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(NIOSH Continued
from page 3)
fied. Hard
costs include items such as:
 | Workers' Compensation benefits,
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| Health care and the implications for hearing health maintenance under managed health
care, and
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| Hearing aid instruments and
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| Rehabilitation.
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Indirect costs related to hearing health merit scrutiny as well. Research into
increased risk of accidents due to impaired hearing, high noise levels, or compromised
hearing due to use of HPD; productivity analysis; research on communication ability and
related implications; and costs of under-realization of career potential (example: US Army
hearing requirements for promotion and retention) are important. Worker
expectations of maintaining full functionality need recognition. Where our fathers
expected to retire after 40 years in industry with compromised hearing, the current
generation of workers with its focus on health and wellness will likely not be so
accommodating.
A national inventory of hearing critical jobs, both in the public and the private sectors
is needed. Part of this research should focus on methods for assessing auditory
functionality; methods for determining the hearing-criticality of specific jobs, tasks,
and occupations; and methods of accommodation to address workplace accessibility for the
hearing impaired.
New Technologies Agenda
A means for distribution of information, especially engineering controls, is needed.
A "best practice" com |
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pendium and an acoustical materials
compendium to collect and distribute existing, proven control technology are possible
vehicles. Broad distribution of "buy quiet" specifications to aid the
purchase of quiet machines and equipment is another aspect of best practice information |
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asset in raising public awareness of noise
as a hazard and in motivating the individual to maintain hearing health and
function. Similar technology can be applied to personal hearing protector fitting.
Analysis should be conducted on the effect of the redistribution of responsibilities for
hearing health. Based on current business trends, it is possible that hearing
conservation will not be an exclusive management legal responsibility. The new
paradigm will entail greater worker involvement, as the worker bears more responsibility
for healthcare. Likewise, there will be greater supplier involvement as they bear
more partnership responsibility for ensuring that their industrial consumers maintain safe
and healthful workplaces.
Part of the supplier link involves consumer products as well. A labeling requirement
like an MSDS for noise that would communicate to end-users the level of hazard,
consequences of use, and appropriate self protective behaviors (e.g. using hearing
protection or limiting time of use) can close the gap between the linked exposures in the
workplace and elsewhere.
Personal Protective Equipment Agenda
Important aspects of the HPD utilization issue merit research. There is no current
definition of HPD comfort and no real definition of effec
(NIOSH Continued on page 6)
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