3M Hearing Loss Prevention Carolyn Parris

Transcription

1 3M Hearing Loss Prevention Carolyn Parris NZISM & NZOHNA Conference September 2009

2 Outline Barriers to hearing protection Active Listening solutions to improve communication Selecting earplugs Training aids Solutions to barriers Ear Fit Validation tool overview 2

3 Barriers to hearing protection Inability to hear communication promotes removal of hearing protectors Damaged or distorted hearing protectors Improper fitting techniques Attenuation not enough for the environment Uncomfortable PPE leading to non compliance Not compatible with other PPE, causing poor fit Difficult access to hearing protectors in the work area Personal perception and knowledge gaps on hearing protection Only one type of hearing protector for all Can you think of any others? As we move through this presentation we will find solutions for many of these barriers. 3

4 Enhance communication with Active Listening solutions Worktunes Alert Push to Listen Pro Tac II AM/FM for repetitive tasks, has an active listening mode Allows active listening by simply pressing a button. Enhances speech frequencies for 30 seconds Amplifies speech, whilst offering class 5 Tactical XP Level dependent function, amplifies soft sounds and dampens loud noise, has equaliser and cup selection mode. Can help people with current NIHL Increasing features 4

5 Selecting earplugs for individual workers Questions to consider: Size have you got the correct size? Shape does it fit easily into the ear canal? Materials is it comfortable and easy to insert? Colours do you have a specific need? Attenuations what noise reduction do you need? Reuse do you want disposable or resuable? Type corded or uncorded? * Class 5 environments 5

6 Training Aids for Occ Health Nurses 6 Roll Model Demonstrator is a plastic block with calibrated holes to provide a training platform for proper roll down and preparation of foam earplugs for optimum insertion. Great to see how much time you have before the earplug expands Shows you how well the plugs rolls down Some people need small/large earplugs The earplug should be able to roll down and fit into the good hole.

7 As a guide in estimating earcanal sizes, 3M makes available the Eargage tool Insert the ball into the canal, tab pointing to back of ear The best fitting ball indicates the approximate size of the earcanal. Each ear should be sized individually Compare your findings to available earplugs 3M Eargage Tool 7

8 Training Aids for Occ Health Nurses CLEAR E-A-R is a replica molded from an impression of a human external ear. Allows easy visualisation of outer ear structures from positions as viewed from outside the head, and from top and bottom and front and back. Great to see how the inserted earplug conforms or doesn t conform to the canal wall 8

9 Training Aids for Occ Health Nurses Training materials can be downloaded free from: 9

10 Solutions to barriers Communication: consider Active Listening earmuffs or specific communication headsets with hearing protection Damaged protectors: use hygiene kits, replace Uncomfortable: try different styles and use the roll model and ear gauge to help size earplugs Not compatible with other PPE: try banded, behind the head earmuffs Personal perception: education, use of the role model and clear E-A-R, training CDs 10

11 Are the earplugs really working for you? You have: Measured the noise levels Selected the appropriate earplugs Educated the team on correct use of PPE Done the audiometry and still find a shift If you wish to go that one step further you may like to learn more about the Ear Fit Validation Tool 11

12 3M Ear Fit Validation Tool Overview Can be done at the workplace Quick to perform Measures the true attenuation of the plug for the individual, a class 5 may only provide class 3 protection Several different plugs to trial Computer based documentation 12

13 Please feel free to ask questions and register your interest if you would like to learn more THANK YOU 13