Noise-Induced Hearing Loss - American Academy of Audiology

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Assessing Hearing Protectors in the Clinic- How to Perform CPT 92596 Ear Protector Attenuation Measurement An assessment of ear protector performance for a specific ear protector on a specific individual. Why do it? Fit verification – to verify “adequacy” of fit STS evaluations – to assess poor fit as a potential contribution to the change in hearing Work-related evaluation – to factor in HPD use Training and education – an OSHA required component of an effective HCP HPD selection – and aid in selecting a good HPD for new employees Documentation – establishes evidence that HPDs were selected and fit for legal records EARfit ® Technology Dual element microphone Simultaneous measurement inside and outside HPD yields noise reduction (NR) Specially prepared protector called a “probed HPD” Advantages F-Mire Approach Quick – 8 seconds per ear Objective (non-linear HPDs) Can test one or both ears Quiet is not needed Hearing loss not an issue Great documentation Tests at 125 and 8000 Hz Disadvantages Tom Thunder, AuD, INCE ( tthunder@comcast.net) Cost Space Can only test manufacturer’s HPDs Special probed HPDs Acoustic flanking at high frequencies For a short movie clip, see: http://www.e-a-rfit.com/process.aspx American Academy of Audiology (April 2009) F-MIRE (Field Microphone in Real-Ear) Utilizes the same real-ear approach to verifying the insertion gain of hearing aids, except here you are measuring the insertion loss of earplugs. Individual HPD Fit Test: EARfit ® Technology Software provides the stimulus, calculations, and ear-canal-to-sound-field transfer function. Loudness Balance The VeriPRO uses a 3-part loudness balance process to measure the attenuation of a patient’s earplug fit in each ear over a range of 5 frequencies. With this real-world data, you can find out whether your patient is receiving optimal protection, requires additional training on how to fit their earplugs, or if they need to try a different model.
Assessing Hearing Protectors in the Clinic- How to Perform CPT 92596 Developed in conjunction with the House Ear Institute and uses sophisticated software in a user-friendly format to determine the Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) your patient receives. The VeriPRO package consists of PC-based software, an audio processor, a USB cable, and an audiometrically optimized headset. Renee Besette of Howard Leight by Sperian takes a visitor through this simple audio demonstration http://www.ohscanada.com/ohstv/Howard-Leight-NSC-2007.asp Five frequencies are balanced (250, 500, 1k, 2k and 4k Hz) Using the mouse, raise or lower the slider bar until the volume in your left ear matches the volume in your right ear (which always stays the same). Compare the volume only, not the quality or pitch of the tone. When you have reached a balance, click MATCH to move on to the next frequency. First, a balance is done to get an unprotected reference level for the left ear. Second, a plug is inserted in the right ear and a balance is done to determine the PAR for the right plug. Third, a plug is inserted in the left ear and a balance is done to determine the PAR for the left plug (measures the change in level on the left). A color visual is given to show how well a specific protector works for that patient. Tom Thunder, AuD, INCE ( tthunder@comcast.net) American Academy of Audiology (April 2009) In this approach, users match the volume of a tone in one ear to the other ear. Informational graphics and instructional text guide the user through the process. At the end of a Check, users view a report giving the patient’s PAR for the HPD worn. The report can be printed or saved as a PDF. Loudness Balance Approach Advantages Professional efficiency Works with any earplug Tests both ears Good documentation Quiet not needed Disadvantages Cost - $2,900 Space Won’t work with muffs or caps Subjective Hearing loss can be an issue Relatively slow – 9 min
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Noise-Induced Hearing Loss - American Academy of Audiology

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