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Results for “Ear Protective Devices”

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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1978

[Effectiveness of ear protective devices].

Efficiency of 9 types of hearing protectors was investigated. A subjective method of an absolute hearing threshold shift in free sound field in 20 well-hearing-persons was applied. The results obtained are presented in figures. It was found that the maximum efficiency of most hearing protectors usually fell toon the frequency of 4000 Hz and amounted to 20--41 dB. The minimum efficiency usually fell to the frequency of 125 Hz and amounted to 8--21 dB. Attenuation efficiency of broad-band noise was 18-40 dB and approximated the maximum efficiency of pure sounds, sometimes even surpassing it. The results of determinations differed from the values given by manufacturers, which accounts for the need of undertaking such investigations.

Ear Protective Devices↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A pressure prevention device for burned ears.

Full-thickness burns to the external ear can produce loss of skin and cartilage and can result in severe cosmetic deformity. Even partial-thickness burns render the ear vulnerable to tissue loss if the helix is subjected to pressure from pillows, dressings, or straps that are used to secure endotracheal tubes. Because of the incidence of burned ear deformities and the difficulty in reconstructing the external ear, an ear protection device has been designed. The bilateral ear protection device, referred to as "headgear", is fitted to all patients in the burn center who require intubation for an inhalation injury; it is worn continuously until extubation. During a 15-month period 39 consecutive critically burned patients were fitted with the headgear because of the need for ventilator support and/or for protection of the burned ear(s). Pressure necrosis of ear tissue was prevented in all 33 survivors.

Burns↗
PubMed1989

The need for a participatory conservation programme for the reduction of noise exposure to Thai female workers.

Hearing loss induced in thirty female workers because of exposure to continuous noise was studied in a plastic bag plant in Samutprakarn Province, the largest industrial zone in Thailand. The sound level in this plant was 98.5 dBA., 94.0 dBA. and 93.0 dBA. in the weaving, winding and warping sections, respectively. Results of an audiometric test showed a significant relationship between high noise level and hearing loss at frequency 4,000 Hz. A questionnaire survey found that a relatively high number of workers had various symptoms such as: 76.7% general fatigue, 70% headache, 63.3% ear distension and 56.7% vertigo. Concerning the usage of ear protective devices, it was found that 80% of the workers have never used such devices, 16.7% occasionally used them, and 3.3% have always used cotton wool to reduce the high noise level. Their reasons for non-use of ear protective devices were 1) not provided by the employer (86.7%), 2) not necessary (83.3%), 3) accustomed to the noise (63.3%), 4) nobody uses (56.7%), and 5) no loud noise (16.7%). These results point to the need for improving the work conditions and welfare services of the workers at this plant. Also, hearing conservation programmes can be instituted in developing countries through cooperation among the safety inspectorate, the employer and the workers.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Noise-induced hearing loss and hearing conservation in mining.

BACKGROUND: Noise exposure is prevalent in mining, and as the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss has not changed much in the past two decades, hearing conservation is an important issue. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature and highlight important developments in the field. METHODS: A review of the literature using OVID as the primary search engine, using the search terms as: noise, occupational; hearing loss, noise induced; ear protective devices; and mining. RESULTS: A total of 66 articles were found, but only 11 were in the English language and few were published in the past 10 years. This is disappointing, because neither noise exposure nor the consequent risk of noise-induced hearing loss seems to have changed much in the past 20 years. Noise is, however, a generic hazard, and this article reviews current best practice in prevention.

Audiometry↗
PubMed1986

Ear protection against water-borne infection: an objective evaluation.

Eight different ear plug materials were tested, in 5 ears each, in artificial shallow underwater conditions for 30 minutes, in order to determine their efficacy in sealing the ear canals to avoid water-borne infections in ear canals and open middle ears. Most of the plugs tested would meet everyday requirements for protection, but the polymeric foam plugs, treated with petroleum jelly, and moldable plastic materials were most effective in protecting both the middle ear and the ear canal skin.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Postoperative protection for the external ear.

The postoperative dressing is an integral part of an otoplasty. The dressing should fit securely, provide protection, and be comfortable for the patient to wear. Wrestling headgear can be used to fill these needs.

Ear Protective Devices↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Foam ear protectors for burnt ears.

Foam ear protectors were developed at the Royal Brisbane Hospital for use with selected patients with burns to the ears. The protectors assist in preventing pressure necrosis of the ear and damage to skin grafts. They permit visualization of the ears after grafting and allow the patient to sleep in a side-lying position if desired.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Effects of non-invasive ventilation on middle ear function in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with facial mask or helmet on middle ear (ME). DESIGN. Prospective, randomised study. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Ten healthy subjects randomly allocated in two groups of five subjects each. INTERVENTIONS: NIV for 1 h, with helmet (group H) or facial mask (group M). Flow-triggered pressure support was 10 cmH(2)O, PEEP 5 cmH(2)O, FiO(2) 0.21. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Impedenzometry was performed before NIV and 5 min after NIV ended; it was repeated 60 min later. In group H the acoustic compliance increased after NIV from 2.0+/-.6 ml to 2.3+/-.6 ml ( P<.01), suggesting that the tympanic membrane became less stiff; 1 h later the compliance returned to basal values (2.0+/-.7 ml); in group M the compliance was unaffected (from 2.0+/-.5 ml to 2.0+/-.4 ml; 1.9+/-.4 ml 1 h later). The acoustic reflex, i.e., the contraction of the stapedial muscle in response to an auditory stimulus, involving the acoustic and facial nerves, was also evaluated during impedenzometry at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz; no significant change of the threshold was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The tympanic membrane is tighten by the tensor tympani and a reversible loosening suggests muscle fatigue in response to the application of intermittent positive pressure applied to the external ear during NIV with helmet. The loss of tensor tympani protective action could theoretically predispose the middle and inner ear to mechanical damage during NIV with helmet, suggesting the use of protective devices (ear plugs) in selective cases requiring long-term, high-pressure treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Changes in the bacterial flora of the external ear canal from the wearing of occlusive equipment.

External otitis has been associated with wearing obstructive gear covering the earlobe and external ear canal. In this study we investigated the changes in the bacterial flora of the external ear canal after wearing rubber hoods. The bacterial flora of external ear canals surfaces was investigated in a group of 19 volunteers who wore rubber hoods for a period of 25 to 30 minutes while doing manual work. The protective effect of 2% acetic acid was tested by instilling it in the left ear of all participants. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium acnes, and alpha-hemolytic streptococci were the predominant isolates from the ear samples. After hoods were worn, there was a substantial increase in the number of these organisms in 7 (36.8%) of the external ears. However, an increase in the bacterial counts in the external ear canals occurred in only 2 (10.5%) of the individuals treated prophylactically with acetic acid drops (P less than 0.02).

Acetates↗
PubMed1977

Tympanostomy tube protection with ear plugs.

Protection by ear plugs from water-borne infection was evaluated in 35 patients with "tympanostomy" tubes, tympanic membrane perforations, or mastoid bowls. Stock and custom-made ear plugs were found to be equally effective up to four months during a period of frequent swimming and bathing activities. Infections were only noted to occur in those patients who did not follow instructions on appropriate use of the plugs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss.

Sounds of sufficient loudness and duration will damage the human ear resulting in temporary or permanent hearing loss, often accompanied by tinnitus. Irreversible inner ear damage from repeated sound overstimulation can occur at any age, including early infancy, resulting in permanent noise-induced hearing loss. A typical noise-induced hearing loss impairs the understanding of speech sounds, which could degrade performance in the classroom and on the job. Utilizing current knowledge about ear protection, noise-induced-hearing loss is entirely preventable except in cases of accidental exposure. Unfortunately, widespread and consistent use of appropriate ear protection devices by individuals at risk has been an elusive public health goal.

Adolescent↗