https://www.americancityandcounty.com/wp-content/themes/acc_child/assets/images/logo/footer-logo.png
  • Home
  • Co-op Solutions
  • Commentaries
  • News
  • In-Depth
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Podcast
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Resources
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Events
    • How to Contribute
    • Municipal Cost Index – Archive
    • Equipment Watch Page
    • American City & County Awards
  • Magazine
    • Back
    • Digital Editions
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • Advertise
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Statement
    • Terms of Service
American City and County
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Co-op Solutions
  • Commentaries
  • News
  • In-Depth
  • Multimedia
    • Back
    • Podcasts
  • Resources
    • Back
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
    • Events
    • How to Contribute
    • American City & County Awards
    • Municipal Cost Index
    • Equipment Watch Page
  • Magazine
    • Back
    • Digital Editions
    • Reprints & Reuse
    • Subscribe to GovPro
    • Manage GovPro Subscription
    • Advertise
  • About Us
    • Back
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Stament
    • Terms of Service
  • newsletter
  • Administration
  • Economy & Finance
  • Procurement
  • Public Safety
  • Public Works & Utilities
  • Smart Cities & Technology
acc.com


Simple precautions can reduce hearing loss

Simple precautions can reduce hearing loss

Extreme noise environments, like ambulances, are a known cause of inner ear damage and hearing loss. But, many people do not realize that, while hearing
  • Written by Inmon, Judy
  • 1st June 1995

Extreme noise environments, like ambulances, are a known cause of inner ear damage and hearing loss. But, many people do not realize that, while hearing damage is permanent, it also is avoidable.

Studies show that stress from exposure to loud noise can cause and contribute to sleeplessness and hypertension. Police and firefighters should be aware of what they can do to reduce their risk now to ensure they can hear later.

A number of common sense measures can be taken by public safety personnel to ensure they do not damage their hearing while on the job. These include:

* avoidance of loud noise environments whenever possible — easier said than done. When off-duty, a point should be made to reduce excessive noise. During shifts, hearing protection should be worn around power tools (90dB), firearms (about 140dB) and other noise generators. OSHA requires employers to provide employees hearing protection at constant noise levels above 85dB;

* breaks away from the loud work area during a shift with exposure to continuous loud noise;

* use of hearing protection when working in an ambulance; and

* access to an audiologist for employees already experiencing hearing loss, however slight.

To reduce the extreme noise level of ambulances, manufacturers must meet standards defined by the National Truck Equipment Association, Farmington Hills, Mich. One mandate establishes the maximum sound level for ambulance compartment interiors at 80dB.

Additionally, the loudest siren must be under 123 dB, sirens must be mounted on the front of the vehicle to reduce occupants’ noise exposure and the frame must be insulated to absorb sound.

Use of hearing protection is also key. Worn correctly, ear plugs can be used to provide up to 30dB noise reduction. The downside of ear plugs is the consequent reduction in communications between personnel on board and with dispatch.

Headsets, on the other hand, provide hearing protection and allow for communication. A headset with a 24dB noise reduction rating (NRR) reduces ambient noise by that amount.

Headsets should include 24dB NRR, a noise-canceling microphone, voice activation (VOX) capability for “hands free” communication, an easily accessible “Push-To-Talk” button for radio transmissions and be lightweight and comfortable. Noise canceling microphones cut out the ambient noise so that speech comes through more clearly without background noise.

Headsets plug into and work with an intercom system, which interfaces with an existing radio. In an intercom, radio compatibility, modular components, ease of installation and, if applicable, multiple radio capability for tactical and command frequencies (including plugging the headset into a hand-held radio) are important.

Modular components plug in for easier installation and repair. Cables should be able to be replaced in five minutes or less. A digital message recorder to record incoming messages or commands is also useful.

Enhanced communication saves lives. Being able to hear incoming commands clearly can save critical seconds. High quality headsets and intercom systems are readily available to help enhance communications and increase safety for ambulance personnel.

This article was written by Judy Inmon for Firecom Corp., Portland, Ore.

Tags:

Related


  • Clearing a path to multicloud as the new foundation for digital government
    To say that the last year has been challenging for state and local governments is a massive understatement. While citizens turned to their state and local agencies for guidance during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local leaders were largely left to navigate the uncertainty without a roadmap or assistance from the Federal […]
  • Celebrating the unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic: Procurement professionals
    We look forward to it every year. We rejoice in the celebrations and acknowledgements of all the amazing procurement professionals who create a significant impact in their entities and their communities. March is Procurement Month and our profession rises to the center of the spotlight. However, as this past year has demonstrated, a single celebratory […]
  • A street in Denver
    Denver anticipates autonomous vehicles with cross-agency, cross-sector collaborative planning
    Without early planning by regulators, autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to fail on their promises of safer and more convenient travel. Before and even during the pandemic, which has understandably shifted priorities of local and state officials, leaders in AV policy development are nonetheless thinking about and producing plans to deal with hundreds of […]
  • Bridging the digital divide: Three questions community leaders should consider
    As nearly every aspect of our society becomes more reliant on technology, the need for ubiquitous, data-rich connectivity is imperative, even as the definition of broadband continues to evolve. The opportunity gap between those who have affordable access to advanced digital infrastructure and those who do not continues to grow, leaving many behind. Community leaders […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your American City and County account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Los Angeles infrastructure inventory anticipates future autonomous vehicle policy
  • EPIC announces incentive program to help small municipalities replace lead pipes
  • Georgia city moves to automated trash collection
  • Procurement department puts post-pandemic work plan in place to ensure continued productivity

White papers


Records Management Rapid Response Checklist

16th April 2021

Overcoming 5 Common Challenges Facing Facility Managers

16th April 2021

How-to Tips to Prepare for Your Summer Construction Projects

5th April 2021
view all

Events


PODCAST


Young Leaders Episode 4 – Cyril Jefferson – City Councilman, High Point, North Carolina

13th October 2020

Young Leaders Episode 3 – Shannon Hardin – City Council President, Columbus, Ohio

27th July 2020

Young Leaders Episode 2 – Christian Williams – Development Services Planner, Goodyear, Ariz.

1st July 2020
view all

Twitter


Newsletters

Sign up for American City & County’s newsletters to receive regular news and information updates about local governments.

Resale Insights Dashboard

The Resale Insights Dashboard provides model-level data for the entire used equipment market to help you save time and money.

Municipal Cost Index

Updated monthly since 1978, our exclusive Municipal Cost Index shows the effects of inflation on the cost of providing municipal services

Media Kit and Advertising

Want to reach our digital audience? Learn more here.

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • IWCE’s Urgent Communications
  • IWCE Expo

WORKING WITH US

  • About Us
  • Contact Us

FOLLOW American City and County ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X