’s temporary worker initiative, the responsibility to protect the hearing safety of the employees is shared between the host employer and the staffing agency. One of our hearing conservation experts, Wayne , asked an OSHA personnel who should be considered responsible for the hearing tests:

“We have answered the question with a question: 'Who is providing the employee’s PPE? Is the staffing agency providing their hi-vis vest or is the host employer?’”

It isn't always easy that the host employer be responsible for the hearing tests. But who would neglect them altogether? - an ex-employee could make a claim for hearing loss and the host employer would have no records to defend themselves with. Instead, the host employer and the staffing agency would be best to work together to ensure the hearing safety of the temporary employee.

How does this impact temporary employees?

In a 2018 bulletin from the Temporary Worker Initiative, OSHA explains how responsibility for the hearing safety of a temporary worker could be shared between the host employer and the staffing agency. There is no exemption for temporary workers receiving a baseline audiogram – but it doesn’t necessarily have to be provided by the host employer. Instead, the bulletin notes that when temporary employees ‘may be missed by the host employers’ baseline and audiometric testing programs, staffing agencies may be better positioned to meet these requirements.' Agreement documentation between employees and temporary labor agencies may clarify this, re-reading these is always a good idea.

Industrial audiometry for temporary employees: the bottom line

It’s important to note that it is hard to find hard and fast rules or exceptions for audiometric testing for temporary employees. However, the safe option as always is to provide the hearing test, or at least ensure the staffing agency is conducting yearly hearing testing.

Questions on hearing conservation, hearing testing, or hearing protection? Reach out or visit our Frequently Asked Questions

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Hearing Testing & Protection Trends: 2025

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 19:17:51 GMT

In 2024, we’ve seen big changes in the way hearing conservation programs are addressed. At the employer level, we’re seeing annual hearing tests provided as an employee wellness benefit – an excellent way to care for the health of your employees. Changes in regulations at the Department of Defense are contributing to increased implementation of hearing protection fit-testing. And finally, the ever-increasing discussion about earbuds/other audio playing devices used as hearing protection.

Hearing testing employees not exposed to loud noise

One of the biggest changes we’ve seen in hearing conservation this year has been the interest in providing hearing tests to employees not exposed to the OSHA Action Level of 85 decibels. More and more employers are offering annual hearing testing as an employment benefit, and this is an excellent way of caring for the hearing of your employees.

However, employers should be aware that there are risks of false STS flags when doing so. If an employee who works in the office is exposed to recreational loud noise, it can result in the rise of false Standard Threshold Shift notices.

Anadyne’s Wellness Program is designed to separately process tests for employees above and below the Action Level as needed. We work with you to identify which employees need their hearing test records processed differently, and after the event you’ll receive a clear report detailing which employees were tested as part of your standard Hearing Conservation Program, versus which employees were tested as part of your Wellness Program.

Interested in providing hearing testing for your employees? Reach out today !

Hearing protection fit-testing

The Department of Defense released requirements for hearing protection fit-testing in late 2023. As a result, throughout 2024 employers are becoming more and more aware of the benefits that hearing protection fit-testing can provide.

Our hearing conservation experts predict that the biggest change for hearing conservation in 2025 will be more definition around what hearing protection fit-testing is. Increased discussion and research by NIOSH about hearing protection fit-testing will likely develop for several years, until there is enough data to create a new OSHA regulation about how it can be applied to a hearing conservation program.

Get ahead of the regulations – ask about our hearing protection fit-testing system

Earbuds as hearing protection?

One of the biggest discussions we’ve seen this year has been between employees and employers, on the use of earbuds as hearing protection devices. There are several scenarios that can play out in this situation, and the lack of detailed regulations can lead to confusion.

Hearing protection is not always required where the employee is exposed to noise levels below the 90-decibel permissible exposure limit. Although not prohibited by OSHA, it’s in this scenario that the most damage can occur due to wearing earbuds as hearing protection. Since most employers don’t measure the noise levels coming from the earbuds, the employee could be exposed to much louder levels of noise than their official TWA states.

Where hearing protection is required, OSHA states that the protection must have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The majority of common wireless earbuds do not have the ANSI rating that OSHA requires. This also applies for ‘noise cancelling’ earbuds . Employers should be aware that ‘noise cancelling' is not the same as hearing protection or an NRR rating.

Hearing protection that allows for safe communication

Hearing testing & protection in 2025: the bottom line

Based on what we’ve seen in 2024, we predict that employers will continue to take proactive steps to prevent employee hearing loss. The implementation of hearing testing for employees that are not exposed to noise, as well as the further research and implementation of hearing protection fit-testing, will help contribute to an enhanced safety culture.

Looking to update your hearing conservation program for 2025? Reach out today !

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888-972-4420 !

Is Custom Hearing Protection Worth It?

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:40:02 GMT

Custom hearing protection may seem like a large initial outlay when it comes to protecting the hearing of your employees. However, there are three major factors that combine to make this expense worthwhile and make custom hearing protection the most effective type of hearing protection there is.

1. Most comfortable type of hearing protection

No two ears are alike – ears are as unique as fingerprints. So why do we expect the same hearing protection to work for different people? One of the most common complaints about hearing protection is that it’s uncomfortable - a study by the National Institute of Health found that nearly half of employees didn’t believe hearing protection could fit comfortably when being worn correctly. The reason for discomfort varies by type of hearing protection – single use hearing protection comfort issues are typically in the ear canal, while earmuffs can be uncomfortable in high heat environments or over prolonged periods of usage.

Custom fit hearing protection ensures that your employees don’t skip wearing hearing protection due to fit issues. Molded to your employees’ ear, and with a small design, our custom hearing protection protects your employees’ hearing without sacrificing comfort.

2. Communication hearing protection

Another common complaint about hearing protection is that employees cannot communicate with each other. Although industrial noise is generally loudest in the lower frequencies, typical hearing protection blocks more sound in high frequencies and less in the low frequencies. This means you are sacrificing speech clarity, while receiving a lower amount of protection where it is needed.

Blocking speech frequencies is another reason employees do not wear hearing protection as consistently as they should, leading to an increased risk of damage. For example, an employee who is exposed is in noise removing hearing protection for 2 minutes makes it 25% less effective. By the end of the day, that quickly adds up. 2 hours without hearing protection in noise makes it 75% less effective.

Our passive filtered custom hearing protection ensures attenuation is most effective across all frequencies evenly. This means that your employees will still be able to communicate without needing to remove their hearing protection.

3. Correct & consistent use of hearing protection

The most effective type of hearing protection is known to be the type that your employees will wear consistently and correctly when exposed to noise. However, according to a study by NIOSH, over 50% of employees exposed to loud levels of noise do not wear their hearing protection correctly.

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) label on hearing protection doesn’t automatically mean your employees receive that level of attenuation. Rather, it is the level that was achieved when it was inserted/worn correctly. A study by the National Institute of Health found that for a type of disposable earplug advertised to attenuate 25 decibels, over half of the workers were getting attenuation of about 5 decibels or less.

Both disposable hearing protectors and earmuffs can be challenging to fit correctly. Earmuffs , while very effective when worn right, can lose attenuation if items such as safety glasses and even hairstyles break the seal around the ear.

Our custom fit hearing protection is easy to use, with no special insertion method required. Simply twist slightly and insert, and it’s good to go. And to help determine if your employees are receiving the correct level of attenuation, we also offer hearing protection fit testing services.

Most effective type of hearing protection: the bottom line

While custom hearing protection can be a slightly larger initial outlay, your ROI should be realized in 18 months over disposable, and our 6-year guarantee will save you over 50% the cost of disposable. It is clearly the winner when it comes to the most effective type of hearing protection. Our filtered custom hearing protection is comfortable, easy to use correctly, and allows employees to communicate without exposing themselves to dangerous levels of noise.

Unsure what type of hearing protection is best for your employees? Check out this quick guide!

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888.972.4420 !

Oregon Industrial Hearing Testing Guidelines

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 20:08:35 GMT

Many employers in Oregon may struggle to understand Oregon’s unique hearing conservation program requirements, from mobile hearing test guidelines to Standard Threshold Shifts follow up requirements.

Hearing STS and age correction

It’s a common misconception that Oregon does not allow for age correction when a standard threshold shift in hearing has occurred. The application of age correction to a hearing STS in Oregon is unique, and often overlooked by national industrial hearing test providers.

According to Oregon’s noise standard, age correction can be applied to the recordability of an STS. This means that the STS continues to be present, but not recordable according to Oregon OSHA. This ensures employees who have any kind of STS - whether age or noise related - still receive notification of their STS, as well as retraining in hearing protection.

When the Federal OSHA age correction rule is applied, the entire STS is disregarded, as it does not exist on paper. This means an opportunity is missed to intervene and protect what hearing is left, as there is no training, no employee notification, and no documentation. As time goes on, the STS will typically worsen, until it meets recordability requirements that no amount of age correction can fix.

Mobile van exemption in Oregon

The Federal mobile van exemption allows employers up to one year after an employee’s enrollment in the hearing conservation program to establish hearing baselines . However, it’s important to note that unlike many states, Oregon does not allow for this mobile testing exemption. Employees newly enrolled in the hearing conservation program in Oregon should receive their baseline hearing test within 6 months of their first noise exposure to be compliant.

Hearing test examiner requirements

Oregon also requires that industrial hearing tests be performed by either a physician or CAOHC certified technician. This applies regardless of the testing system used, or the equipment. If the examiner is not a physician or certified technician, the test can be considered invalid.

Five requirements in an Oregon OSHA hearing conservation program:

While different from other states in many ways, Oregon's general noise standards are very similar to the noise standards at a federal level.

1. Noise level monitoring

Noise levels in the workplace should be regularly measured and monitored for any changes that may occur, especially if they could change the employee's time weighted averages and exceed the 85-decibel action level.

2. Audiometric hearing testing

Industrial hearing tests must be performed within 6 months of an employee being enrolled in the hearing conservation program, as well as every year afterwards, to identify possible workplace related hearing loss.

3. Hearing protection

Employees in the hearing conservation program must also be provided with adequate hearing protection, as set out in the Oregon OSHA hearing conservation standards.

Confused by the vague requirements? Check out this guide on hearing protection!

4. Training & education for the employees

Employees who are in the hearing conservation program should receive annual training on the effects of noise and hearing loss, as well as the proper fit and use of hearing protection. This is also required if they have undergone a standard threshold shift.

Unsure what to do next if there is an STS? Reach out today !

5. Recordkeeping

Oregon noise standards state that noise exposure measurements should be maintained for at least two years, while hearing test records of an employee should be maintained for the employee’s duration of employment. These records should also be available upon request of the effected employee, but notification is required in case of an STS.

Hearing conservation in Oregon: the bottom line

Oregon’s unique hearing conservation requirements can be challenging to understand. Our thirty plus years of experience in hearing in the Pacific Northwest puts our expertise at your disposal, whether you are looking for an Oregon compliant industrial hearing service provider or simply want to make sure you are staying compliant.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888.972.4420!

Hearing STS: Baseline or Rehire Hearing Test?

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:51:25 GMT

A common issue that our clients run into is hearing STS (standard threshold shift) false flags. Baseline hearing tests for rehired employees that have test records in our database from prior tenure is one of the easiest ways for a false flag STS to occur.

Baseline Hearing Tests

When a company hires an employee whose time weighted average of noise exposure is greater than 85 dbA, the employee must receive a baseline audiogram within 6 months of hire. (Find out more on how Anadyne can help coordinate baseline hearing tests here ). However, what if that employee had worked for the employer before?

Rehire Baseline Tests

If there has been a separation of employment for an employee, having the employee receive a "rehire" baseline test can be a good way to minimize their liability for the years they did not work for same company. Otherwise, if hearing loss occurred during this time, the employer who rehired them may be liable for this.

Many times, companies do not realize that this could be an issue. However, when our dedicated team receives a batch of new hire baselines before a mobile hearing test event, we are quick to notice if there are existing records for any employees. At this point, we check that dates of birth and names match the test we received.

Revising Rehire Baselines

After confirming that yes, we did find existing records for an employee, we will reach out to the company to confirm the separation of employment and to discover the dates of termination and rehire. Even if you can’t find the exact dates, by providing us with your best estimate of the years that termination and rehire occurred, we will be able to revise the rehire baseline hearing test.

STS Next Steps

Once we have entered your new hires and your onsite hearing test event has been completed, you will be provided with a summary of actions that OSHA says you must take. If the STS cleared, you will be informed, while if it did not clear, the test will be reviewed by an audiologist and you will receive information for next steps.

How We Can Help: Annual Hearing Testing & Baseline Testing

Anadyne provides proactive hearing conservation solutions, working with you ahead of your audiometric testing event to ease the headaches and chaos of the hearing test day. This includes entering new hire baselines, revising rehire baselines, and planning out the day to ensure that it flows as smoothly as possible.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888.972.4420 !

3 Tips for Choosing the Correct Hearing Protection

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 16:14:44 GMT

Choosing the correct hearing protection for your employees can be challenging. The choices seem endless, the rating systems are complicated, and of course, the regulations are confusing.

Below are three tips to choose the correct hearing protection for your employees, as well as information on why custom hearing protection has been proven to be so much more effective.

Hearing Protection Requirements

For both OSHA and MSHA compliant businesses, hearing protection must be provided to employees who are exposed to a time weighted average of 85 decibels or louder over a period of 8 hours. The hearing protection that is provided must also reduce the employee’s exposure to 90 decibels for a TWA of 8 hours.

However, best practice suggests that hearing protection should be worn anytime workers are exposed to loud noise, to prevent against possible recordable hearing injury.

Don't know your employee's TWA (time weighted average)? Click here to book a dosimetry appointment today!

What type of protection should I offer to my employees?

While OSHA doesn't specify what type of protection you must provide, the HPD must be able to reduce the noise exposure to 90 decibels TWA.

However, if you are an MSHA compliant business, there are more specific regulations you must follow. Employees must be provided at least two types of ear plugs, and two types of earmuffs to choose from.

NRR vs PAR: which matters more?

The amount of noise that HPD protects against is measured by two systems: Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), and Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR).

The NRR measurement is what you will find on the package of the HPD. This is a laboratory derived number, which means the level stated is likely not exactly the level you will get.

On the other hand, PAR is the amount of noise that is blocked when an employee is wearing the hearing protection. It is typically measured by fit testing, where the employee is exposed to noise with and without the HPD. The difference in the results will show whether the hearing protection is providing results or not.

How we can help: custom hearing protection & PAR determination

Found to be more comfortable and working for any shape or size of ear, custom hearing protection is one of the best ways to increase your employee’s use of hearing protection. Not only that, but Anadyne’s hearing protection allows employees to hear each other without needing to remove their protection and expose themselves to dangerous levels of noise.

As well as providing the custom hearing protection, we can help determine the PAR for each employee. This will ensure that you are getting the most out of their hearing protection.

Click to find out more or give us a call at 888.972.4420 !

Does Your HCP Have a Wellness Group?

kmb@anadyne.com (Karrin Brandsen) — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 21:29:42 GMT

Does Your Hearing Conservation Program Have a Wellness Group?

Have you considered including employees not frequently exposed to high noise levels when conducting hearing tests?

An employee benefit measure is to test all employees as part of your hearing conservation program, regardless of their noise exposure. However, doing this can result in the false identification of Standard Threshold Shifts (STSs). This issue can occur when testing employees who do not work in noisy environments but whose responses on test day are affected by other factors such as a cold, wax, ear infection, etc.

If you want to test employees in both noisy and quieter work environments and prevent false flags or recordable STSs, Anadyne offers a comprehensive Wellness Group Program.

We provide accurate and targeted reports for employees in both loud and quiet work environments, which can prevent "false flag" reports.

To explore the implementation of our Wellness Group Program at your company, get in touch with Anadyne by emailing info@anadyne.com or call the phone number listed below.

Questions?

Call today to find out more: 888.972.442 0 .

Fitting Multiple Shifts into a Hearing Testing Event

kmb@anadyne.com (Karrin Brandsen) — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:45:07 GMT

Fitting Multiple Shifts in a Hearing Testing Event

Managing scheduling for hearing testing events can be a complex and time-consuming task. Safety managers often find it challenging to ensure that everyone gets tested, particularly when employees work different locations, shifts, and/or not available every day.

Recently, a customer encountered a similar issue when attempting to create a schedule for four shifts working 12 hour days. After describing their complex scheduling challenge to Anadyne, we created a customized schedule to test all their employees taking the hassle away.

At Anadyne, we understand the complexities involved in scheduling employees for testing events. To manage, these challenges, we offer a complete scheduling program that generates customized schedules for your employees. By providing us with the names of your employees, we can create a schedule that ensures everyone is tested efficiently and effectively, minimizing any potential disruption to your operations.

With our expertise in scheduling and our commitment to streamlining hearing conservation, you can trust us to alleviate the stress associated with managing testing event schedules. Anadyne's scheduling program is designed to simplify the process of managing testing event schedules, allowing safety managers to focus on other critical aspects of their operations.

Questions?

Call today to find out more: 888.972.442 0 .

Qeos Custom Fitted Hearing Protection

kmb@anadyne.com (Karrin Brandsen) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 18:13:47 GMT

Learn More About QEOS, the Solution to Effective Hearing Protection!

Meet Qeos: The advanced acoustic filter at the heart of Cotral’s technology. ��

The Qeos advanced acoustic filter is more than just hearing protection. Thanks to precision engineering, it's designed for demanding professionals.

This filter alters dangerous noises while preserving communication and warning signals. This means you remain protected from noise nuisance while clearly picking up important conversations and signals.��

It's the end of the choice between safety and interaction: with Qeos, enjoy unprecedented clarity and effective protection customized to suit your specific noise environment.

Contact Anadyne today to discover the differences Qeos makes and how our advanced acoustic filter technology can transform your everyday life!

Questions?

Call today to find out more: 888.972.442 0 .

Who Missed Their Hearing Test?

kmb@anadyne.com (Karrin Brandsen) — Thu, 02 May 2024 21:12:24 GMT

Who Missed Their Hearing Test?

When it comes to annual hearing tests for employees, missing a percentage due to unforeseen circumstances is common. However, the challenge lies in identifying who missed the test in order to schedule a retest event. Employers often approach the hearing test provider requesting a list of employees who haven't been tested yet, but the provider usually does not have the necessary information to provide such a list. This task becomes more complex as it involves coordination across multiple departments to figure out which current employees still need to be tested.

Anadyne understands these challenges and specializes in providing a solution called the Quanta program. Our system maintains a record of all the employees in the company and tracks who has and hasn't been tested. We provide this information to the employer in a time-released manner, with multiple events per year, and automatically reschedule those who missed in a future visit. With Anadyne, employers can easily identify who needs to be tested and schedule retests accordingly.

Questions?

Call today to find out more: 888.972.442 0 .

Who Needs Annual Hearing Testing Next?

kmb@anadyne.com (Karrin Brandsen) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 22:08:40 GMT

Who Needs Annual Hearing Testing Next?

Testing large groups of employees is challenging on a good day! Keeping track of who has or hasn’t been tested by the 2 ^nd or 3 ^rd batch becomes even more daunting and chaotic for managers when you factor in New Hires, Terminations, and Shift Changes! That initial batch was easy but who’s still here for Round 2?

That’s where Anadyne steps in! We take care of all those scheduling details and keep track of the testing, retraining, and reporting on our end. You are no longer required to stare at spreadsheets and draft endless lists! Anadyne will provide you with organized schedules which provide you all the necessary information. Anadyne helps alleviate your concerns regarding hearing conservation. We strive to make hearing testing as simple and stress-free as possible for your team!

Questions?

Call today to find out more: 888.972.4420

The 6 C's of Hearing Protection

kmb@anadyne.com (Karrin Brandsen) — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 20:43:59 GMT

6 C's of Hearing Protection:

Anadyne provides custom hearing protection designed to exceed your expectations.

By taking an impression of each ear, we ensure a perfect fit for everyone.

These devices are the most compliant available and meet or exceed standards for CE, ANSI, NAL, and KC.

Our hearing protection devices allow you to stay connected and protected. Communication is simple via radio, Bluetooth, phone calls, or face-to-face conversations without compromising your hearing health.

The devices are incredibly convenient to use - simply insert them into each ear with the easy-to-grasp handle, and you're ready to go.

Our hearing protection devices significantly reduce waste by eliminating throw-away foam plugs which are often seen littered around the facility.

With the 6-year guarantee, and a lifetime of up to 10 years, these devices can save over 50% of your hearing protection costs.

Anadyne believes in the 6 C's for the perfect hearing protection device: comfort, compliance, communication, convenience, clean & green, and cost-effectiveness.

Questions?

Call today to find out more: 888.972.4420

Are Your Clinic-Sourced Baselines Being Entered in Your Database?

kmb@anadyne.com (Karrin Brandsen) — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 17:18:24 GMT

Baselines and their purpose:

As an employer, it's important to understand the complete process of getting a baseline hearing test for your employees. A baseline test is the test that establishes an employee's benchmark for future hearing test comparison. In many cases, OSHA allows up to 6 months for this, but by doing it earlier, it allows any pre-existing hearing loss to be documented. After the baseline test, hearing tests are conducted at least annually to monitor for any changes in the employee's hearing health.

Wait, there's a few more steps!

After obtaining a baseline test, there are more steps that employers need to follow for compliance. Once the baseline test is complete, the results need to be sent to the provider of record (if contracted out) so that they can be screened for any problems and entered into your company's hearing conservation database. This way, any unclear data, possible STS (Standard Threshold Shift), or recordable STSs (shifts in hearing levels that are significant enough to be recorded on the injury log) can be identified. By following through with these steps, you can ensure your company is complying with this part of the OSHA requirements.

Questions?

Call today to find out more: 888.972.4420

Follow-Up Deadlines After Annual Hearing Testing

kmb@anadyne.com (Karrin Brandsen) — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 21:15:50 GMT

Follow -up on non-recordable and recordable STSs:

As an employer, it’s critical that you take the necessary steps and follow up deadlines regarding employees’ hearing testing. If an STS, or standard threshold shift, is identified during a hearing test, OSHA requires employees to be notified of the results within 21 days and ensure they receive re-training. An STS occurs when an employee’s hearing threshold changes enough at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in one or both ears, in comparison to their baseline audiogram. STS’s recordable on your OSHA-300 log should be done within seven days of the hearing test.

Risks that come with STSs and ways to lessen the risk:

If the STS meets recordability, it can negatively impact things like the company’s risk matrix. Even if the STS is non-recordable, OSHA still requires that the employer retrains the employee. However, you can avoid false STSs or recordable STS issues by ensuring that immediately preceding annual testing, employees have not had a cold, have not been listening to loud music, and have not been wearing earbuds. Earbuds are not typically suited to the industrial workplace because their level of sound can exceed 85 dB and are not typically ANSI-rated as hearing protection.

Why Anadyne?

By investing in quality hearing protection and mobile hearing testing services, you can save time and money while ensuring your employees’ safety and your companies productivity. At Anadyne, we offer a tag team system that allows production to continue while employees are being tested, reducing downtime and interruptions. Quality hearing protection is critical because, while throw-away earplugs may be cheaper upfront, they are only good for one use. Anadyne’s hearing protection steadily pays for itself after the first year and saves you money in the long run.

Taking the extra time to invest in quality hearing protection and mobile hearing testing services is essential for protecting your employees and your company. Don’t wait until it’s too late; make hearing safety a priority today.

Call today to find out more: 888.972.4420

Are You Wondering When to Schedule Hearing Tests Without Disrupting Your Work and Deadlines?

wmb@anadyne.com (Wayne Brandsen) — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 20:30:26 GMT

When is the right time?

Is your company struggling to fit all the tests into a few hectic days of the year?

With the end of the year fast approaching, it's no secret that most companies are under pressure to meet deadlines and handle unexpected events. But don't let hearing tests be an added burden. The best time to conduct hearing tests depends on your company's field of work. Some industries may have busier seasons, while others are more regular throughout the year.

However, with the holiday season just around the corner, it's easy to forget non-regular tasks such as annual hearing tests or re-tests. This can cause confusion, disruption, and inconvenience, especially when trying to fit all the tests into a few days.

What is the solution?

What if we told you there's a better way? Did you know Anadyne has a program to coordinate your hearing tests for the year, so you don't have to worry about whether everyone got done? This way, you won't miss any employees who might have been absent due to illness, vacation, or other reasons.

So why wait?

Schedule a consultation about hearing tests with Anadyne today to ensure a hassle-free 2024 for you and your employees!

Call today to find out more: 888.972.4420

Mastering Employee Hearing Test Scheduling: Anadyne's Proven Approach

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 23:07:02 GMT

Simplify Scheduling Chaos

When you have several hundred employees, planning a testing schedule can feel overwhelming. Who should be first? What room or building should you start with?

How do you approach such a daunting task?

It gets messy quickly, especially with multiple shifts. Even worse is when you make a plan, you get it going, you’re trying to get through every hearing test in one week and the next thing you know people don’t show up.

The truck leaves on Friday, and Friday’s schedule is already full. What now?

It’s time to get Anadyne involved. This is what we do every day. We have a proven system that works.

We know it’s difficult to interrupt production and interfere with workflow. Nobody wants to do it. We’ll take the heat for you. We make the schedule so there’s less pushback from your team.

Should we sort it by last name, birth date, department, or shift? Let us walk you through it. We’ll take the head, do the scheduling, and help to reintegrate those that have missed.

Alleviate these challenges by working with a trusted partner.

Call today to find out more: 888.972.4420

The Importance of Hearing Protection Fit Testing

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:30:22 GMT

Hearing Protection Devices:
Are the Ratings Accurate?

The hearing rating shown on HPDs packaging is often inaccurate.

When it comes to protecting our hearing in noisy environments, we often rely on the ratings provided on the packaging of earplugs and other hearing protection devices (HPDs). These ratings can be deceiving and may not accurately reflect real-world performance. In fact, the figure on the packaging is nothing more than a rough estimate of the protection you’re actually getting.

While some users might achieve the stated level of noise reduction, many do not. This disparity in real-world effectiveness has led experts to emphasize the need of hearing protection fit testing. Fit testing is the key to bridging the gap between laboratory estimates of attenuation and the actual attenuation achieved by workers as they wear their protectors in their daily routines.

Fit testing is the key to bridging the gap between attenuation estimates and the actual attenuation.

So why is fit testing so essential? The answer is simple: it’s the only way to determine how much noise reduction a person actually gets from their hearing protection device.

As mentioned earlier, the rating on the packaging can be misleading. It might provide a point of comparison between different products, showing that Product A offers more or less protection than Product B. However, relying on this rating, even if it is de-rated to account for real-world use, is not reliable when protecting your hearing.

One of the primary reasons for the wide range of attenuation provided by any given earplug is the uniqueness of each individual’s ear canal and the way they insert the device. Factors like ear shape, size, and the method of insertion can significantly affect the earplug’s performance. That’s why it’s important to test HPDs on the individuals who will be using them.

Hearing protection fit testing involves assessing how well an earplug fits within an individual’s ear canal. By doing this, you can determine the actual protection that person is receiving from the device. Fit testing takes into account the real-world variables that impact effectiveness, such as the seal between the earplug and the ear canal. This method offers a much more accurate representation of the protection provided by the HPD, tailored to the specific user.

In conclusion, if you work in a noisy environment or use hearing protection regularly, don’t rely solely on the rating displayed on the packaging of your chosen device. Instead, consider the importance of hearing protection fit testing. It’s the only way to ensure that you’re getting the level of protection you need to protect your hearing.

Investing in proper fit testing will preserve your hearing for years to come.

Want to know more? Contact an Anadyne rep today.

Who Missed Their Hearing Test?

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 20:33:59 GMT

Who Needs Annual Hearing Tests Next?

Coordinating hearing tests. It's complicated.

If you work in a large organization, you know there’s inevitably employee turnover and a continual flow of people coming and going. This can make things complicated when it comes to hearing tests. The new people need hearing tests and those that have left are probably still on a list somewhere from your last hearing test. This leaves your safety team with the headache of combing through old records to figure out who needs a hearing test next.

You need a program. That program is one of the reasons Anadyne exists. It takes a program to screen through all the old records and new records; finding out when hearing tests that were last done, reviewing the current employment roster and the like. You’re now left with the complex reconciliation task of finding out who has been tested already this year, what legacy employees have not been tested, and what new employees you haven’t gotten any data on. What a headache!

We can help. We have a program for that.

Anadyne can provide a complete schedule, clear list of names and everything you need to answer questions; that is who needs hearing testing next. Our team will meticulously comb through all your records and create a comprehensive list of current employees, including when they had their last test and who has never had a hearing test.

This allows us to do the next step of our program; figuring out who most urgently needs to be tested and creating a schedule accordingly.

No need to panic when the bus comes back. Anadyne coordinates everything for you.

Want to know more? Contact an Anadyne rep today.

Baseline Hearing Tests Made Easy

wmb@anadyne.com (Wayne Brandsen) — Thu, 18 May 2023 16:37:45 GMT

Need Help Coordinating Hearing Tests for New Hires?

We can help.

Getting baseline hearing tests for new hires doesn't have to be difficult.

As an employer, it is essential to ensure safety and protect the employees from any potential hazards, including scheduling hearing tests for them on a regular basis. Ensuring every new employee gets a hearing test within their first six months can be a challenge.

The hearing truck comes once a year... you can’t keep bringing it back again. Sending employees out to a local clinic can be very expensive once you factor in the cost of their time, including travel time.

In a perfect world, these employees would be able to get their hearing tests done within the first few weeks of employment - this can prevent problems later on .

But how do you do this in a timely cost-effective manner?

Call Anadyne today and ask about our hearing testing management program. We send members or our team to your location every month to help keep up with testing new employees or anyone that may have missed the bus last time. Just make sure your new hires are included in the upcoming event.

We’ll take care of the rest!

Do you have a steady stream of new hires that need baseline hearing tests?

wmb@anadyne.com (Wayne Brandsen) — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:09:04 GMT

Are You Having Trouble Coordinating Hearing Tests for New Hires?

There is a solution.

Get peace of mind with Anadyne's monthly testing program.

If your company is having difficulty ensuring that all new hires receive their baseline hearing tests in an efficient manner, you may want to consider setting up a management program. Our management program helps streamline the process and ensure that all tests are completed within a reasonable time frame.

For example, if your company has 250 employees with multiple different shifts, it may be difficult to get all hearing tests completed in one week. However, a management program can help to make this process more efficient by giving you an organized system for scheduling regular monthly hearing tests.

We structure our program to make sure that hearing tests are conducted once a month, as part of the normal workflow. This helps ensure that employees and supervisors are less stressed out when it comes to these tests, as they become an expected part of their routine.

We're committed to helping businesses create a safe, healthy workplace environment by providing high-quality hearing testing services. With our program, hearing tests can be conducted with ease and efficiency to ensure a healthy work environment for everyone.

Contact an Anadyne rep today to get started.

Do Your Workers Wear Too Much Hearing Protection?

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:41:21 GMT

Do Your Workers Wear Too Much Hearing Protection?

Overprotection is an overlooked problem in many workplaces.

Learn how to resolve the conflict of workers who need to wear hearing protection but still hear speech or warning signals.

Employees at your company need to wear hearing protectors, so you give them the highest level of protection available, right? Not always.

If you believe that one ear plug or muff is pretty much like the next, with the noise-reduction rating (NRR) as the only difference, you may be putting employees at risk if they need to communicate with co-workers or hear warning signals.

Overprotection

In many cases, wearing a hearing protection device (HPD) with too high of an NRR could cause overprotection, which is too much attenuation (decibel reduction in sound power and pressure levels) of a specific noise caused by inadequate hearing protector selection.

There are situations where a particular hearing protector may attenuate high frequencies (speech and signals) substantially more than low frequencies (ambient or background noise). The result is that important consonant sounds of speech may be unintelligible, and warning signals such as backup alarms on forklifts might not be heard.

Communication

Workers with too much hearing protection may not be able to communicate with a co-worker and might remove their HPDs to talk or, if they wear ear plugs, not fully insert the plug into their ear, both of which could cause noise-induced hearing loss.

In industrial settings, low-frequency sounds tend to mask or obscure mid and high-frequency sounds, which leads to decreased speech intelligibility.

Warning signals

As with speech, the ability to hear warning signals, alarms, and machinery operating noise can be diminished when wearing the wrong type of HPD. With machinery noise, for example, the operator needs to be able to hear a signal that would indicate a malfunction.

Solutions

What is the proper type of HPD that allows the wearer to hear necessary speech and signals? The simple answer is a protector that has moderate attenuation of mid- and high-frequency sounds and the proper NRR for the situation. Arriving at a complete answer, however, is not so simple.

The effectiveness of a hearing protector is highly dependent on wearing time. According to EN 458, when someone removes an HPD for even a brief time in the noise exposure, the effective protection provided is significantly reduced.

Whenever possible, decrease the distance between the speaker and the listener and encourage the use of hand and facial cues, although these are ancillary aids that should not take the place of speech.
Include material on speech intelligibility and detection of signals in employee training and stress the positive effects that the proper use of HPDs can have on the audibility of speech and signals.
Encourage employees to speak more forcefully to overcome the tendency to lower their voices while wearing HPDs. The increased vocal effort, however, should not be continued for long periods because of the potential to irritate the speaker’s vocal tract.
Encourage input and feedback from employees regarding speech intelligibility (and the audibility of signals) so problem areas can be identified before an accident occurs.
Improve message content by encouraging and implementing consistent sentence construction for standard messages. Workers should avoid the use of single letters and use whole words (phonetic alphabet) or complete sentences whenever possible.

In the end, the burden falls on the employer to understand how to select the appropriate type of hearing protection for workers who need to communicate or hear specific noises.

Contact an Anadyne rep today to find the right solution for your team.

Missed the testing bus? No need to stress about it.

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:09:20 GMT

Missed the testing bus? No need to stress about it.

You’ve finished your annual testing and some of your staff have missed out. What do you do now? Do you need to send your employees to a clinic to get their hearing tests in before the deadline?

No need to worry. Anadyne has created an efficient system for managing these last-minute tests.

We come to you, provide on-site testing and send you the reports. You can then send these to your primary provider. Easy peasy. Ask about alternate reporting format services to save you the extra cost of having someone type out the results.

If you’re looking for a complete solution, we are happy to talk about that as well. We’ve got you covered.

Save Hours of Work With Our Custom Test Scheduling Program

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:25:34 GMT

Are You Experiencing Higher Than-usual Turnover?

Employees across all industries need up-to-date hearing tests as part of their annual health checkups.

How are you scheduling the baseline hearing tests for your new hires before the deadline?

Keeping track of employee hearing test schedules can be a time-consuming and difficult task for Human Resource departments. Anadyne now offers a program that helps you successfully identify and capture all these people before the deadline.

Anadyne's scheduling program saves HR managers time, allowing them to focus on other tasks that require more attention or expertise. We make sure you're compliant with legal requirements and give you peace of mind.

Anadyne offers enterprise-grade, custom programs based on individual employers' needs to help them keep their arms around this and take that load off the safety team.

Contact an Anadyne rep today to set up a schedule for you.

Is Hearing Testing a Headache for You?

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 22:32:21 GMT

Hearing test days are difficult.

We can help.

We know hearing test day can be difficult. It’s hard to get employees to come off the job when they are working. If your business has multiple locations and several hundred people with different shifts, it can become total chaos. Imagine getting all of your employees tested using a seamless process without having to waste your time coordinating it.

This is where we come in!

At Anadyne, we start by sitting down with you and getting your details. We then go to work and take on the scheduling for you. We start by going in once or twice a month and scheduling the appointments for you. When Anadyne gets involved, this day goes smoothly.

We know you don’t schedule hearing tests every day. It’s hard to learn something without a lot of practice. We do it all the time, and we understand the methodology. We know how to make the most of your time. Take the stress off your safety team, and let us do it for you!

There’s no need to tear your hair out - just call us! We can help.

6 Myths About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:34:47 GMT

6 Myths About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable .

Myth #1:

Hearing loss is a normal part of old age and can't be prevented.

Reality:

Many factors can create hearing loss, including genetics, certain medications, and exposure to loud noises. Noise-induced hearing loss is the most preventable of these causes.

Myth #2

Everyone who has hearing loss is over 65 years old.

Reality:

An estimated 48 million people live with hearing loss in the U.S. About 40% of these people are under 65.

Myth #3

Loud, ordinary daily activities do not affect your hearing.

Reality:

Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by lawn/farm equipment, concerts, sporting events, firework shows, hair dryers, firearms, and alarm clocks. A single exposure to excessive noise can also cause permanent hearing loss.

Myth #4

Hearing loss doesn't affect the rest of my health.

Reality:

An untreated hearing loss increases one's risk of experiencing cognitive decline, dementia, falls, social isolation, and depression.

Myth #5

Dizziness and balance disorders are simply inconvenient and not that harmful.

Reality:

Untreated dizziness and balance disorders can increase fall risk and result in hip fractures,= broken bones, and head trauma.

Myth #6

Noise-induced hearing loss can be detected immediately.

Reality:

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is the result of years of exposure to loud noise and isn’t noticed until a family member points out common signs of hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable! Talk to an Anadyne rep today about hearing protection in the workplace.

Why Use Custom Made Hearing Protection?

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 20:00:05 GMT

Why Use Custom Made Hearing Protection?

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable .

Sudden or prolonged exposure to noise can cause damage to your hearing and is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. Hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure is often detected too late, meaning the hearing loss is usually irreversible.

Industrial workers have faced noise exposure that has increased the occurrence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Constant exposure to moderate-intensity noise in terms of frequency can create negative effects on the human auditory system. Noise affects the hearing loss of workers and other accompanying problems that may arise, including tinnitus, poor hearing ability, and a lower quality of life .

Hearing protection devices (HPDs) have been developed to reduce noise exposure.

A recent study on the effectiveness of hearing protection devices evaluated types of HPD’s and their functions and effects. Six of twenty studies conducted a comparison between types of HPDs. In one study: earplugs, earmuffs, and a combination of earplugs and earmuffs were compared.

Tufts et al. reported the effects of user training and fitting consistency. Compared to non-customized earplugs, customized earplugs showed significantly better consistency of attenuation values at frequency ranges of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. To get the most benefit from the HPDs, an appropriate fitting method should be required. The uncomfortable feeling of HPDs stems from an inadequate fitting method.

A recent study on Noise Exposure and Hearing Protection in Marching Band Students at the University of Arkansas, found similar findings.

The study was done to determine whether the provision of custom earmolds affected the practice of consistently wearing hearing protection.

Results showed that providing custom earmolds positively impacted wearing time, and more band members chose to wear the hearing protection.

Most participants who did not consistently wear the earmolds stated that fit, comfort, and perception of volume were the main reasons for inconsistent wear.

Results showed that providing custom earmolds positively impacted wearing time. A greater number of band members chose to wear the hearing protection.

After the provision of custom earmolds, the main reported reasons for not wearing hearing protection were: forgetting to wear hearing protection and the quality of sound. Comfort was a reported improvement.

Custom-made hearing protection is the most comfortable protection on the market. With properly fitted HPDs, your employees will gradually reach the stage where they’ll be wearing their hearing protectors 100% of the time.

What Can Your Hearing Do for You?

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 18:45:18 GMT

What Can Your Hearing Do for You?

Hearing is an essential part of human communication.

The sounds you hear can open a world of wonder. Stop and take a couple of minutes now to listen to your environment. What can you identify about your surroundings based on your hearing alone?

Sound and music share a unique quality. Sound can evoke a certain feeling or memories of a specific place in time. A specific song can remind you of an old relationship, pleasant moments from your childhood or memories of a great vacation. Even simple sounds can make you feel a certain way. Light rain falling on a tin roof, a train in the distance, a crackling fire or the sound of waves breaking on the beach.

Now try and imagine living in a silent world.

We know what your hearing can do for you. What can you do for your hearing?

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a common occupational disease. NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.

18% of people who work a noisy job having speech-frequency hearing loss compared to 5.5% of the general population. This makes hearing loss the #1 disability in the US.

Hearing loss caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds and cannot be medically or surgically corrected. The good news is, hearing loss can be prevented.

You can protect your hearing by:

- Avoiding or limiting exposure to excessively loud sounds

- Turning down the volume of music systems

- Moving away from the source of loud sounds when possible

- Using hearing protection devices when it is not feasible to avoid exposure to loud sounds or reduce them.

What are you doing to protect your hearing? What protocols and procedures are in place to protect your team?

Contact and Anadyne rep today to find out the best options for hearing testing and protection.

Hearing Testing Without Production Downtime: Yes, It’s a Thing!

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 23:03:04 GMT

Stop Losing Production Time!

Would you let someone from outside of your organization take one of your employees away from their workstation during production time, possibly with no time limit?

The request sounds so unthinkable that most employers would not even respond without more information, yet it happens to an estimated 80% of employers.

When hearing tests are done at an employer’s site for OSHA compliance, an uncharacteristically passive attitude is adopted by management and the test provider is allowed to have an employee for 20-30 minutes, sometimes even more. The test provider may suggest a time estimate for the session but is not accountable to have the employee back by any specific time. Paying ½ an employee’s hourly wages multiplied by 50, 250, or more employees can obviously run into thousands of dollars, but there are even more important considerations.

If one person is gone for 5-10 minutes, the absence can be absorbed, but groups of 4-8 people gone for 20-30 minutes significantly interrupts productivity . The financial loss to the owners or shareholders is far more than just the cost of hourly wages lost, it includes the plant’s output being diminished while the overhead costs that go with it stay as high as ever.

Daily production- A management goal is to achieve a forecasted amount of output in a day. A facility’s systems, methods, software, and workflow all synergize to achieve this forecast. The Company depends on this as the planned daily net profit to owners often equals less than 5% of a day’s production. At financialrhythm.com ’s (Campbell, 2020) average net profitability by industry post, Steel and paper/forest products are at 4% and 2% net profit respectively. Using an average of 3%, companies in these industries with $100,000 in daily output would plan for $3000/day in net profit. That is when production is at 100% of the planned rate- things going perfectly. Hold this $3000 in mind while considering the following 2 cases in the Northwestern USA:

1) Auto Battery manufacturer:

A manufacturer of automotive batteries in the Northwest produces batteries on 3 production lines. Manta.com (2019 Manta Media Inc., all rights reserved, 2019) indicates annual revenue of $50-100 million, so it can be said that daily production would be $300,000 if the annual revenue was $75 million. Their hearing tests were being done 4 people at a time, which impacted production to the point that one of the 3 battery lines had to be shut down. Simple math can be used to see what would happen to $300,000 daily revenue if one of three lines got shut down, suffice it to say they were looking for alternatives. In 2019 they changed to doing hearing tests one at a time, and the plant manager’s report was “…not a ripple in production”. Restoring $100,000 to output daily was very attractive

2) Window manufacturer:

A window manufacturer in the NW has committed to LEAN manufacturing principles. They have closely measured their processes, and monitor output knowing the importance of hitting targets. They did on-site hearing testing 4-at-a-time and learned from their monitoring system that production was clearly down by 15%. That 15% cost far more than what the hearing test provider charged.

3) Exotic Metal Casting company:

During annual hearing tests for 350 employees, top management at a castings company looked out of their upper window and noticed a bad sight in the parking lot. 4 employees were in a truck, and 8 others were gathered near it- some recently finished and some waiting their turn. Instinctively recognizing the cost to the organization of this grouping, direction was handed down that changes must be made. They began testing one at a time and the disruption stopped.

LEAN manufacturers may be able to see the costs and benefits more clearly than others, but it affects all employers. The mistake at the core is that hearing test providers have built an expectation that they can show up and take control of the workforce with no one holding them accountable, holding employees - and production - hostage to their own production schedule. Somehow it has become usual and customary to make their schedule the priority. Testing one at a time puts control back in the employer’s hand. That is the method used by many employers with over 500 people, but now it can be insourced along with all the profitability.

Reduce Noise Hazards to Save Your Hearing

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 20:40:41 GMT

Reduce Noise Hazards to Save Your Hearing

Controlling Noise in the Workplace

Exposure to loud noise kills the nerve endings in our inner ear. This can cause irreversible hearing loss that cannot be treated with surgery or drugs. Noise-induced hearing loss reduces your ability to hear high-frequency noises and understand speech, making it difficult to converse effectively. Hearing aids may be beneficial, but they do not restore normal hearing.

Educate your team on the benefits of reducing noise hazards!

Reducing noise hazards will help you maintain good hearing and avoid tinnitus. Good hearing means easy communication and the ability to appreciate a full range of sounds. Taking care of your hearing will prevent future stressors caused by hearing loss such as nuisance sound and the possibility of other disabling conditions.

What can you do to reduce noise in the workplace?

Here are a few procedures that can be followed to effectively and efficiently control noise in the workplace:

Determine the sound sources, which include both vibrating sources and aerodynamic flow.
Determine the noise’s path from the source to the worker.
Calculate the volume of each source.
Determine each source’s relative contribution to the excessive noise and rank them accordingly. The main source should be handled first to achieve significant noise attenuation.
Understand the permitted exposure levels set forth in health and safety legislation, as well as the required sound reduction. Consider the degree of sound attenuation, operation, and productivity constraints, as well as the cost of solutions.

Enjoy the silence and connect with the environment when you want to. Don’t live in a world of silence because you have to.

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Tue, 10 May 2022 19:37:54 GMT

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Hearing Loss Prevention

Hearing loss is the third most frequent chronic physical condition in the United States, after high blood pressure and arthritis. Hearing loss is one of the most common work-related ailments. Every day, workers are exposed to occupational noise dangers. Here are a few guidelines for businesses and employees to help decrease the risks of workplace noise exposure.

Did you know that workers in every industry area are at risk for hearing loss as a result of their jobs?

Almost all hearing loss caused by one's job is permanent, and it can have a significant influence on one’s quality of life.
Hearing and understanding others becomes increasingly difficult as hearing loss develops, which can lead to isolation.
Hearing loss is linked to cognitive (mental) deterioration as well as heart issues like high blood pressure and heart disease. Depression is also closely linked to hearing loss.
When all the sounds we desire to hear (e.g., music, a loved one’s voice) become muffled and of poor quality, hearing loss can lead to a loss of enjoyment.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), which is frequently connected with hearing loss, can affect sleep and concentration and is linked to melancholy and anxiety.
Hearing loss might compromise one’s safety at home and at work.
Workers with hearing loss often earn less money than workers with good hearing.
Fortunately, today’s hearing loss prevention tactics and technologies can almost always avoid work-related hearing loss.

What can employees do to avoid hearing loss at work?

Determine whether the noise in your workplace is dangerous.

If you have to raise your voice to communicate with someone at arm’s length, the noise level is likely dangerous.
You can also use a sound level metre app on your phone, such as the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app, to assess the noise level.
Check the noise levels in your workplace with your safety manager or direct supervisor to ensure they are below 85dBA.

Reduce your exposure to noise:

Take a break from all the noise.
Reduce noise pollution at its source. Use quieter equipment and keep it well greased and maintained. Close off the source of the noise or put a barrier between you and it. Increase the distance between yourself and the noise source.
Spend less time in noisy settings.
In noisy environments, always wear hearing protection and make sure that foam plugs are properly inserted.
If you’re listening to music or whatever else, keep the volume down and listen exclusively in quiet areas.

Reduce or eliminate chemical exposure that could harm your hearing:

Use a chemical that is less hazardous or non-toxic.
Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection.
Wear a respirator or other protective equipment, as appropriate.
Read and follow all chemical safety instructions.

Long Term Noise Exposure and Long Term Sun Exposure

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:58:58 GMT

Long Term Noise Exposure
and Long Term Sun Exposure

A lot of people aren’t aware that long-term noise exposure can have a negative effect that can develop gradually over time - much like sun exposure.

The damage of sun exposure can accumulate over time, leading to skin that looks prematurely aged. It can cause wrinkles, dark spots, freckles, and other issues as well as pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions.

What is noise-induced hearing loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent hearing loss that is caused by being around loud noises over a long period.

Hearing loss rarely occurs all of a sudden. It usually develops gradually, over a long time – and is therefore imperceptible at first. This is because those affected gradually get used to the onset of hearing loss. Because the brain can compensate for hearing deficiencies for a long time, there are few disadvantages in everyday life during the first phase.

But from a certain point, hearing loss can no longer be readily compensated for. Often, this is noticed by family and friends of the affected person long before they realize they cannot hear normally.

Exposure to hazardous noise is one of the most common occupational risks, both in the U.S. and worldwide. Recent studies indicate that 22 million U.S. workers are exposed currently to high noise levels on-the-job and 25% of U.S. workers have a history of occupational noise exposure at some point in their careers.

Who is at risk for noise-induced hearing loss?

People of all ages can develop noise-induced hearing loss. Individuals who attend loud concerts or listen to music through headphones at high volumes are more susceptible to NIHL. Those who have jobs in noisy environments are also particularly vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), jobs and industries with the highest risk of noise-induced hearing loss include:

Agriculture.
Carpentry.
Mining.
Oil or gas extraction.
Construction. Military.

Hearing Conservation In The Workplace

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 21:23:49 GMT

Hearing Conservation in The Workplace

The hearing conservation standard (29 CFR 1910.95) of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is designed to safeguard the approximately 22 million workers who are exposed to dangerous levels of noise each year. Employers are obligated to examine workplaces for employee exposures that result in a personal time-weighted average (TWA) equal to or more than 85 decibels under the hearing conservation standard (dBA). The employer must design a documented Hearing Conservation Program, supply personnel with protective devices, provide annual training, and conduct annual hearing tests to monitor hearing levels if the noise action level is at or above this level. Employees who have work-related hearing loss must be documented on the facility's OSHA 300 log.

Who Should Participate In A Hearing Preservation Program?

The first step in meeting the hearing conservation criteria is to conduct a noise assessment of the facility. Take personal time-weighted average (TWA) samples throughout the facility, even in regions that don’t appear to be extremely noisy, to complete this assessment. Noise sampling should be done every three to five years, or whenever the facility’s processes or equipment change. There are two action levels in the hearing conservation standard: 85 dBA and 90 dBA. Hearing protection, annual audiograms, and annual training are required for employees working in regions with noise levels between 85 and 89 decibels. Employees exposed to TWAs of 90dBA or above must additionally wear hearing protection, have their hearing tested annually, and get annual training. The fundamental distinction between the two action levels in the hearing conservation standard is that employees working in the 85-89dBA range can choose whether or not to wear hearing protection, but those working in the 90dBA or above range must. While employees exposed to noise levels of less than 90 decibels may choose not to wear hearing protection, any hearing loss is still a recordable injury.

Requirements For The Hearing Conservation Program

An audiometric testing regimen must be implemented when employees are exposed to noise levels of 85dBA or greater for an 8-hour TWA. This program must be free of charge to the employee and include a baseline audiometric test as well as an annual audiometric test.

The baseline audiometric test must be done within six months of the employees’ exposure to dangerous noise levels.
If the audiometric test will be conducted in a mobile van, the baseline test must be taken within one year of the employees’ exposure to dangerous noise levels.
Following the baseline test, audiometric testing is required once a year. To establish if the employee has undergone a standard threshold shift, the results of the annual test are compared to the findings of the baseline test (STS).
An STS is defined as a change in the hearing threshold of 10 dB or more in one or both ears at 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz.
If an STS is discovered, the employer has 30 days to retest the employee to see if the STS was accurate. If an STS is confirmed, the employer must notify the employee in writing within 21 days of the discovery.
An employee is obligated to wear hearing protection after experiencing an STS. It is also necessary to complete training or retraining.
Employees who are exposed to harmful noise levels must be supplied with free hearing protection and replacements. The employer must give a variety of hearing protection alternatives, including one type of earplug and one type of earmuff. More options for staff would be ideal to ensure comfort, good fit, and utilization.
Hearing protection is required to reduce employee noise exposure to a time-weighted average of 90dBA for at least 8 hours. The noise reduction ratio (NRR) is a metric used to assess the efficacy of hearing protection. The higher the noise reduction potential, the higher the NRR. It’s vital to understand that the NRR does not imply a decibel reduction. To estimate a hearing protector’s noise reduction capabilities, multiply the NRR in decibels by seven, then divide by two.
For example, if you are subjected to 95dba noise and are wearing hearing protectors with an NRR of 31, you will be exposed to 83dBA noise. (31-7)/2=12 95-12=83dBA An annual training program must be completed by each individual who is exposed to harmful noise levels.

The following should be included in the training:

The effects of noise on hearing
The purpose of hearing protection
Advantages and disadvantages of hearing protection
Attenuation of different types of hearing protection
Instructions on the selection, fit, use, and care of hearing protection
The purpose of audiometric testing and a description of testing procedures
To summarize, hazardous levels of noise in the workplace can create lasting, long-term injuries for employees. Ongoing noise monitoring and the subsequent actions required to reduce potentially harmful levels of noise through administrative and engineering controls, provision of proper PPE, and noise hazard employee training are an essential part of any facility health and safety plan.

Do You Know the Noise Levels in Your Workplace?

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 17:47:29 GMT

Are Disposable Earplugs Really Effective?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that every year, 22 million workers are exposed to potentially harmful noise at work. Hearing loss can be avoided whether you work in a sports stadium, on the tarmac, or with a jackhammer.

Noise levels may exceed 85 decibels if you need to raise your voice to speak to someone 3 feet away. To assess the noise levels in a workspace, a variety of sound-measuring equipment is available. Sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and octave band analyzers are a few examples:

Noise could be a problem in your workplace if you:

Hear ringing or humming in your ears when you are leaving work.
Must yell to be heard by a coworker who is an arm's length away.
Experience temporary hearing loss when you leave work.

The Sound Level Meter App from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is an application that can be downloaded on mobile iOS devices to measure sound levels in the workplace and offer noise exposure parameters to help decrease occupational noise-induced hearing loss.

Are Disposable Earplugs Effective?

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 20:34:50 GMT

Are Disposable Earplugs Really Effective?

Hearing loss and industrial deafness are on the rise, despite the growth of a safety culture and increase regulation. What exactly is going on here?

Despite noise reduction measures, hearing loss and deafness are on the rise.

Noisy businesses of all sizes have created their own employee hearing conservation programs since 1950, pushed by national regulation (OSHA 29 CFR in the United States, Decree 2006/892 in France, DGUV in Germany, and so on).

Hearing protection is an essential component of any hearing conservation plan.

Direct consequences:

The "protect your ears" safety culture is spreading. Hearing protection has made its way into the noisy business world.
T he earplug industry is dominated by two global leaders: 3M (EarTM, AearoTM, PeltorTM) and Honeywell (Howard LeightTM, BilsomTM).

Hearing loss and occupational deafness, on the other hand, are on the rise!

Approximately 22 million American workers are exposed to dangerous noise levels at work each year.

Is it true that disposable earplugs are effective?

To be successful, a hearing protector must be customized to each employee's ears and work environment, as well as meet all certification requirements.

Is the ear protection you've chosen appropriate for each employee?

Hearing loss and even occupational deafness rarely appear until five, fifteen, or even thirty years following exposure for many businesses.

As a result, according to the Internal Cotral Study, 75% of hearing protectors are disposable earplugs, which are often picked haphazardly and without employee input. Employees are then forced to wear these ear protection, despite the fact that they are unfit for their surroundings or ear shape.

Is the hearing protection truly flexible?

Hearing protection flaws have been investigated in scientific investigations undertaken by certification laboratories and hearing protection manufacturers. 3M scientist Eliot Berger has conducted the most research into the usefulness and limitations of individual hearing protectors.

Any hearing protector that complies with its certification and is appropriate for the user and his or her surroundings is effective if worn for the entire time the user is exposed to noise... Earmuffs, disposable and reusable earplugs, and molded or custom earplugs are all affected.

However:

Despite more restrictive regulations, noisy businesses' efforts to promote awareness, manufacturers of disposable earplugs and earmuffs' efforts to deliver even more effective goods, and persons exposed to over 80 decibels' efforts to wear their protectors...the outcomes are NOT good...

Hearing loss and occupational deafness are on the rise throughout the world!

The custom hearing protector stands out as the ideal solution

Disposable earplugs have been the subject of numerous studies highlighting their shortcomings, including lack of comfort, difficulty in insertion, excessive attenuation, and so on. In response, personalized hearing protectors began to develop in the early 1980s, primarily in Europe (Netherlands, Switzerland, and France). Their goal was to improve comfort and eliminate the incapacity to communicate that traditional protectors caused.

It was a success, and people started using personalized earplugs. Thousands of companies across Europe have shifted from disposable to bespoke earplugs.

Hearing protectors built to order were protecting the hearing of:

40% of employees are exposed to noise in the Netherlands.
20% of employees are exposed to noise in France
Over 10% of employees are exposed to noise in Germany.
Less than 1% of employees are exposed to noise in the United States, Australia, Brazil, and China,.

The growing tendency among organizations around the world to purchase personalized hearing protection for each employee is set to transform the lives of noise-sensitive workers. Today, newer, more complex hearing protectors with more precise computerized fabrication and servicing benefits boost the possibility to ensure they are worn 100 percent of the time while exposed to noise.

Disposable earplugs are rapidly being replaced by custom hearing protectors.

Performance, cost-effectiveness, comfort, and communication are all factors to consider. You'll never go back once you've tried personalized earplugs!

More firms and their employees will become aware of the noise-related risk as custom protection becomes more popular, and the hearing health of more employees will be safeguarded, with less and less occupational deafness.

The components of Anadyne’s hearing loss solution are "protect, educate, and validate."Anadyne can help you set up an effective hearing protection system, including hearing protectors that are customized to the specific noise levels in the environment, as well as other features that ensure that they are worn 100 percent of the time when a person is exposed to noise.

Is It True That Earmuffs Are Effective?

deanna.lennox@bigdinternational.com (Deanna Lennox) — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 19:23:29 GMT

Are Earmuffs Really Effective?

Earmuffs are a type of Personal Hearing Protection Device, similar to disposable earplugs and molded earplugs (PDHP). Earmuffs, unlike earplugs, are worn over the ears and are attached by a headband that goes over the top of the head. They shield the user's ears by covering them with two shells that block out the ambient noise. The following are some of the benefits of this form of hearing protection:

Simple to use: provides immediate protection with no visible risks. Reusable and even shareable if properly cleaned: In the office, the same set of earmuffs can be shared among employees.
Affordable: Earmuffs can range in price from $15 to $60 per pair, although certain types can cost several hundred dollars. - Earmuffs generally muffle between 26dB(A) and 35dB(A) of sound (A).

With benefits like these, it's simple to see why ear muffs are used by so many individuals for all types of work in noisy situations, whether for professional (metallurgy, aviation, construction, etc.) or personal reasons (gardening, DIY, concerts, etc.).

While it is indisputable that this form of Personal Hearing Protection Device is adequate for a specific purpose, the limitations of earmuffs become apparent when noise protection is needed throughout the workday without restriction.

Let's look at three main characteristics that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must have in order to be accepted and used effectively by your employees: comfort, communication, and adaptability.

Are Ear Muffs a Good Fit?

Employees will not wear PPE that is uncomfortable for the entire day at work. If an employee is uncomfortable while wearing hearing protection, they will be inclined to take it off. Because a PHPD that is not worn 100 percent of the time when exposed to noise is ineffective, the risk of hearing loss is greatly enhanced.

Earmuffs begin to show their limitations in terms of comfort.

Earmuffs' weight

A passive noise-canceling headset weighs between 200 and 600 grams, depending on the level of attenuation it provides. It is made largely of stainless steel, PVC, and other durable materials. Indeed, the higher the attenuation, the more foam or liquid is required for insulation, resulting in increased weight. This weight may appear insignificant for a one-time, short-term use, but towards the conclusion of an 8-hour workday, it becomes far less so.

Because of this embedded technology, the so-called "active" anti-noise helmets, which have one or more microphones installed on the shells to amplify or reduce the ambient noise in real-time, are heavier. When you add another microphone, batteries, and other accessories to converse in noise, their weight increases even more.

A fragile balance between insulation and compression

To protect effectively from a noisy environment, an earmuff must exert constant pressure on the ears of the wearer to create a permanent seal. Indeed, the slightest leakage significantly reduces the effectiveness of the protection, thereby increasing the risk of hearing loss. This is why wearing earmuffs over a hat is not recommended. Because of this permanent seal, a feeling of pressure can often be felt after several hours of use. This uncomfortable sensation may cause the user to remove the headset for relief, again posing a risk to hearing.

Ear muffs in extreme conditions

The use of ear muffs is often associated with extreme noise conditions. Indeed, it is the only protection that can be used as a second layer of insulation in cases where double hearing protection is necessary, i.e. when a single type of PHPD does not allow attenuation to fall below the threshold of 80 dB (A).

When worn in hot conditions, earmuffs negatively affect the comfort of the wearer. The pressure exerted by the pads on the ears leads to sweating and heat that make ongoing wear difficult.

Communication in a noisy environment

Another important consideration when choosing a Personal Hearing Protection Device that is most suited to your employees' needs is their capacity to communicate in noisy surroundings.

The necessity to communicate despite the high attenuation Earmuffs often reduce sound levels by 26 to 35 decibels (A), making them ideal for noisy environments. It is impossible to communicate without removing the ear protector in certain circumstances. According to a member of a French law enforcement unit who wore noise-canceling headphones before switching to Cotral Lab molded plugs, not wearing hearing protection, even for a short time, can have major effects for hearing:

“During our firing range sessions, we equipped ourselves with anti-noise helmets to protect us, but there are often problems due to a shot at the wrong time. [...] During an exercise, a grenade exploded and since then, I have suffered from permanent tinnitus.”

PHPDs aren't all created equal when it comes to communication.

Adaptability

Giving your employees the same type of PHPD is like giving them all the same size safety shoes: just a few people will be satisfied. Hearing protectors must be compatible with your employees' specific needs in order for them to be accepted and worn.

Ability to adapt to a noisy environment

Using a PHPD with too high an attenuation compared to the ambient noise can protect the employee from dangerous noise while also isolating him or her from sounds that are necessary for safety, such as fire alarms, approaching trucks, and the machinery on which he or she works. It's crucial to know how much noise your employees are exposed to before selecting the finest PHPD to protect them.

Compatibility with other personal protective equipment

Although there are theoretical options for combining Personal Protective Equipment, compatibility of earmuffs and other PPE can be troublesome in practice, depending on the combination of items required (noise-canceling headphones + safety goggles, helmet + headband + mask, etc.). When safety glasses are worn with an earmuff, the seal between the earmuff and the side of the face is broken, reducing the earmuff's effectiveness. The level of protection achieved will be significantly lower than what the user believes they are getting. A class 5 earmuff can be reduced to a class 3 earmuff using this method.

Comfort during lengthy usage must be addressed in all circumstances, especially when used in conjunction with other forms of PPE worn by your staff.

Conclusion

Earmuffs can be a viable solution for infrequent use or under harsh conditions where communication is not critical, and are preferable to disposable earplugs because of their ease of use. On the other hand, another sort of PHPD is highly recommended for everyday use where communication is a deciding element.

What to Expect at a Hearing Test

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 01:14:00 GMT

As an unavoidable consequence of their position, workers in some industries are routinely subjected to loud noise . This could be workers in construction, engineering, manufacturing or many other industries, including your own. Daily exposure without sufficient ear protection to continuous high noise levels affects the ear structures over time, reducing the ability to hear correctly.

Since hearing loss often happens slowly, it can quickly sneak up on your employees without you knowing it. Often, their families will be the first to comment about their hearing loss. There are far-reaching consequences of dealing with hearing loss. The initial effect is likely to be a lower performance at work, but it can contribute to exhaustion, anxiety, or even depression over time. Faster cognitive impairment, the early onset of dementia, and declining physical health have also been linked with untreated hearing loss.

This danger is why, as part of a hearing wellness policy, OSHA requires employers to conduct regular hearing tests if the average noise levels in the workplace are above 85dB during a typical workday.

Hearing tests are accurate and usually take 1 hour. The procedure is painless and non-invasive. Although hearing tests can vary slightly between different hearing specialists, there are usually four main parts:

Let’s look in turn at each one.

A consultation

Your staff will be asked about their personal and family medical background before the actual tests, as this information might affect their hearing. They will also share whether they’ve been on some medicine or whether they’ve had a cold or sinus infection in the past few days. These factors can, in some cases, interfere with accurate test results.

An ear examination

The hearing specialist will perform a painless physical examination of the ears following the consultation. They’re going to use an otoscope that helps them to look at the ear canal and the eardrum. In this area, they will check for any blockages, likely from impacted earwax, as well as any eardrum injuries, such as perforation or rupture. These conditions may lead to a loss of hearing.

Hearing tests

The hearing specialist will undertake a series of tests to assess hearing capacity. Generally, hearing tests consist of the following:

A review of test results

The outcomes of your employee’s hearing tests will be recorded in an audiogram, a visual illustration of their hearing ability. The hearing ability of each ear will be reported separately in terms of decibel and frequency levels. Generally, the outcome of speech recognition is reported as a percentage.

The audiogram shows the hearing specialist the degree and arrangement of your worker’s hearing loss (if they have any).

Hearing Loss Treatment

If a hearing loss is detected, the hearing specialist might give some options for treatment. Hearing aids, which come in various types, models, and technical capacities, are the most common treatment for hearing loss.

Right now, most hearing aids on the market are technologically advanced, with the ability to process sound efficiently and connect to electronic devices wirelessly. There are options for all degrees of hearing loss, with unique features to accommodate individual hearing needs. To decide the best hearing aid choice for your employee, the hearing specialist can factor in the details given during the consultation, such as their lifestyle, activities, jobs, etc.

If you think your workers are experiencing hearing loss, use our mobile testing services to have them tested so that you stay in compliance with OSHA regulations. Contact us today to set this up!

The post What to Expect at a Hearing Test appeared first on Anadyne .

A Campaign to Make Listening Safe for All

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 05:43:00 GMT

Never in human history has it been more important to protect our hearing throughout our lifetimes. We are living longer than ever, and while current statistics indicate that nearly everyone loses some hearing ability by the time they reach 100 years old, there is no scientific consensus about why so many people are susceptible to what is known as “ age-related hearing loss .” Indeed, it may be possible that modifiable risk factors are creating this epidemic of hearing loss, and with more careful attention to hearing health throughout our lives we can significantly reduce the amount of age-related hearing loss from what we see today.

Make Listening Safe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has created the “Make Listening Safe” campaign to “create a world where nobody’s hearing is put in danger due to unsafe listening.

Many of us work in places with noise levels that are not safe for unprotected ears. OSHA sets the maximum workplace noise exposure level at 90 dBA, however there is consensus that anything over 85 dBA for 8 hours of exposure results in permanent hearing loss, which is where NIOSH places the “safe” marker. To be properly protected, workplaces that measure average noise levels above 80 dBA should require hearing protection.

The “safe” levels promoted by NIOSH and OSHA, furthermore, do not take into account any noise exposure outside the workplace. Some people may encounter additional unsafe levels through hobbies, recreation or secondary employment that still contributes to the daily total of acceptable environmental noise, and most people who use personal listening devices exceed safe levels routinely.

For example, if your workplace averages a noise level of 85 dBA, then technically you may be in the “safe” zone in terms of noise exposure if you are only there for a maximum of 8 hours. However, if you experience any noise above 80 dBA outside the workplace, your daily total climbs above the safe limit and permanent hearing loss can occur. While it may seem like you’re not at much of a risk, keep in mind that 80 dBA is about the noise you experience while pushing a modern gas-powered lawn mower. Those whose workplaces reach the maximum safe levels allowed by OSHA and listen to music or podcasts on their commute are likely to have exceeded safe overall daily noise levels by the time they return home from work.

Hearing Protection at Work and at Play

The good news is that hearing protection and a little care outside the workplace can eliminate the risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure. Those who wear earplugs that attenuate 15 dBA in a workplace that reaches average noise levels of 85 dBA experience an effective average noise level of 70 dBA, which is in the safe zone for continuous exposure.

But it is still important to protect our ears outside work. While 85 dBA might cause hearing loss after 8 hours, for each additional 3 dBA of noise, the safe amount of time of exposure is cut in half . This means that by the time sound levels reach 97 dBA, hearing loss can occur after only ½ hour of exposure. Attending a concert without hearing protection, for example, is likely to cause some degree of permanent hearing loss. Discharging certain firearms without hearing protection can cause permanent hearing loss after firing just one round.

Keep Personal Listening Device Volumes Low

It’s estimated that as many as 20% of teenagers today have measurable hearing loss in one or both ears. Our modern life is loud, but it is thought that earbuds are the most responsible for this rising statistic.

When Sony released the Walkman in the early 1980s, it was found that using them at maximum volume would cause permanent hearing loss after a short time. Today’s personal listening devices are even louder than that original Walkman, and yet we seem to hear less about the hearing loss they are causing.

One of the best ways to limit your risk of hearing loss is to avoid using earbuds, and keep listening volumes safe. People who wish to use personal listening devices are better off using over-the-ear headphones rather than in-ear earbuds. Even just adding this little bit of distance, moving the speaker outside the ear canal, goes a long way toward increasing our awareness of the sound levels to which we’re subjecting ourselves.

The post A Campaign to Make Listening Safe for All appeared first on Anadyne .

In the New Year, Commit to Protecting Your Hearing

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 19:43:00 GMT

The beginning of a new year is a time when many of us commit to making lifestyle changes that we know will be good for us. This year, why not make a resolution to take better care of your hearing health? You may be surprised to learn that some of the things you might do to protect your ears will have benefits for your general health and well-being, as well.

Those who work in industries that involve regular noise exposure, whether it be manufacturing, construction or entertainment, are at extra risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). While hearing loss is irreversible, the good news is that it is both preventable and treatable.

Wear Hearing Protection, Limit Noise Exposure

Any noise above 85 dBA (about the amount of noise you experience while mowing the lawn or standing on a busy street) can cause NIHL after about 8 hours of exposure. This is the noise level that NIOSH sets as the maximum amount of allowable noise in the workplace, as it is considered safe with a maximum of 8 hours of exposure. But the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends limiting average noise exposure over a 24-hour period to 70 dBA, about the maximum volume of a conversation. This means that if you are exposed to a full 85 dBA at work, with a full-time schedule, you’ll need to limit the amount of noise you experience off the job in order to prevent NIHL.

While your employer must provide hearing protection if your work environment exposes you to unsafe noise levels, we often find that workers remove hearing protection or physically adjust it (making it less effective) because they believe it can hinder their ability to perform their job function. Unfortunately, this can worsen any hearing loss that may already be making it difficult to perform tasks while wearing hearing protection. If your current method of hearing protection is not working for you, talk to your employer about switching to a different method, rather than leaving yourself at risk for NIHL.

The need for hearing protection doesn’t end when you punch out! Noisy environments everywhere will contribute to your overall noise input, so even if your workplace has created a sonic environment that has been deemed safe, additional noise outside the workplace can add up to a recipe for NIHL. We all need some sonic “down time,” so try to set aside plenty of time each day when you’re not exposed to too much sound.

Physical Health & Diet

A Japanese study found that workers who spent the same amount of time at the same machines each day had significantly more NIHL if they smoked than those who didn’t. Many additional studies have confirmed that smoking significantly increases the risk for NIHL. If you are currently a smoker, quitting smoking is one of the best ways to protect your hearing ability in the long term. Heavy drinking has also been linked to hearing loss.

The likely reason that smoking causes hearing loss is that it causes inflammation. Other health issues that are linked to inflammation have also been implicated in hearing loss, including heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. If you have been diagnosed with any of these health problems, or warned that they might be a problem in the future, the steps you can take to address them will also benefit your hearing health.

A study conducted by Brigham & Women’s Hospital found that closely following an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Alternate Mediterranean diet (AMED) or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), could prevent or slow the progress of hearing loss. As one might guess, these diets have also been shown to have wide-ranging positive effects on physical health.

It seems that our ears might be the “canary in the coal mine” of our bodies. The sensitive cells in our inner ears that are required for us to process sound can be the first to be damaged when our bodies are not in good health. It’s important to make sure our diets contain plenty of the minerals and vitamins that keep our cells functioning properly, so talk to your doctor about your diet and what you can do to make sure you’re getting what you need from it. And remember to always protect your ears in loud environments!

If you work in a noisy environment, hearing protection is important. Just as important is an annual hearing test so you can monitor your hearing abilities. Contact us today to learn more about our hearing testing services.

The post In the New Year, Commit to Protecting Your Hearing appeared first on Anadyne .

All About Hearing Protection

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 05:39:00 GMT

We are constantly absorbing and processing sound throughout the day. From household appliances, to traffic, work environments, and listening to music; we are regularly exposed to varying levels of sound. Consistent or one-time absorption of loud noise can lead to hearing loss, a permanent medical condition that impacts over 40 million people.

Hearing loss typically happens gradually so it can take time to identify and address. This worsens the condition, further reducing the ability to hear which impacts all aspects of a person’s life. So, it is important to be proactive about your hearing health by being aware of noise levels and practicing safety measures.

How Loud is too Loud?

Sound is measured in units known as decibels (dB) and noise above 85 dB is potentially harmful for hearing. To grasp this volume level, a few important reference points on the spectrum of sound include:

Take a moment to think about the environments you navigate on a daily basis and the noise levels. We can easily be exposed to harmful levels of sound without being aware of how this impacts hearing health. In fact, according to the Hearing Health Foundation :

Loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear which play an integral role in how we process sound. There are thousands of hair cells in each ear and they help translate soundwaves into electrical signals that are then sent to the brain to register and assign meaning to. This is how we are able to understand what we hear and when these cells are damaged, the brain’s capacity to do this is disrupted.

Types of Ear Protection

There are numerous ways to protect your ears from absorbing excess sound. Wearing protective gear reduces the amount and impact of sound you collect. There is a wide range of ear protection with varying styles and sizes. It is important to find the most comfortable option for you. A few types of ear protection include:

These forms of ear protection can be made from a variety of materials including: foam, silicone, rubber, and plastic. It is all about finding what feels best for you and can be easily integrated into your daily life. You should wear ear protection if your workplace is noisy, while commuting, at concerts, and while participating in activities that are loud.

More Ways to Protect Hearing Health

In addition to protective gear for your ears, there are several ways to minimize the impact of sound and reduce your risk of hearing loss. A few ways include:

Being proactive about your hearing health not only reduces your risk of hearing loss but protects your overall health! Especially for those who work in noisy industries, it is important to keep tabs on your hearing abilities with an annual hearing test. Contact us today to learn more.

The post All About Hearing Protection appeared first on Anadyne .

When to Take a Hearing Test

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 21:26:00 GMT

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the second biggest cause of hearing loss (after the ageing process), and the most common way for people to acquire it is through their job. Every year, 22 million employees are subjected to potentially dangerous sounds, according to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC).

How loud can workplace noise be before it is too loud?

Workers on the production line or construction site are not always clear about how loud is too loud. With noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), the duration and frequency of exposure play an essential role, and all sounds over 85 decibels (dB) are detrimental to everyone’s hearing. To put that into perspective, regular household items such as blenders and lawnmowers can be louder than 80 dB.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States sets the allowable exposure limit for construction noise over an eight-hour duration at 90 dBA. However, NIHL typically results from prolonged exposure at sound levels of 85 dBA or higher, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Sources of occupational noise

With hearing loss, everyone loses.

Hearing loss makes it hard to hear warning signs and decrease work efficiency and lead to workplace injuries. It also restricts your ability to respond to high frequencies, understand speech, and reduce your ability to connect with friends, family members, and the wider community, resulting in social isolation. Hearing loss can affect your quality of life by interfering with your ability to socialize with friends, play with your children, or engage in other activities.

But the toll of hearing loss at work isn’t just felt by the person experiencing it – it’s a financial burden on the employer as well. Hearing loss is a legal form of employee compensation. If a person may show that they have occupational-related hearing loss from long-term workplace noise exposure, the company will have to pay a costly payout. An estimated $242 million is spent annually on employee hearing loss disability benefits in the United States.

What can be done about it?

Noise-induced hearing loss is a severe condition, and it is not as easy to avoid it in the workplace as having earmuffs and giving them out to the worker. Addressing aural hazards includes a wide range of measures, as they all play a role in protecting the current and future hearing of employees.

Contact us today to learn more about our hearing health services for workplaces.

The post When to Take a Hearing Test appeared first on Anadyne .

Tips for Communicating with Face Masks

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 01:48:00 GMT

As we know, wearing a mask will help prevent COVID-19 from spreading. We put one on each time we leave our homes. However, as mandatory mask laws are being implemented across the country, some people find it tricky to wear them. They might find it hard to breathe. Another issue is “I can’t have a proper conversation because my words sound muffled.” The latter is indeed an issue for all of us who wear masks and struggle with hearing.

Why do masks make it so difficult for others to understand?

According to Patricia Johnson, a UNC audiologist, “The physical barrier changes the sound waves that reach your ear… High pitch sounds cannot make it through the material, so you begin to lose access to consonants, particularly ‘f,’ ‘s,’ ‘sh,’ ‘th,’ which carry a lot of weight in the clarity of the words we hear.”

“Wish” can sound like “with,” for example. Wearing a mask also eliminates lip reading and other facial expressions. This can be extremely difficult for the deaf or hard to hear, but people with normal hearing can even understand someone slightly more tricky when they’re wearing a mask.

“We’re all doing lip-reading,” says Dr. Johnson. “When we talk, there is a close alignment of our eyes and ears. And if you lose your voice, you’re forced to rely on your hearing, which the physical barrier degrades.

If you can’t read others’ facial expressions, it isn’t easy to gauge their feelings.

Enforced physical distancing is also leading to communication problems.

Even physical distancing can generate communication difficulties.

Of course, these obstacles don’t alter the fact that wearing masks will help save lives during a pandemic.

To help you communicate better, here are a few tips.

Get their attention by calling their name. The best way to get someone’s attention and let them know that you care is to say their name. Calling someone by name establishes a relation and demonstrates respect and professionalism. It gives them some time to prepare for a conversation.

Use body language . Body language is a vital part of how we communicate. It is no surprise that communication can be inhibited by a piece of material covering most of our faces. Look at your conversation partner in the eyes; make sure they understand what you’re saying. For conveying knowledge, use your hands, eyes, shoulders, eyebrows, and head—nod, nod, and smile. People can see in your eyes a lot of the time whether you are smiling or not. A smile will make them feel at ease.

Talk Louder, and Speak Clearly . Take your time and talk slowly; speak clearly to make sure a person understands you. Bear in mind someone can be hard to understand. Rephrase your words if they are unable to understand you the first time.

Ask for feedback. It can be easy to lose sight of how well we interact. Tell the people you’re speaking with if what you’re saying makes sense. When we communicate clearly, we can prevent a lot of mistakes and missed opportunities.

Putting a mask on may also often feel like a physical barrier between you and the person you speak. That’s particularly true if you’re trying to have a long, meaningful conversation with someone in the grocery store, rather than a brief interaction. The face mask, however, appears unlikely to leave anytime soon as the pandemic continues. So long as we’re masking up, we’re all going to have to improve our communication skills to stay social with those around us.

Anadyne

We are committed to best practices with our hearing health services. Hearing testing is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Contact us to learn more about our mobile, on-site hearing health services.

The post Tips for Communicating with Face Masks appeared first on Anadyne .

Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:53:00 GMT

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), along with age-related hearing loss, is one of the most common forms of hearing loss. It occurs when we are exposed to harmful noise concentrations, whether on a long or short-term basis.

It is defined as a form of sensorineural hearing loss due to damage to the ear’s internal organs. Noise-related hearing loss is permanent, as is the case for other types of sensorineural hearing loss. When we are exposed to excessive noise, there can also be short-term changes in our hearing or ringing in the ears. But repeated noise exposure without the use of ear protection can lead to more severe hearing loss.

How we hear

Sound waves reach from the outer ear and pass through the ear canal to the eardrum, where they are converted into vibrations. These vibrations find their way to the inner ear, where they are gradually transformed into electronic signals transmitted by the auditory nerve to the brain to be perceived as speech.

With noise-induced hearing loss – and sensorineural hearing impairment in general – the system starts to fail when there is damage to the cochlea or nerve pathway between the inner ear and the brain.

Who Suffers from NIHL?

Exposure to hazardous noise can happen to anyone, from young children to the elderly. A 2011-2012 Center for Disease Control study involving hearing tests and interviews found at least 10 million adults under 70 years of age in the United States and up to 40 million adults had features reported in their hearing tests that indicate hearing damage in one or both ears from exposure to excessive noise. Studies report that up to 17 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have indications in their hearing tests that show NIHL in one or both ears.

What causes noise-induced hearing loss?

If you’ve ever woken up at night after a live rock show, you might have heard a high-pitched sound. Maybe you have stood next to the PA speaker just as the MC begins talking.

These are both instances in which you could be subjected to noises that are so loud that they may lead to irreversible hearing loss. When we are more aware of these slight moments of hearing discomfort, we are given the ability to take proactive measures where we can. Accumulation of a lifetime of exposure to excessive noise, whether by work or play, has a detrimental impact on one’s hearing safety.

How do I know that I have noise-induced hearing loss?

It usually starts with a high-frequency reduction in your hearing, which means you’re not going to be able to hear these sounds as well as other people. This explains why it is often difficult for those with hearing loss to understand the voices of women and children.

Harm can spread to different frequencies if noise exposure continues. Noise tends to reach a broader frequency spectrum, making it very difficult to understand conversations in noisy environments.

How to protect yourself

Through implementing these smart noise safety tips from hearing experts, you can help avoid hearing loss and make yourself happier and safer in all aspects of your life.

If you’re encountering a lot of noise at work, consider holding a conversation with the human resources team. They may be required to provide you with noise management services. In the meantime, if you’re looking for the best quality noise protection systems, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The post Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss appeared first on Anadyne .

Monitoring Your Daily Exposure to Noise

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 04:18:00 GMT

Noise pollution is a big issue in a world that continues to get louder. Exposure to noise from workplaces has long been recognized as a health issue and is continually monitored to protect employees from hearing loss.

But its not just noise at work we have to be careful of – dangerous noise levels are present off the job, too. During a 2011-2012 CDC survey, it was found that as many as 40 million people (24 percent) had hearing loss due to noise sensitivity during one or both ears.

And how do we ensure noise exposure does not leave us with permanent hearing loss? To keep our hearing intact and reduce lasting damage, learning to detect excessive noise and using resources to stop it and shielding ourselves from it are essential steps.

The louder it is, the less time you have

Protecting yourself from noise is not merely a matter of avoiding the loudest sounds. Instead, it is about managing your daily total noise exposure. It’s about the amount of noise and how long you are exposed to it.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set the safe exposure limit as 8 hours of being exposed to sounds of 85 decibels or less. The appropriate amount of listening time decreases exponentially as decibels increase. Here is some example NIOSH gives ranges:

While these numbers are useful, they don’t always depict a realistic scenario. Unless you work in a noisy environment, it is unlikely that you would have to endure 85db for eight hours regularly. What it is trying to communicate is that at any given point in time, the sound level may be high without causing damage, as long as it is balanced out with lower levels of noise during the rest of the day.

The effects of prolonged noise exposure

The average person is born with around 16,000 hair cells in the cochlea of the inner ear. These cells help to detect sounds in your brain. Up to 30 percent to 50% of hair cells can be weakened or lost before a hearing test can assess changes in your hearing. Therefore, many hair cells can be damaged by the time you notice the hearing loss, and can’t be replaced.

Repeated exposures to excessive noise gradually kill these hair cells. In noisy environments, this can slowly reduce the ability to understand the words of the people you are talking to. Eventually, if hearing loss occurs, voices even in quieter environments will become challenging to understand.

The importance of sound meter apps

With a sound level meter or a mobile sound monitoring device, audio levels can be measured at any point in your day. Whether you’re out at a festival, a bar, a sports arena, or any other place where the noise for your hearing reaches safe levels, you can now use a smartphone app to monitor noise in your environment.

What to do when there’s too much noise.

When the noise is louder than 85db, NIOSH advises that you take care to protect the hearing in the following ways:

Don’t fight noise with more noise. Listening to loud music to block noise when in public transport has been shown in a recent study to increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The authors of the study noted that “commuters listen to high volume levels to mask the background noise encountered during their daily commute.” By turning up the volume in high noise areas, they said, this puts even more strain on the ears, resulting in noise-induced hearing loss. Instead, invest in a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones to avoid turning up the volume too loud to block out of the background noise.

Follow the 60/60 rule : Listen to music on earbuds or headphones at no more than 60% of the volume capacity of your smartphone, for no more than 60 minutes before taking a break.

Restrict your exposure time: Whether you’re at a concert of work in a noisy environment, take frequent breaks from the source of the noise should be taken to rest your ears.

Use sufficient hearing protection : if the noise level is too high, use earplugs. These will ensure your hearing capacity is protected from the worst of the noise. Many earplugs minimize the noise by between 20 and 30 dB.

The post Monitoring Your Daily Exposure to Noise appeared first on Anadyne .

5 Reasons to Prioritize Hearing Health in the Workplace

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 01:06:00 GMT

Hearing loss is a more significant issue than you would expect:

Considering your workplace and its current practices, investing a little time and effort will be a prudent investment for your company and your workers. Here is a list of reasons why helping maintain your employees’ hearing health can only be a good thing.

1. Your workers will be more productive

Business performance can suffer when workers experience hearing loss. Regular miscommunications and make tasks take longer to complete because instructions are misunderstood or need to be repeated.

This miscommunication can also cause staff to feel isolated as they fail to communicate with colleagues, and it hurts collaboration and can cause them to be more tired and anxious than normal. Unaddressed hearing loss is associated with an increased likelihood of some cognitive decline; in cases of severe hearing loss, this may be up to five times greater. It can have a detrimental effect on those in cognitively-demanding roles.

2. Your workers will be more employable

You want your workers to be the best in their field so that they can continue to support the aims of your business. Studies have found that those with the worst hearing loss had an unemployment rate (15.6%) twice that of the typical hearing population (7.8%) and almost double that of their peers (8.3%) using hearing aids.

3. Your workers will be happier

Workers who have hearing loss are likely to experience loneliness as essential contact becomes more difficult, resulting in frustration, stress and anxiety. From the inability to receive important information in meetings and calls to feeling left out at company parties, hearing loss can harm a person’s quality of life significantly.

Keeping an eye on the hearing quality of your workers vital, as loneliness and depression is twice as high in people who struggle to hear well than those who have no hearing problems at all.

4. Your workers will have fewer accidents

Hearing problems often affect balance, which increases the risk of falling in the workplace. This heightened risk is an obvious safety issue to the employee and can influence productivity in your organization if workers need time off work.

According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, middle-aged people between the ages of 40-69 with a moderate hearing loss had a three-fold risk of falls compared to those with normal hearing. The prevalence of hearing loss in older populations of 70 years of age and older contributed to a rise in hospitalizations and reduced physical and mental health.

5. Your efforts have a direct impact

Noise-induced hearing loss is the only wholly preventable cause of hearing loss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 24 percent of hearing loss in the United States has been linked the workplace. Noise-induced hearing loss is a lifelong hearing disability due to exposure to high noise levels.

By maintaining high hearing health standards in your firm, you can ensure your employees’ welfare by protecting them from life-changing hearing loss.

What the law says you must provide

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates the amount of time workers can be exposed to noise at 90 decibels, ordering hearing protection when noise levels reach 90 decibels.

Through the law, employers in the manufacturing and service sectors have to introduce a robust hearing protection system. Hearing conservation programs can differ slightly by industry, but there are usually eight compulsory components. Employers must:

The post 5 Reasons to Prioritize Hearing Health in the Workplace appeared first on Anadyne .

New Year’s Resolution: Prioritize Hearing Health at Your Workplace

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 05:02:00 GMT

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a severe condition affecting millions around the world. NIOSH reports that 30 million U.S. employees are exposed to sufficiently high noise levels to cause a permanent loss of hearing. According to the United States Office of Labor Statistics, there are more than 20,000 instances of hearing loss in the work environment every year, many culminating in permanent hearing damage.

The Hearing Loss Association of America has also estimated that 60% of Americans with hearing loss are studying or still working. That means 60% of the nearly 40 million hearing loss Americans are still working.

More of your employees have hearing loss than you think.

Which jobs are at risk of NIHL?

Those who work in some sectors may be more likely (due to the nature of their work) to suffer hearing loss. People working in manufacturing, construction and other noisy environments, for example, are at an increased risk compared to people working in more sedate environments.

Here are some jobs that are considered high risk:

Why good hearing is important on the job

Better communication, better performance: Communication is everything in almost any job but changes in the job market mean it is more important than ever. Industrial work is increasingly being replaced by service and tech jobs that emphasize good communication skills and teamwork. Poor hearing can hinder the overall ability of your workers to communicate efficiently in most cases and can contribute to a negative impact on their working relationships.

Increased productivity: The reluctance to treat hearing loss can affect work efficiency, job performance, and earnings. They can also pose a risk to our ability to hear sounds that signal work environment hazards, raise sick leave rates and reduced the overall quality of life of your workers. But the maintenance of good hearing can maintain and even improve the levels of productivity in your workplace.

Healthier workers: Hearing loss is associated with a wide range of other health disorders such as depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to an increased risk of falling and a loss of balance, which could increase the incidence of workplace accidents.

Prioritizing hearing health – it’s the law

By protecting your workers from hazardous listening levels through the federal limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), you can reduce the health problems associated with noise exposure. If your workplace exceeds 85 decibels averaged over 8 working hours, you are required to implement a hearing conservation program at your workplace.

Hearing conservation programs are aimed at preventing initial hearing loss, preserving and protecting the remaining hearing capability, and equipping workers with the information and equipment needed to protect themselves.

Consider these solutions when creating your hearing conservation program:

2. Provide adequate hearing protection

Earplugs and other safety equipment must be given to people who are required to work next to loud sounds. Not only that, you must provide education on the best way to fit these devices in the ear – there have been instances of workers who have worn poorly-fitted hearing protection and paid the ultimate price.

3. Conduct regular hearing testing

Training should be given to workers on a regular basis. It should cover the instructions on how to prevent hearing loss and education on how to diagnose the early signs and symptoms of hearing loss.

Anadyne

Great workplace communication is critical to both job performance and to getting a job. Great communication starts with great listening. And great listening starts with the ability to hear. Make sure your workers protect their ears this year, and you breed the conditions to help them provide you with many more years of faithful service. Contact us today to see how we can help maintain the hearing help of your workers this year.

The post New Year’s Resolution: Prioritize Hearing Health at Your Workplace appeared first on Anadyne .

All About Hearing Protection

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 00:12:00 GMT

With all the sounds and commotion in the world in this day and age, noise induced hearing loss is something that can happen to anyone. The only way to avoid such damage is diligence in using hearing protection, knowing the best kind of hearing protection for the environments that you navigate and ensure that you wear that hearing protection correctly.

Hearing loss is a cumulative injury. If you work in a noisy work place or navigate a noisy urban environment, or even abuse personal listening devices, every time you doesn’t use hearing protection hearing damage gets a little bit worse, layering on top of the damage you may have already done. Here’s a quick and easy guide to ensuring hearing safety in your work environment.

Know Your Environment

Most industrial noise exposures are less than 95 dBA, which means most workers require no more than about 10 dB of noise reduction to meet the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 85 dBA. Almost any hearing protector out there, when fit correctly, can provide 10 dB of sound reduction. If you do not know the noise levels at your worksite, you should find out ASAP. If you need to raise your voice to speak to someone 3 feet away, noise levels might be over 85 decibels. There are allot of different Smartphone apps out there to measure the noise exposure at your place of employment including the NIOSH Sound Level Meter . There are also sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and octave band analyzers.

Noise may be a problem in your workplace if you:

The Best Noise Protection for the Job

Louder environments demand higher levels of noise reduction, but beware of reducing sound too much. Just as too little slight a level of protection can be dangerous to your ears, too little sound can make you feel isolated, confused and less aware of their surroundings. Overprotection can be dangerous as you may the need to remove your hearing protector to hear someone speak or listen to your equipment creating a dangerous window for hearing damage. The ideal is to aim for just enough noise reduction to bring your exposure down to 75-85 dBA.

The Noise Reduction Rating on hearing protector packaging represents the amount of noise the hearing protector blocked when tested in a laboratory. The best way to know how much noise reduction you are getting from a hearing protector is by fit testing . If fit-testing is not available at your workplace, you can check earplug fit by counting out loud while slowly cupping and un-cupping your hands over your ears; if you have a good fit, your voice should sound about the same as you cup and un-cup your ears. For noise exposure of 100 dBA or greater, like a chainsaws or jackhammers or if you are exposed to impulsive sounds such as gunshots, you should wear double hearing protection, likes earmuffs over your earplugs.

Protect Your Hearing Today To Hear Tomorrow

If you have no control over the sound issues at your place of work or living situations, the easiest solution to ensure you protect you hearing safety at the workplace is wearing the proper hearing protection. Hearing health relies on knowing how to protect your hearing and how to select the right form of hearing protection. Take a few minutes every day to make sure you are using the best hearing protection for your work tasks. Once you know what works best for your needs make sure you wear it every time you are exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA. Your ears, your health and your quality of life will all be better off! To find out more about the best hearing protection for you and your employees, contact us at Anadyne.

The post All About Hearing Protection appeared first on Anadyne .

Regulating Noise in the Workplace

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 03:45:00 GMT

The most common workplace injury in the US is hearing loss. Approximately 22 million Americans are subjected to potentially harmful noise conditions at work and risk hearing loss, according to the National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOSH).

Hearing loss can affect your performance at work as well, and increase the risk of accidents. It can also debilitate the working relationship you have with your colleagues and your boss. The effect of hearing loss on your work is not just cosmetic – studies have shown that hearing loss can reduce your earning potential and also make you less employable, so there is a lot at stake when it comes to preserving your hearing on the job.

Luckily, government regulations have been protecting the hearing of the American workforce for decades.

OSHA: Government-regulated noise-levels

OSHA mandates that places of work stay within specific noise boundaries in order to safeguard employees ‘ rights to a safe place to work. Founded in 1971, its impact on workplace safety was dramatic. The reported rates of severe injuries and diseases in the American workplace has decreased from 11 out of 100 in 1972 to 3,6 out of 100 in 2009.

By measuring sound in units called decibels (dBA), OSHA establishes legal boundaries on workplace noise exposure. These limitations are based on an 8-hour average working day. The permissible exposure limit for all employees for an eight-hour day is 90 dBA of consistent noise.

The employer’s responsibilities

Based on the OSHA measures, employees have certain responsibilities to uphold when it comes to noise in the workplace. When an employee is subjected to 8 or more hours of noise exposure at 90dBA or more:

NIOSH: Recommended noise-levels

Although the OSHA standards have been in place and have saved many workers from developing hearing loss, the most recent research recommends even stricter limits on noise.

NIOSH is a research group within the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which conducts the latest research related to occupational health. Their most recent research suggests an 8-hour baseline exposure of 85 decibels is appropriate, 5 decibels below current legally-enforced OSHA guidelines. Exposures above this point are deemed to be dangerous.

The limits of noise level supplied by OSHA and NIOSH are based on both the length and volume of the sound exposure. So, the exposure length should be cut in half for every noise level increment of 3 dB (NIOSH) or 5 dB (OSHA).

OSHA allows for 8 hours of exposure at 90dBA and 4 hours at 95dBA, while the stricter NIOSH guidelines allow for 8 hours’ exposure at only 85dBA, and 4 hours at 88dBA respectively. The differences between the OSHA and NIOSH standards are even starker the louder the noise exposure level. OSHA allows 2 hours of exposure at 100dBA, while NIOSH allows for only 15 minutes!

Although these NIOSH guidelines might seem overly conservative compared to the OSHA recommendations, it does make sense to stay on the side of caution and remain vigilant when it comes to hearing loss. This is because most people take a long time to realize that they have hearing loss, and by that point the damage is irreversible.

Anadyne

If your business takes places in a noisy environment, the protection of your employee’s hearing is of utmost significance. At Anadyne, we assist businesses such as yours with hearing tests and provide your staff with OSHA-approved ear protection. We have been treating and preventing hearing loss for many years and are acutely aware of how hearing loss can reduce an individual’s quality of life. Contact us today to see how we can help protect your employees and keep your business OSHA-compliant.

The post Regulating Noise in the Workplace appeared first on Anadyne .

Noisiest Jobs in the World

Sat, 17 Aug 2019 21:48:00 GMT

Do you work in a noisy sector? Are you concerned about your hearing health, or worried that your employees might face hearing loss? Even the noisiest jobs in the world don’t need to cause hearing loss if you learn about the risks, and provide the best in hearing protection for all your staff. Here are a few of the noisiest jobs in the world, and the decibel levels you should be watching out for.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Millions of workers in America are exposed to dangerously loud sounds, and risk noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). They face sounds so loud that they can experience permanent hearing loss in one afternoon if they’re not wearing hearing protection. Usually, NIHL is a gradual process, from being exposed to loud sounds each and every day.

Understanding noise induced hearing loss is all about understanding decibel levels. Decibels (dB) are how we measure sound, and any sounds over 85 dB will damage your hearing. To put that into perspective, the volume of normal conversation is around 60 dB, your blender is anywhere from 80 – 90 dB, and your child’s classroom is around 85 dB.

Noisiest Jobs in the World

There are a few jobs that are notoriously loud, with very high decibel levels that can cause a lot of damage to your hearing health. Factories and farms are very noisy, with dB levels often exceeding 100 dB. At that volume, a day of work will cause damage to the delicate cells in the ear. If you have a manufacturing business, your employees need to protect their hearing. Musicians face dangerous sound levels of up to 110 dB. Construction workers also have loud jobs, with heavy machinery and power tools reaching sounds of around 120 dB. Finally, airport ground staff work in excessively loud environments, and if they’re not wearing hearing protection, risk severe hearing loss in just a few minutes, with sounds reaching 140 dB! If you’ve noticed their orange earmuffs, you can be sure those aren’t for show, but are absolutely necessary for their health and safety.

Other noisy jobs include bouncers and bar staff, who experience sounds of 115 dB for a few hours every night. Formula one drivers face sounds of 135 dB, and should be protecting their hearing every time they get behind the wheel. Law enforcement also face very loud noises, and a gunshot firing at close range is 140 dB. Working around these decibel levels requires the best in hearing protection, such as custom molded earplugs , or over the ear muffs.

Protecting Your Hearing

If you and your employees work on a noisy jobsite, protecting your hearing can drastically reduce your chances of hearing loss, and safeguard your hearing for years to come. Not only does exposure to dangerously loud sounds lead to hearing loss, it can also cause pain, headaches, stress, depression, tinnitus, and even insomnia. The pain threshold is 125 dB, and if your jobsite is louder than that, not only will your staff risk hearing loss, their productivity will be greatly reduced, and the chances of workplace accidents will increase.

The risk of hearing loss among these professionals is very high, so it’s your job to help your staff protect their hearing with the right hearing protection. The louder the noise, the faster you’ll experience hearing loss, and very loud sounds can cause immediate hearing loss. Make sure your staff isn’t facing prolonged exposure to dangerous sounds.

The type of jobsite you have dictates what kind of industrial hearing protection your employees need. For some, foam earplugs could be enough to keep everyone’s hearing safe. However, on noisy jobsites, earmuffs will provide far more protection, and create a safe seal around the entire ear. In some cases, it may be worthwhile to invest in digital hearing aids, that will allow you to hear soft sounds at a normal volume, but will automatically activate when you’re exposed to dangerously loud sounds.

Anadyne

Protecting your hearing, and the health of all your employees, has never been easier. At Anadyne we specialize in jobsite hearing protection, and we’ll even come to you. Call us to schedule the most convenient time, and we’ll test your workers’ hearing, examine the jobsite, and make suggestions on the best way to keep everyone’s hearing safe.

The post Noisiest Jobs in the World appeared first on Anadyne .

Work in the Entertainment Industry? Consider Hearing Protection

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 06:58:00 GMT

It’s summer festival season! From open-air concerts to block parties to weekend festivals, everyone is out to have a good time. It is also the best time of the year to work for some. Whether you’re a music photographer, sound engineer or festival bartender, this is certainly a busy time!

Unfortunately, if you work in the entertainment or service industry, exposure to loud noise is a serious occupational hazard – and can lead to hearing loss. If you do not take proper precautions, the loud noises associated with such events can damage your ears. In fact, as many as 50% of people attending a music festival experience tinnitus.

How noise can damage your hearing

The majority of rock shows range from 110 dB to 120 db. Sustained noise exposure up to 85dB can cause lasting damage to your hearing.

After age-related hearing loss, loud noise exposure is the second biggest cause of hearing loss. Loud sounds actually create vibrations in hair cells that are so strong that they have the potential to damage your hearing permanently. Permanent damage to the small cells in the ears reduces the ability of those cells to convert sound into signals to be read by the brain. These damaged hair cells are not replaceable, which means they can’t create the sound signals to the brain, resulting in hearing loss.

So, what can you do to prevent tinnitus and hearing loss this festival season? Should you consider switching careers? There is one way you can protect yourself this summer while you work the festivals – use earplugs or other hearing protection.

The benefits of earplugs

Some people might see earplugs as something you wear if your partner snores or if you want to sleep on a long flight. But these little earbuds could mean the difference between climbing into bed for a quiet night’s sleep after a hard day’s work, and a night of eternal ringing in the ears.

Earplugs help entertainment professionals in two ways:

1. The right ones will help you work better

Most people believe that ear plugs are a way of blocking the maximum amount of sound. But earplugs block sound in a more nuanced way than you would think. If you work in sound engineering or as on-stage sound technician, there are earplugs designed to lower the sound level of 10-30 dB without any muffling or distortion. Some even let you modify the level of isolation in order to use it for any show you work, from the small acoustic show to a cacophonous 6-piece metal band.

Musical earplugs can actually improve your listening experience. It helps you hear the detail of the music better, because the overall sound is reduced. You actually hear what the musicians play much more accurately, which will help you to perform better on the job.

Some people worry that wearing earplugs will make them unable to hear other people talking, reducing their ability to communicate with their co-workers. On the contrary, good ear plugs can make it easier to speak again. Simply shouting in someone’s ear doesn’t make it more likely that they will understand you, and vice versa. You will probably have an easier time hearing them by lowering the volume.

2. They will protect your hearing

A recent study in Holland study assessed the effect noise had on an audience of 51 participants at an outdoor music event that lasted almost five hours. Although the noise was around 100 decibels across the whole concert, people who wore earplugs had five-fold decrease in temporary hearing loss, compared to those who wore none. The use of earplugs, on average, led to an 8% decline in hearing, compared to about 42% if people didn’t wear them. They were also effective in protecting against tinnitus. Only 12% of those with earplugs suffered from tinnitus when compared with 40% without earplugs.

So, to protect your hearing and work better this summer, why not put a pair of earplugs in your bag alongside your all-access wristband?

Anadyne

If you’re looking for industrial-quality custom molded earplugs to protect you this summer, we can help you out. We supply a wide range of hearing protection solutions for any job you could think of. Contact us today to see how we can help protect your hearing this festival season.

The post Work in the Entertainment Industry? Consider Hearing Protection appeared first on Anadyne .

3 Reasons Your Employees Need An Annual Hearing Test

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 18:58:00 GMT

Dangerous levels of noise in workplace environments is a growing issue in our country. The US Labor Department estimates that there are 22 million workers every year who are exposed to excessive noise in the workplace. In addition, employers in the United States have had to pay out hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation from employees with hearing loss.

After hypertension and arthritis, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition among adults in the United States. And you may think that this only affects older workers, but 60% of those with hearing loss are actually under the age of retirement. And 20 percent of children between the ages of 12 and 19 are already showing signs of hearing loss, meaning that the workplace is likely to see more cases of employees with trouble hearing.

As hearing loss becomes more widespread, employers must understand what they can do to ensure that more employees do not lose their hearing at work. A good first step is an annual hearing test for your employees. Here are three key reasons why this is a good idea for both your business and your workers.

1. Good hearing leads to higher productivity

Almost no employer out there will turn down the chance to have a more productive workforce. But the fact is that by neglecting the hearing health of their workers, employers are risking more than the wellbeing of certain members of staff. They could also risk lowering productivity.

Being able to hear and understand one’s colleagues is essential for efficient employee communication. Maintenance of your employee’s hearing and listening abilities allow employees to understand instructions for work, making it more likely that your employees get more done. Misunderstandings however, can lead to job errors, missed deadlines and inadequate customer service.

2. Good hearing leads to a lower risk of accidents

The more developed your hearing loss is, the bigger the risk is that you will experience a workplace accident. This risk rises significantly if you already work in a noisy environment. It’s possible that you might miss a crucial piece of security information during work at a construction site which could lead to serious consequences. Hearing loss can also conceal sounds which alert you to danger, such as the warning sounds of reversing vehicles. The cognitive effort involved in distinguishing sounds when battling hearing loss also makes you more vulnerable to workplace errors.

By maintaining the hearing of your workers will help ensure a clean safety record at work, maintaining the reputation of your company and reducing the chances of any lawsuits resulting from accidents at work.

3. Good hearing boosts earning power and lowers unemployment rates

Hearing loss can make your employees earn less money. The link between untreated hearing loss and lower wages were explored in a 2012 paper published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology journal . The paper concluded that people who have hearing loss earn significantly lower pay than people with normal hearing. A separate conclusion found that those with hearing loss are also more likely to be out of work.

By taking an active interest in the hearing health of your employees, you are more likely to keep your best staff motivated and help them to improve and maintain their skills and experience. This helps them become valuable, high-performing members of your team.

Your other responsibilities

There are also things that you can or need to do that will hopefully reduce the rate of hearing loss at your workplace.

OSHA regulations require employers to provide hearing tests and hearing protection for those who are exposed to loud noise for eight hours a day or more. For construction workers, the limit is 90 decibels for an exposure of eight hours.

You can also promote awareness and education of hearing safety among your workers. Employees sometimes don’t want to use hearing protection when on the job because they don’t realize the risks–particularly if they don’t use loud machines. By reminding your employees that listening damage occurs from combined noise exposure (rather than simply short bursts of loud noise), you help them become aware and protect themselves against the risks that they face on the job every day.

Anadyne

At Anadyne, we help companies like yours test hearing and provide hearing protection to their employees. For more information about how we can protect the hearing of your workers, contact us today.

The post 3 Reasons Your Employees Need An Annual Hearing Test appeared first on Anadyne .

Choosing The Right Industrial Hearing Protection For Your Workplace

Mon, 20 May 2019 04:51:00 GMT

The post Choosing The Right Industrial Hearing Protection For Your Workplace appeared first on Anadyne .

The Importance of Annual Hearing Testing

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 09:03:00 GMT

Employers understand the variety of personal issues that employees bring to the workplace. Each of these issues comes with its own strain on the workflow as well as your necessary response in terms of human resource development. When you encounter personnel issues among your workforce, you know that they can come with incredible costs to productivity if you don’t take proactive steps to prevent effects on your activities. One of the many employee issues that can remain disguised in your workplace is hearing loss.

Just like these other personal concerns that become public concern in your place of employment, hearing loss can be an incredible cost to productivity and the bottom line. Fortunately, Anadyne offers a preventative solution for the hearing loss issues that face your employees. Their innovative Quanta system of hearing monitoring takes your team from risk to a long future of productivity and success.

Why Thorough Testing Is Necessary

Hearing loss in the workplace can be a secret enemy of productivity. When an employee misunderstands instructions, an entire day of work or more can be lost. If employees struggle to communicate with one another, the strain can lead to a loss of morale, mistaken activities, and interpersonal strife. In addition to the detriments of hearing loss for the workflow, worker safety is at risk in many workplaces and industrial sites. Not hearing a warning siren or a coworker yelling about a hazard can lead to immense risks to employees’ lives and safety, nothing to take lightly.

In addition to life-threatening risks, a noisy work environment can lead to hearing loss within the workplace. Of course prevention and enforcement of safety regulations is the most important course of action, but monitoring the status of hearing ability is essential to determining if your workforce are suffering injuries in at your place of employment. Regular hearing testing is the only solution to these and many other problems that crop up in the workplace due to hearing loss.

Anadyne has devised the ideal strategy for testing hearing in the workplace to set the baseline of hearing ability among all workers and to track their progress during their tenure at your place of employment. In accordance with OSHA guidelines, hearing loss prevention, monitoring, and rigorous annual testing for all your staff, along with education and training on hearing health, including instruction on the proper way to apply and use hearing protection in the workplace. Preventing hearing loss goes hand-in-hand with increasing productivity for your team, and Anadyne is here to help make that possible.

Other Hearing Testing

In comparison with other hearing testing systems that are available to employers, the Quanta approach does not simply try to complete as many tests as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. These other approaches tend to assemble employees in groups of up to 8 for their testing sessions, trying to get the highest billing rate per hour for their services. What is sacrificed in this approach is the attention to detail and thoroughness of testing. Safety officers sometimes see a flurry of activity and think the testing is effective, but inaccurate testing can result in lower long-term productivity.

What Makes Quanta Unique

Among the other hearing testing systems out there, Quanta does everything it can to reduce the amount of time that people are away from their workstations. With a lower impact on worker time and productivity, Quanta remains able to complete thorough and effective hearing testing with a minimal disruption.

Major corporations have enlisted our services and find it to be just what their productivity expectations demand, including Boeing, Georgia Pacific, Schnitzer Steel, and Blount. With these considerations in mind, not any hearing testing solution will do, and the Quanta system delivered by Anadyne has been shown to be the most effective system available.

By delivering thorough and specialized annual hearing tests for your entire team outside of a slipshod group setting, Anadyne can help to optimize your productivity, reduce miscommunication, and protect the hearing safety of your entire team. With such important issues at stake, your hearing testing system is not the place to cut corners. Indeed, what seems like a savings in the short term can lead to remarkable losses in future productivity.

Hearing Testing with Anadyne

At Anadyne, we help companies like yours test hearing and provide hearing protection to their employees. Our business is built on the belief that exceptional hearing safety enhances the quality of life and productivity of every worker, both on and off the job. Contact us today to learn more.

The post The Importance of Annual Hearing Testing appeared first on Anadyne .

3 Essentials to Increase Your Workforce’s Hearing Safety

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:38:00 GMT

Is your job site a noisy place? Do you work with heavy machinery, power tools, or any other excessively noisy equipment? When it comes to workplace safety, every employer needs to be aware of the dangers to their worker’s hearing safety , take steps to protect their hearing, and invest in industrial hearing protection . As an employer, you need to learn about the costs of workplace injury, and follow the 3 essentials to increasing your workforce’s health and hearing safety.

The Cost of Workplace Injury

One of the costs of running a business are the costs of keeping your employees safe on the jobsite, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict guidelines all employers must follow. Research shows that workplace injury costs more than $170 billion every year! These costs can be from reduced productivity, fines, fees, and medical bills. In fact, the costs related to workplace injury can account for 6 to 9% of the project’s cost! However, if your business implements the recommended health and safety programs, this drops to just 2.5%. It pays to plan ahead, invest in your employees health, and increase their hearing safety.

1: Education

Your first line of defense against workplace hearing loss is proper education. Your workers risk developing permanent and severe hearing loss due to workplace activities, and you could find yourself liable for their hearing loss. Mandate training and education sessions so all of your employees are aware of the risks to their hearing health, and know what steps they can take to protect their hearing. Encourage them to wear hearing protection at all times when at work, and also stress the importance of wearing hearing protection during noisy leisure activities such as music concerts, sports events, or when visiting the shooting range.

2: Changes to the Workplace

One effective way to protect your employees hearing is to make changes to the workplace to distance your employees from unnecessary noise. This can be through placing loud equipment as far away from your staff as possible, or mandating rest periods so your employees have a chance to get away from the noise for a few minutes throughout the day.

3: Wearing Hearing Protection

If you can’t create more distance between your workers and the source of the noise, you need to provide your employees with industrial hearing protection . Hearing loss due to exposure to excessive noise is totally preventable, so safeguard the hearing of all your staff members. How do you know when your staff should be wearing hearing protection? If you have to yell to be heard by the person standing next to you, the jobsite is dangerously loud, and you should all be wearing industrial hearing protection.

You can provide your staff with foam earplugs, but if your workplace is extremely loud, we recommend that you invest in industrial hearing protection, such as earmuffs or digital hearing protection. These are a favorite among employees, since they don’t block soft sounds from reaching your ears, and you’ll be able to hear coworkers without removing the ear protection. This means that when loud noises start again you won’t have to fumble with earplugs, but can comfortably leave the hearing protection in your ears the entire day.

How Anadyne Can Help You

Improving your employees hearing conditions protects their hearing, and actually increases productivity, since your staff will be able to communicate effectively. An initial investment will translate into far lower health care costs, and fewer workplace injuries. Want to make sure you’re doing the right think for your employees hearing health? Anadyne performs comprehensive, onsite hearing screening, so you can ensure you’re following OSHA guidelines without decreasing productivity or disrupting your work day.

We’ll come to you, and will schedule tests at the times that are the most convenient for you. We know the ins and outs of OSHA mandated hearing testing and compliance , and we can provide training to your employees as well as recommending sound engineering that will save your employees hearing. When it comes to wearable hearing protection, we have a wide selection of industrial hearing protection from standard earplugs to custom ear protection that you and your staff will love.

Call us today and schedule an appointment to find out what we can do for you.

The post 3 Essentials to Increase Your Workforce’s Hearing Safety appeared first on Anadyne .

How Saving Your Worker’s Hearing Can Save Your Industry Money

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 18:07:00 GMT

There are many costs to running a business, and one of the largest costs can be keeping your employees safe. Research conducted by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration agency (OSHA) notes that injuries and illnesses caused in the workplace can cost businesses upwards of $170 billion every single year. These expenses can be related to declining sales and productivity, fines and fees related to workplace injuries and illnesses, as well as the cost required to hire and train new employees to replace those who can no longer work.

A 2001 study conducted by the Construction Safety Association of Ontario shows the average cost of a lost-time injury was $35,000 15 years ago. They found that injuries caused in places of employment accounted for 6 to 9 percent of a project’s cost. In businesses that implemented effective health and safety programs, the cost was much lower: just 2.5 percent of a project’s cost (CSAO, 2001). OSHA similarly that it is important for business owners to set explicit guidelines for safety in the workplace. OSHA found in 2016 that businesses that do implement safety systems can cut injury and illness these expenses by 20 to 40 percent every year.

Occupational Hearing Hazards

There are many ways to keep your workers safe on the job. Many companies have been paying closer attention to the small-scale ways in which injuries can be caused and prevented. For example, Aetna Insurance made the decision to create more comfort for their employees who spend a lot of time at their desks. They redesigned their workstations to have “adjustable ergonomic chairs, task lights, acoustical panels, and increased space” (WSDLI, 1996). Aetna Insurance subsequently saw a $98,500 cost benefit from the redesign. One important step businesses can take to make their employees more comfortable and safer is to simply protect their hearing.

There are in fact many links between people with untreated hearing loss and lower wages. A 2012 study in Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology found that people with hearing loss earn significantly lower wages than people with full hearing capabilities, and that hearing loss sufferers are more likely to be unemployed. A study published by the Better Hearing Institute suggests that people with untreated hearing loss earn an average of $20,000 fewer dollars a year than people who are not hard of hearing. The 2011 study found that hearing loss may cost society around $26 billion in federal taxes—meaning that there is approximately $176 billion in actual wages lost due to underemployment are directly related to hearing loss.

Creating better hearing environments for your workers will not only improve their wages, but your business’s productivity. Sergei Kochkin, one of the researchers on the Better Hearing Institute study, suggests that “…when people with even mild hearing loss use hearing aids, they improve their job performance, increase earning potential, enhance their communication skills, improve professional relationships, stave off depression and improve the quality of their life.” When your workers are able to hear safely they are better equipped to communicate and to generally improve the flow of work.

Keeping Your Workers’ Hearing Safe On the Job

There are a few things that you can do to create safer hearing environments for your workers. The first thing to do is to create a culture of awareness around hearing health in all aspects of your business. Creating manuals, posters, signs, and other materials that remind workers to be thinking about their hearing can go a long way for creating other effective strategies for protecting hearing.

Beyond that, a simple solution to protecting your workers hearing is to provide everybody with custom hearing protection that they can keep on their person and use at will. Custom hearing protection is useful in all manner of workplace conditions; of course, they are useful in factory settings where there may be heavy machinery or larger equipment that is running all day long. They will also be useful to workers who work in areas with droning sounds produced by equipment such as conveyor belts. If you have the resources to do so, you may want to consider encouraging workers to use their health care benefits to secure regular hearing tests .

Improving your employees’ hearing conditions will not only protect their hearing, but will create better conditions for clearer communication amongst your employees and between you and your employees. The added benefits of lower health care costs and lower costs related to workplace injuries and illness is simply the icing on the cake.

The post How Saving Your Worker’s Hearing Can Save Your Industry Money appeared first on Anadyne .

Occupational Hearing Hazards

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 04:44:00 GMT

Every day, we engage with a world full of noises, and it’s getting louder. Loud sounds aren’t just a nuisance, they have serious consequences for your hearing and your overall health. Noise-related hearing loss is the leading cause of permanent hearing damage, usually occurring gradually as incremental damage is done to our hearing when it is exposed to hazardous noise levels.

In a busy modern lifestyle, it’s important to understand when a loud sound is too loud and to know how to protect yourself from permanent hearing loss. Knowing what noise thresholds are is especially important if you work at a noisy workplace. Occupational hearing loss is unfortunately very common, despite OSHA worker safety standards for hearing protection. Loud working environments practically guarantee you will be regularly exposed to sound levels that can leave a permanent mark if you aren’t careful. Here are a few things to consider at your workplace.

How Hazardous Noise Hurts Our Hearing

Human hearing relies on delicate cellular sensors that are positioned in the inner ear. These hair cells are attuned to detecting sound waves with nuance and accuracy, but they are also one of our body’s most precious resources. If a hair cell becomes damaged it doesn’t have a way to repair itself and becomes permanently out-of-commission. Each hair cell we lose means we hear slightly less incoming sound – when we lose a significant amount of hair cells, we experience the symptoms of hearing loss.

Many things can damage hair cells – infections, some medications, even bad circulation can cause harm to them. Most common however is exposure to noisy extremes. Loud noises stretch these tiny cells beyond their limit and like an overstretched spring, they are unable to bounce back.

What Is Too Loud?

Interestingly, we can experience some loud noises for a limited amount of time without causing permanent harm to our hearing. Researchers have developed thresholds for loud sounds- the timed amount of exposure to a decibel level that can be tolerated without permanent hearing damage occurring. For human hearing, hazardous occupational noise begins at sound levels around 85 dB. At 85 dB, about the sound of a vacuum cleaner, our hearing can withstand 8 hours of exposure until hearing damage is sustained.

Because 8 hours is a standard work day, 85 dB is also the starting level where OSHA requires workers to be provided with hearing protection. However, it is important to note that some occupational noise levels are much louder – and much more capable of producing hearing damage. At 10 decibels louder, 95 dB, noise exposure time is reduced eightfold. A lawnmower operates at around 95 dB and at that noise level, hearing damage can occur in just 1 hour. Volume at an average sporting event or rock concert often reaches 105 dB. At this volume, hearing is affected in under 15 minutes.

Another important sound threshold to recognize is 120 decibels, about the volume of an ambulance siren, which causes hearing damage in a matter of a few seconds. Sounds above 120 dB are unsafe at any length of exposure and at around 130 dB cause physical pain to the ear. If your job exposes you to sounds at 85 dB or louder it’s important to understand the risks these sounds have to your hearing and to wear the appropriate ear protection.

Hearing Harm Reduction

It is important to remember that while our hearing is resilient, our ears do need a recovery period after being subjected to loud noise. If your workplace exposes you to hazardous noise levels, buffer your workday with quiet periods and try to spend your on the job breaktime as quietly as possible.

Many people are unsure of what kind of noise levels their workplace involves, but the solution can be as close as your pocket. A variety of simple decibel-reading apps are available for smartphones and mobile devices that can read sound levels and let you know when you are being exposed to hazardously loud noise.

If you are concerned about your occupational noise exposure, stay on top of your hearing health with Anadyne. At Anadyne, we’re focused on helping you hear by providing the best in hearing protection . We’ll test your hearing , and help you determine what kind of hearing protection you need to keep your ears safe. Our custom fit hearing protection will save your hearing, and build safety into your work and home life. From musicians’ earpieces to high quality digital devices that will eliminate harmful sounds but still let you communicate with your coworkers, we have a wide selection of hearing protection for all your hearing needs. To protect your hearing, visit us at Anadyne to discuss hearing protection options.

The post Occupational Hearing Hazards appeared first on Anadyne .

Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 20:27:00 GMT

Nearly 50 million Americans have hearing loss. Some factors that can lead to hearing loss include genetics, natural aging, illness, injury, or infection. However, millions of Americans suffer from noise-induced hearing loss, a totally preventable form of hearing loss that’s caused by exposure to excessively loud noises.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. We’re exposed to loud noises every day, from traffic noise to household appliances to your favorite workout track at the gym. Whether at home or at work, our environment is saturated with noise, and we’re always turning up the volume. While some sounds are perfectly safe, many of the sounds at work and in our recreational activities are far too loud, and can cause irreversible damage to your ears. NIHL is hearing loss that starts in your ears. The delicate cells in the cochlea, or fluid filled inner ear, that are responsible for picking up on the sound waves around you are easily damaged by loud noises. When they’re damaged or destroyed you will experience hearing loss, and once these cells die they don’t regenerate. You’ll experience permanent tinnitus or hearing loss that will affect the rest of your life.

How Loud is Too Loud?

If you’re asking if something is too loud, it probably is. Do you leave a concert with ringing in your ears, or tinnitus? Do you have to yell to be heard by the friend sitting next to you? If the answer is yes, then the sounds around you are far too loud, and you’re damaging your hearing.

Understanding Noise-induced hearing loss is all about the decibels (dB). Decibels are a way to measure sound volume, and the higher the number, the louder the sound. Some sounds are safe to listen to for many hours, and others can damage hearing in a matter of seconds. Sounds under 85 dB are considered safe, and unlikely to lead to hearing loss. Normal conversation, the hum of the refrigerator, or watching TV with the volume on low won’t cause hearing loss. However, many sounds are above 85 dB and will cause hearing loss.

NIHL can be sudden or gradual. If you’re exposed to one sudden, extremely loud sound like a gunshot at close range or fireworks a few feet away you’re hearing will be permanently damaged. Most commonly, NIHL is a gradual process, as the constant exposure to loud sounds chips away at your hearing health at work or during recreational activities.

Sounds that Cause Hearing loss

If you’ve left work feeling like sounds around you are muffled or faint, your body is telling you that the sounds were too loud, and were hurting your ears. You need to wear hearing protection, and step outside from time to time to give your ears a break. Some workplaces are extremely loud, with sounds from heavy equipment or machinery reaching up to 120dB. Working in this environment for a few minutes will cause permanent damage, and being exposed to these dB levels for an entire work day is deadly to your hearing health. Other sounds that can cause hearing loss are traffic noise, screeching brakes, and emergency sirens. Around the house, power tools, vacuum cleaners or leaf blowers are all loud enough to damage your hearing.

Protecting Your Ears from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

While foam earplugs work in some situations, and are a great thing to have in your bag for emergencies, at work or during summer music festival season you don’t want to wear uncomfortable earplugs, and might choose to damage your hearing rather than putting in earplugs you don’t like.

Learn More with Anadyne

At Anadyne, we’re focused on helping you hear by providing the best in hearing protection. We’ll test your hearing , and help you determine what kind of hearing protection you need to keep your ears safe. Our custom fit hearing protection will save your hearing, and build safety into your work and home life. From musicians’ earpieces to high quality digital devices that will eliminate harmful sounds but still let you communicate with your coworkers, we have a wide selection of hearing protection for all your hearing needs. To protect your hearing, visit us at Anadyne to discuss hearing protection options .

The post Understanding Noise-Induced Hearing Loss appeared first on Anadyne .

INTRODUCING THE HEAR CLEAR NEWSLETTER

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 23:58:00 GMT

The post INTRODUCING THE HEAR CLEAR NEWSLETTER appeared first on Anadyne .

ANADYNE INTRODUCES NEW QUANTA MOBILE HEARING TESTING

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 10:41:00 GMT

The post ANADYNE INTRODUCES NEW QUANTA HEARING TESTING appeared first on Anadyne .