Development of High-Fidelity, Safe-Listening Earphones – guest post by Patricia A. Niquette

Posted on March 7, 2012 by AU Bankaitis

Hearing professionals and parents alike are concerned about the potential for hearing loss from portable music players. If used at high levels for long periods of time, there is increased risk of music-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis and diplacusis.

Safe Listening Levels

Permissible sound exposures are derived from damage-risk criteria. Sound levels of 85 dB are considered safe for most listeners for less than 40 hours per week (NIOSH, 1998).1 Sound levels that exceed NIOSH recommendations put listeners at increased risk. Equally important is duration of exposure: For every 3-dB increase in sound level, the permissible listening time is cut in half, and these shorter-but-louder exposures are considered to have equal risk: 88 dB is allowed for 20 hours per week; 91 dB is allowed for 10 hours per week and so on. For a complete explanation on allowable exposures and noise dose, read the Explanation of OSHA and NIOSH Safe Exposure Limits white paper.2

Output of portable devices

Numerous articles have been published on output levels of portable players, but when reading these studies, note the measurement method. Damage-risk criteria were derived from sound level measurements taken with a sound level meter in the sound field, in the absence of the listener. In contrast, output levels of portable players are often measured directly at the earphone, in the ear canal using a probe microphone, or at the microphone diaphragm in the ear canal of an ear simulator, making direct comparisons of earphone output levels to damage-risk criteria impossible. Sound levels measured directly at those locations must be corrected by subtracting the transfer function of the open ear.3, 4 If this is not done, the measured values may substantially overstate true risk.4 As a result of all these factors, the wide range of published output values makes it difficult to recommend a “safe” volume setting.

Listening habits of teenagers and young adults

The main reason listeners of all ages turn up the volume on their players is to hear their music over background noise. Earphones that seal the ears block out noise and allow lower playback levels. A study of listening preferences of 29 normal-hearing teenagers (ages 13-17) indicated that chosen levels were significantly lower with insert earphones, and that listening levels were influenced by background noise.5  Likewise, in a study of 100 college students, most chose safe listening levels in quiet, but as background noise increased so did volume levels.6  A key finding in both studies was that when listeners used earphones that sealed the ears, the majority chose safe listening levels regardless of background noise level.5,6

Earphone Design 

The specifications of ETY-Kids earphones are based on careful study of both the maximum voltage output of various portable devices and the maximum output of recordings popular with kids. Current music is mastered considerably higher than the output levels of older recordings, but levels tend to be consistent across artists. These measurements were verified by measuring the output of nominal sensitivity into a sound level meter and then on a personal noise dosimeter connected through a diffuse-field inverse (dfi) filter to the earphone input. Earphone sensitivity was engineered to produce an output level no greater than 88 dB SPL (A-weighted) to achieve a target recommendation of safe listening for four hours a day (20 hours per week) at full player volume. Since ETY-Kids earphones seal the ears, maximum volume is not usually necessary. ETY-Kids earphones are reduced-sensitivity earphones with no circuitry that actively (electronically) limits at a specific level. Sound quality is significantly degraded in that type of design. The result? Safe-listening earphones that sound great!

Patricia Niquette, AuD received her Master’s Degree in Audiology from the University of Iowa and her AuD from Salus University. Her professional experience spans pediatric and educational audiology, industrial hearing conservation, university teaching and private practice. Patty recently completed her term as a Member Delegate on the Executive Council of the National Hearing Conservation Association and serves on the Music-Induced Hearing Loss Committee of NHCA.  At Etymotic Research she is involved in research, education, technical writing and new product development.

References

  1. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1998). Criteria for a recommended standard: Occupational noise exposure. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  2. Niquette P (2011). Noise Exposure: Explanation of OSHA and NIOSH Safe-Exposure Limits and the Importance of Noise Dosimetry. Etymotic Research, 61 Martin Lane, Elk Grove Village, IL.
  3. Wiener FM & Ross DA (1946). The pressure distribution in the auditory canal in a progressive sound field. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 18: 401–408.
  4. Berger E, Megerson S, Stergar M (2009). Personal Music Players: Are We Measuring the Sound Levels Correctly? The ASHA Leader, August 11.
  5.  Portnuff CDF, Fligor BJ, Arehart KH (2011). Teenage Use of Portable Listening Devices: A Hazard to Hearing? J Am Acad Audiol 22:663-677.
  6. Fligor BJ & Ives TE (2006). Does headphone type affect risk for recreational noise-induced hearing loss? Paper presented at the NIHL in Children Meeting, Cincinnati, OH.
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Creative Solutions for Displaying Hearing Aid Products & Accessories

Posted on February 29, 2012 by AU Bankaitis

Looking for an interesting way to display hearing instrument technology or other ear-related accessories in your practice? Invest in some cool new ear displays that showcase products without taking up a lot of space.  Four different ear displays are available at Oaktree Products, each equipped with a screw-in support rod designed to mount upright, making it very easy for patients to see the various hearing instrument technology or accessories intended for visual display.

The white ear display (head style) contains a single white silicone ear mounted on a clear acrylic panel cut out in the shape of a head in profile.  This single ear display sits 8″ high and approximately 6″ across and is ideal for showcasing various BTE instruments and/or showing the fit and look of retainer and/or moisture protection systems such as Ear Gear, Super Seals, or Hearing Aid Sweat Bands.

Two additional displays equipped with white silicone ears are also available; one is a white ear display with four ears mounted on a square acrylic panel (7″ high x 4.5″ across) and the second is a white ear display with six ears mounted on a rectangular acrylic panel (4.5″ high x and 12″ across) .  Either display is ideal for contrasting differeing hearing instrument models, ranging from CIC to open fit and traditional BTEs.  Rather than white silicone ears, an ear display utilizing five flesh tone silicone ears mounted on a square acrylic panel (10.5″ high x 7.5″ across) is also available.  To order your displays, contact Oaktree Products in St. Louis, MO at 800.347.1960 and ask for customer service, order via the Oaktree Products website, or e-mail customer service at otp@oaktreeproducts.com.

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NHCA: Great Resource for Audiologist regarding Hearing Conservation

Posted on February 22, 2012 by AU Bankaitis

The 37th National Hearing Conservation Association’s (NHCA) Annual Conference is taking place this week in New Orleans, LA on February 23 through February 25.  The mission of the NHCA is to prevent hearing loss due to noise and other environmental factors in all sectors of society.  Formed in June of 1976 as the Hearing Conservation Association, the organization officially changed its name to the National Hearing Conservation Association in 1981.  The founders of NHCA were mainly audiologists and ENTs who were concerned with the development and related impact of noise-induced hearing loss from occupational noise exposure. NHCA was created to provide a forum for audiologists, physicians, engineers, industrial hygienists, safety professionals, nurses and other professionals to share knowledge, expertise, and practical information in an effort to gain increased insights and awareness regarding occupational hearing conservation.

For audiologists interested in offering patients hearing conservation solutions and options, joining the Association offers a variety of benefits including access to various resources and information.  For example, members gain access to a hearing conservation bibliography listing relevant articles on hearing conservation and hearing loss prevention dating back to 1997.  The Educator Resource section offers slides, practical guides and various teaching tools to help educate and motivate employees involved in occupational hearing conservation programs.  Check out www.hearingconservation.org  for more information.  While you are at it, save the dates of February 21-23, 2013 for the 38th Annual NHCA Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida.  This is my second year attending the conference and it is a great venue attended by excellent, motivated and knowledgeable people willing to share their expertise on hearing prevention.

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Help Your Hearing Aid Patients Listen!

Posted on February 15, 2012 by AU Bankaitis

Hearing instruments are the starting point for individuals with hearing loss experiencing communication difficulties.  As audiologists, we all know that hearing aids alone may not be sufficient for many of our patients.  Expand your arsenal of rehabilitative tools by educating and offering your patients the low-cost auditory training therapy program called the Listening And Communication Enhancement (LACE), available for purchase now at Oaktree Products, Inc.

LACE is a listening software program conceptualized by Dr. Robert Sweetow, Ph.D. designed to retrain the brain to comprehend speech up to 40% better in difficult listening situations such as noisy restaurants.  Training can be conducted in the privacy of the patient’s own home and pace and/or it can be completed at the audiologist’s practice in a computer lab as part of a comprehensive rehabilitative program.  LACE consists of twenty 20-30 minute listening exercises of progressing difficulty.  For four weeks, a user spends a half-hour, five days a week working with the computer program to enhance listening skills by completing interactive and adaptive task involving degraded speech exercises, listening exercises in the presence of rapid speech, and other training exercises to enhance auditory memory.   In addition to immediate feedback for each task, the computer software program provides the patient with various progress charts to document listening performance improvements.  LACE not only teaches patients communication strategies, but it gets them actively involved in the rehabilitative process, helping them appreciate the difference between hearing and listening, while building the necessary confidence to achieve ultimate communication success.

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Use a Firefly for Otoscopy!

Posted on February 8, 2012 by AU Bankaitis

Looking for a video otoscope without breaking the bank? The new Firefly DE550 is the newest and most affordable digital wireless video otoscope available through Oaktree Products at just under $380.  With a dedicated wireless link and a 3 hour Lithium battery, the Firefly DE550 is equipped with four highest quality ultra-bright LEDs with variable brightness control for capturing high-resolution images.  This new video otoscope provides up to 50x optical magnification and up to 150x digital magnification.

Getting started is quite easy; simply install Firefly software first (Windows 7, 8, 10, XP and Mac OS 10.4 or higher), plug the wireless receiver into the USB port of your computer, turn the otoscope power “ON” by pressing the ON/OFF button at the rear of the otoscope, and you are now ready to capture, store, recall, view, manipulate images and video in real-time.  The product comes packaged with nine disposable specula (3, 4, and 5 mm – 3 of each) with additional disposable specula available for purchase including an assortment of 200 specula (Item FF-ES100) or a box of 200 of the size 4 mm only (Item FF-ES104).  A wired version of this otoscope (Firefly DE500) is also available through Oaktree Products.  For more information, contact Oaktree Products at 800.347.1960 and ask for customer service or e-mail them at otp@oaktreeproducts.com.

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8 Really Cool Things for Audiologists in 2012 – guest post by Carolyn Smaka

Posted on February 1, 2012 by AU Bankaitis

Each year in January, I love to change the calendar to the new year with all the hope it brings for good things to come.  Here are some things the audiologist in me is looking forward to this year. 

1. Direct Ear Scanning and other new technology

Photo courtesy of Lantos Technologies.

Imagine no more ear impressions.  It’s easy if you try.  Yes, folks, you heard it here, unless you already heard it at the Starkey Expo last month like I did.  A company called Lantos Technologies has an elegant little hand-held device (albeit expensive) that will scan the ear directly.  Apparently, the resulting scan can be used to order hearing aids from any manufacturer.  I did an interview with one of the developers a few years back.   Word is that it will be introduced at AudiologyNOW! next month.

I asked my Magic 8-ball if we’ll see other new products at AudiologyNOW! and it answered, “Without a Doubt”.  When I think back to all the amazing technology and features that were introduced over the years including feedback cancellation, wireless technology, RIC devices, invisible in-the-canal devices, and more, I can’t help but get excited. Not only because of the cool factor, but because of the patient benefits we see as a result.  I’ll be one of the first in line in Boston waiting for the Expo to open.  Hope to see you there!

2. Online Conferences

In May, we’re honored that Dr. Rich Tyler will be our Guest Editor for a Tinnitus Conference on AudiologyOnline. In June, we’re partnering with the Educational Audiology Association to bring you a conference entitled “Critical Issues in Educational Audiology”, and in September we’re thrilled that Dr. Ruth Bentler will be our Guest Editor for our first-ever conference on hearing aids!  Each conference will feature live seminars Monday through Friday from 12 – 1pm Eastern with leading experts discussing the very latest research and clinically-relevant information to help improve your patient outcomes.  Stay tuned to AudiologyOnline for more info.

3. Billing, Coding and Reimbursement Online Bootcamp

It seems that audiology billing, coding and reimbursement change on a daily basis, and much more change is expected this year, especially in regard to Medicare (groan!).  The good news is that Dr. Kim Cavitt of Audiology Resources has created an intensive billing and coding bootcamp that has been a popular and must-have resource for audiology practices.  And, this year, she’s bringing it online to AudiologyOnline!  Look for more information on a comprehensive package of courses as well as monthly open chats (bring your questions!) with Dr. Cavitt on absolutely everything you need to know on billing and coding.  Coming summer 2012!

4. Audiology Apps

I think Unitron was the first company to develop a validated hearing screening app, uHear, and it soon surpassed over a million downloads.  That’s a million advertisements for audiologists and our services – thanks, Unitron!  Starkey has a cool new app for listening training, Hear Coach, and many other useful apps in the iTunes store (search under “Starkey Laboratories”).  AuDNet has the nowihear app, and most other hearing aid manufacturers have and are developing apps for our patients or for us to use with our patients.  There’s even a sound level meter app, SPL Meter, developed by a post doctoral research fellow from Boys Town that I hear is pretty accurate.  Most of these apps are FREE, so check them out and think about what applications they may have to your practice or outreach efforts.

5. AudiologyDesign

Did you know that we have a whole new program to design, host and manage practice websites at AudiologyOnline called AudiologyDesign? Under Director Kelly O’Keefe, we have a new team of people creating custom websites to enhance your Internet presence through the latest in web solutions. For further info, call the AudiologyDesign team at 866.950.3571 and ask what they can do for you and your business.

6. Baby Boomers

The boomers are coming, the boomers are coming!  Are you ready?  As a profession, we need to get these boomers into our offices.  One thing you must do in 2012 is get active in social media – Facebook and Twitter.  It’s the best free way to reach baby boomers.  I see a lot of practices out there that never update their page – ugh!  They’re missing a great opportunity.  Post photos of your office, of you, of your staff, and send updates at least a few times per week.  It’s not rocket science, and if you build it, they will come. And let’s make a resolution to share ideas across the profession about recruiting and managing baby boomers—if we can effectively serve them we will grow our businesses and our profession like never before.  Bring ‘em on!

7.  Songs for Audiologists on Spotify

Before you  think, “oh lame”, humor me on this one.  My name is Carolyn Smaka and I’m addicted to Spotify.  Subscribe to my Spotify playlist “Songs for Audiologists” – each song was carefully selected based on the content as well as the listenability.  Besides the audiology theme, these are songs I actually like and enjoy listening to.  But before you get crazy and start playing them in your waiting room, note that some of the songs may have “explicit” language.  Don’t see your favorite audiology song in the list?  Email me and I just might add it.

8. A.U.’s New Haircut

If you’re like me, you look forward to A.U.’s new haircut every year.  She is one audiologist with great hair who can rock some great looks, including (below from left to right): 1) 2008 – short & sweet, 2) 2009 – “Banks” with bangs!, 3) 2010 – The Kate Pierson, and 4) 2011 – long & lovely!

Will 2012 be a healthy, happy and successful year?  Magic 8-ball says, “Signs Point to Yes”.   What are you most looking forward to this year?  Please leave your comments below or send me a note anytime at csmaka@audiologyonline.com.  Namaste!

Carolyn Smaka, Au.D., is Editor-in-Chief of AudiologyOnline.  She currently serves on the Public Relations committee and Membership resume review sub-committee of the American Academy of Audiology.  She’s also a music enthusiast, a yogini-wannabe and proud mom of the best kid in the world. 

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Jodi vs Jodi vs Jodi…

Posted on January 25, 2012 by AU Bankaitis

Hearing aid suction devices are vacuum pumps specifically designed to clean cerumen and debris from hearing instrument receiver and microphone ports. Most are designed for use by the dispensing audiologist in the clinical environment although some models have been specifically designed for the hearing instrument wearer to use the device to clean hearing instruments at home. One popular manufacturer of hearing aid suction devices is JodiVac, LLC who offers several different models including the Jodi-XL, Jodi-Pro, Jodi-Pro Plus, and Jodi Jr.  So, how do Jodi vs Jodi vs Jodi differ?

The Jodi-XL (shown right), Jodi-Pro, and Jodi-Pro Plus models are intended for use by the audiologist while the Jodi Jr. is specifically designed for use at home by the hearing instrument wearer. The main difference between the Jodi-XL and both Jodi-Pro models is that the Jodi-XL comes equipped with a powerful vacuum desiccator which serves as an effective drying chamber for removing moisture from hearing instruments.  In addition, the Jodi-XL is equipped with two pumps, one for suction (to vacuum debris out of hearing instrument ports) and another for pressure (blow debris out of hearing instruments) although a less expensive version (JodiXL-NP) is available without the air pressure feature.

The Jodi-Pro Model (shown left) is a portable hearing aid vacuum cleaner intended for use by the audiologist; unlike the Jodi-XL, it does not come equipped with a drying chamber and provides the suction feature only. The Jodi-Pro Plus version is a Jodi-Pro model with the added feature of a filtration system that makes it compatible for suctioning liquids.  Recently, the manufacturer did introduce the Jodi Pressure/Vac which is essentially the Jodi-Pro equipped with the suction and air pressure features. For more information on JodiVac products, contact Oaktree Products and ask for customer service or send us an email at otp@oaktreeproducts.com!

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2011 in Review

Posted on January 18, 2012 by AU Bankaitis

Once again, the stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com reviewed how my blog performed in 2011 and here is the quick update. The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people.  My blog was viewed approximately 30,000 times in 2011!  In other words, if my blog were a concert at the Sydney Opera House, it would take about 11 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.  Blog followers came from many different parts of the globe with most visitors coming from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.  Other followers resided in South America (Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, & Peru), Europe (Netherlands, France, Turkey & Germany), Australia, New Zealand, Guam, and South Africa (Egypt, Nigeria, Tanzania & Kenya).  The top referring sites for 2011 include Facebook, NetworkedBlogs, WordPress, Twitter, and OEDB.ORG.

Throughout the past year, there were 73 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 110 posts. Recall, my blog debuted 18 months ago with the very first blog post published on July 29, 2010.  At that time, I published a post twice a week, however, based on an on-line survey conducted in May 2011, the majority of subscribers indicated that new information should be posted once a week.  As of June 2011, blog posts were reduced to once a week, published every Wednesday.  The most popular blog post of 2011 was Message of Hope published on November 23 with 379 hits that day alone.  The blog post that generated the most comments in my Feedback Forum was Comfort Contego – HAT Worth Checking Out.

The most exciting addition to my blog was the introduction of Guest Blog Posts, a feature that started on June 15, 2011 with subsequent guest posts occurring the first Wednesday of every new month thereafter. Guest bloggers included Brian Taylor, Robert Kemp, Paul Dybala, Juliette Sterkens, Deb Abel, Joscelyn Martin, and Robert Sweetow.  You can access Guest Blog Post Archives via the horizontal menu bar located at the top of the home page.  This is a great resource of information from industry leaders and experts willing to share their knowledge on a wide variety of topics and a feature that will continue throughout 2012.  Thank you everyone for your support and feedback!

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