2022 NHCA Annual Virtual Conference

Despite decades of regulatory mandates and guidelines for hearing loss prevention many are still at risk of ONIHL. Organizations such as NHCA, ACGIH, NIOSH, etc. have promulgated new sampling methods and best practices like fit testing and hearing loss simulators to enhance an effective HCP. Hearing Conservationists continually seek better strategies for empowering workers to self-regulate exposure and correct HPD use. However, these often take the form of training and awareness campaigns which are intermittent and difficult to reinforce. Presenting exposure data from infrequent exposure assessments may seem abstract or less credible to workers who know their work routine varies greatly and with it, their exposure levels. Therefore, development of a real-time monitor sufficiently low in cost for daily use by an exposed population, yet capable of capturing repeatable, credible exposure level data has potential for preventing permanent HTL shifts when coupled with a near real-time behavioral feedback mechanism. This session will explore system architecture, capabilities and deployment strategies of a system enabling HCP managers to use interactive behavioral feedback techniques for empowering employees to take active ownership of their hearing health while increasing confidence that they are adequately protected.