What Are the Advantages of Military Hearing Protection？

Whether you&#;re a current member of the armed forces, someone considering joining the military, or a friend or loved one of a service member, never underestimate the importance of effective military hearing protection. During the course of their service, many members of the military are frequently exposed to high-intensity noises: aircraft, gunfire, machinery, explosions, sirens, and more. Whether these noises are acute, one-time sounds or continuous cacophonies, they can produce permanent, noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus (which is characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears). The more often you&#;re exposed to loud noises, the higher your risk of developing hearing loss, which is why it&#;s so important for our service members to wear hearing protection every time they are in a noisy environment.

Shockingly, many service members who believed they were properly protecting their ears learned afterward that the earplugs they used were allegedly defective. Beginning in , 3M allegedly manufactured and sold defective combat earplugs to the military as a government contractor. The Justice Department and a competitor of 3M filed a joint lawsuit against 3M, reaching a multimillion-dollar settlement in July, and hundreds of veterans are now expected to file lawsuits as well.

Did you know that hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common disabilities amongst veterans? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), over 2.7 million veterans currently receive disability benefits to treat hearing loss or tinnitus. In fact, veterans are 30 percent more likely to suffer from a severe hearing impairment when compared with nonveterans.

Although not as apparent as physical injuries, hearing impairments can be severe and may impact a person&#;s long-term health and happiness in a variety of ways. Both hearing loss and tinnitus may disrupt a person&#;s ability to concentrate, communicate, sleep, and work, and this can lead to deteriorating relationships, social isolation, depression, and even cognitive decline.

The Allegations Against 3M

While military hearing protection is now standard issue and required for all active-duty service members, it is critical that the issued devices are effective at preventing damage. So when service members learned that 3M manufactured and sold defective earplugs to the military for over a decade, they felt deceived. Hundreds of thousands of service members relied on these combat earplugs to protect their hearing during both training and combat from to .

The Justice Department alleged that 3M defrauded the U.S. government by selling protective hearing devices with &#;dangerous design defects&#; without disclosing the design defect. It further alleged that 3M &#;was aware prior to selling the earplugs to the military, texting procedures and fitting instructions were unlawfully manipulated . . .&#; (source). The lawsuit was settled in July, with the government receiving $9.1 million. 3M refused to admit liability, but they have discontinued the earplugs. Now, service members are filing lawsuits against 3M as well, with more than 300 pending so far.

How to Protect Your Ears

If you&#;re a member of the armed forces, it&#;s important that you understand how to safeguard your ears from noisy environments and work with an audiologist to ensure that you&#;re looking after your ears properly.

It&#;s a common myth that military hearing protection devices cause decreased situational awareness. In fact, modern technology available can simultaneously protect your ability to hear and enhance your situational awareness. To select an effective hearing device, you will need to take the environment, situation, noise type, and noise level into account. Your audiologist can help you determine which product best matches your needs and ensure that the device is correctly sized and properly fitted to your ears.

According to the Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence, the following military hearing protection devices can help prevent hearing loss and tinnitus:

• Foam Earplugs: The most common type of earplugs, foam earplugs are readily available at retail stores and don&#;t require professional fitting. They&#;re typically used for one-time exposures to hazardous noises.
• Triple- and Quad-Flange Earplugs: Triple-flange and quad-flange earplugs are available in a few different sizes and must be initially fitted by a professional. They&#;re reusable and primarily used for steady-state noise exposures when vocal communication is not necessary. A medical professional must assess the fit and condition of these earplugs annually.
• Tactical Earplugs: Tactical earplugs are also reusable, available in a few sizes, and must initially be fitted by a medical professional. However, they can be used when effective communication and situational awareness is important. Using the toggle switch on each earplug, you can choose whether hearing protection is needed for unwavering noises (airplanes, generators) or sudden noises (gunfire, explosions). They must also be examined annually by a professional.
• Noise Muffs: Noise muffs block noise from entering the ear canal, and they can easily be put on and taken off. They provide greater noise reduction than earplugs because the ear cups fit tightly over the ears, creating an airtight seal. They&#;re often used for occasional noise exposure, such as at a shooting range or on a flight line. Work with a professional to ensure the ear cups are properly fitted, and replace the cups when they begin to show signs of wear.
• Tactical Communication and Protective Systems (TCAPS): Manufactured by Invisio for the U.S. military, the TCAPS system effectively protects the ears from hazardous noises while also enabling situational awareness.

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Do you suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of occupational noise exposure? Or are you concerned about your ability to protect your ears properly during your noisy workday? Contact Sound Relief Hearing Center in Colorado or Arizona to schedule a hearing examination. During your consultation, we can discuss treatment options if you currently suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus and hearing protection technology that will help prevent further damage.

We are independently owned, so we always have the patient&#;s best interests at heart, and our state-of-the-art technology ensures that our patients receive the best treatment available. With our unparalleled excellence in the hearing industry, our dedication to patient satisfaction, and our commitment to helping people control and conquer their hearing issues, you can count on Sound Relief Hearing Center for support and assistance. To learn more about us, please browse our website, visit our YouTube channel, or give us a call at 720-344-. You can also schedule an appointment online to meet with one of our audiologists. We look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. Julie Prutsman, Au.D., FAAA

At Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center, we provide hope and help to those living with tinnitus and other hearing health issues. Our patients are at the center of everything we do, and we strive to guide them to overcome their challenges by delivering innovative and compassionate healthcare.

Dr. Julie Prutsman, owner of this family-owned practice, has expanded to 9 locations across Colorado and Arizona. In , she founded Sound Relief in her hometown of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and continues to foster their mission through mentorship of the brightest minds in the field of Audiology.

A Department of Defense policy will soon require hearing protector fit testing for DOD personnel who are exposed to certain noise levels, according to the Defense Health Agency Hearing Center of Excellence.

The change is an update to Department of Defense Instruction .12 &#;Hearing Conservation Program&#; and is expected to be published by the end of .

Hearing protector fit testing measures the amount of noise reduction, or attenuation, a hearing protector provides while it is being worn. This measurement is referred to as a Personal Attenuation Rating, or PAR.

The new requirement calls for initial hearing protector fit-testing for those who have documented noise exposure greater than or equal to 95 decibels over an 8-hour time-weighted average, and who are enrolled in a service hearing conservation program, explained U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Spear, chief of HCE, a branch of the Research Portfolio Management Division of the DHA Research and Engineering Directorate.

Spear added that fit testing will also be required in the following situations:

&#; A service member tests positive for a significant threshold shift, otherwise known as hearing loss, in a periodic audiogram.

&#; Physical changes to a person&#;s ear canal cause a poor fit of their assigned hearing protection devices.

&#; The primary type of fitted hearing protection device is no longer available to the employee.

&#; An &#;early warning&#; hearing loss occurs. This happens when a person&#;s hearing worsens by 15 decibels at any of the following frequencies: , , , or hertz.

Spear noted, however, that these are the minimum criteria for hearing protector fit testing in the DOD and the service components may have different requirements. &#;Each service component may institute more stringent requirements to better meet the needs of their respective hearing conservation program,&#; he said.

Testing Protective Equipment to Ensure Readiness

&#;Hearing protector fit-testing contributes to service member readiness, because it can mitigate the occurrence of Significant Threshold Shifts and hearing-related fitness for duty evaluations,&#; said Spear.

The testing is also accurate.

&#;Hearing protector fit testing is a proven way to quantitively measure the amount of noise reduction a person is getting from their specific hearing protector,&#; explained Dr. Theresa Schulz, prevention section lead at HCE, who is heading up efforts to announce and guide the policy change across the DOD. &#;Fit testing can be used to determine if the person is not achieving adequate protection, and it can remedy the problem through training or finding another type of hearing protector."

There are many benefits to conducting fit testing, which is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a best practice in hearing conservation. According to Schulz, Fit testing can identify workers at risk for noise-induced hearing loss due to inadequate hearing device fit, help personnel select the right device for their work environment, train workers to properly fit and use hearing protectors, and reduce noise-induced hearing loss for service members enrolled in hearing conservation programs.

Schulz added that HCE will distribute information to impacted organizations on how to comply with implementing it before the updated DOD policy is published.

&#;We&#;re here to help and answer any questions the services may have to enable a successful launch and implementation of this new requirement,&#; said Schulz.

Shockingly, many service members who believed they were properly protecting their ears learned afterward that the earplugs they used were allegedly defective. Beginning in , 3M allegedly manufactured and sold defective combat earplugs to the military as a government contractor. The Justice Department and a competitor of 3M filed a joint lawsuit against 3M, reaching a multimillion-dollar settlement in July, and hundreds of veterans are now expected to file lawsuits as well.

Did you know that hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common disabilities amongst veterans? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), over 2.7 million veterans currently receive disability benefits to treat hearing loss or tinnitus. In fact, veterans are 30 percent more likely to suffer from a severe hearing impairment when compared with nonveterans.

Although not as apparent as physical injuries, hearing impairments can be severe and may impact a person&#;s long-term health and happiness in a variety of ways. Both hearing loss and tinnitus may disrupt a person&#;s ability to concentrate, communicate, sleep, and work, and this can lead to deteriorating relationships, social isolation, depression, and even cognitive decline.

The Allegations Against 3M

While military hearing protection is now standard issue and required for all active-duty service members, it is critical that the issued devices are effective at preventing damage. So when service members learned that 3M manufactured and sold defective earplugs to the military for over a decade, they felt deceived. Hundreds of thousands of service members relied on these combat earplugs to protect their hearing during both training and combat from to .

The Justice Department alleged that 3M defrauded the U.S. government by selling protective hearing devices with &#;dangerous design defects&#; without disclosing the design defect. It further alleged that 3M &#;was aware prior to selling the earplugs to the military, texting procedures and fitting instructions were unlawfully manipulated . . .&#; (source). The lawsuit was settled in July, with the government receiving $9.1 million. 3M refused to admit liability, but they have discontinued the earplugs. Now, service members are filing lawsuits against 3M as well, with more than 300 pending so far.

How to Protect Your Ears

If you&#;re a member of the armed forces, it&#;s important that you understand how to safeguard your ears from noisy environments and work with an audiologist to ensure that you&#;re looking after your ears properly.

It&#;s a common myth that military hearing protection devices cause decreased situational awareness. In fact, modern technology available can simultaneously protect your ability to hear and enhance your situational awareness. To select an effective hearing device, you will need to take the environment, situation, noise type, and noise level into account. Your audiologist can help you determine which product best matches your needs and ensure that the device is correctly sized and properly fitted to your ears.

According to the Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence, the following military hearing protection devices can help prevent hearing loss and tinnitus:

• Foam Earplugs: The most common type of earplugs, foam earplugs are readily available at retail stores and don&#;t require professional fitting. They&#;re typically used for one-time exposures to hazardous noises.
• Triple- and Quad-Flange Earplugs: Triple-flange and quad-flange earplugs are available in a few different sizes and must be initially fitted by a professional. They&#;re reusable and primarily used for steady-state noise exposures when vocal communication is not necessary. A medical professional must assess the fit and condition of these earplugs annually.
• Tactical Earplugs: Tactical earplugs are also reusable, available in a few sizes, and must initially be fitted by a medical professional. However, they can be used when effective communication and situational awareness is important. Using the toggle switch on each earplug, you can choose whether hearing protection is needed for unwavering noises (airplanes, generators) or sudden noises (gunfire, explosions). They must also be examined annually by a professional.
• Noise Muffs: Noise muffs block noise from entering the ear canal, and they can easily be put on and taken off. They provide greater noise reduction than earplugs because the ear cups fit tightly over the ears, creating an airtight seal. They&#;re often used for occasional noise exposure, such as at a shooting range or on a flight line. Work with a professional to ensure the ear cups are properly fitted, and replace the cups when they begin to show signs of wear.
• Tactical Communication and Protective Systems (TCAPS): Manufactured by Invisio for the U.S. military, the TCAPS system effectively protects the ears from hazardous noises while also enabling situational awareness.

_____

Do you suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of occupational noise exposure? Or are you concerned about your ability to protect your ears properly during your noisy workday? Contact Sound Relief Hearing Center in Colorado or Arizona to schedule a hearing examination. During your consultation, we can discuss treatment options if you currently suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus and hearing protection technology that will help prevent further damage.

We are independently owned, so we always have the patient&#;s best interests at heart, and our state-of-the-art technology ensures that our patients receive the best treatment available. With our unparalleled excellence in the hearing industry, our dedication to patient satisfaction, and our commitment to helping people control and conquer their hearing issues, you can count on Sound Relief Hearing Center for support and assistance. To learn more about us, please browse our website, visit our YouTube channel, or give us a call at 720-344-. You can also schedule an appointment online to meet with one of our audiologists. We look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. Julie Prutsman, Au.D., FAAA

At Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center, we provide hope and help to those living with tinnitus and other hearing health issues. Our patients are at the center of everything we do, and we strive to guide them to overcome their challenges by delivering innovative and compassionate healthcare.

Dr. Julie Prutsman, owner of this family-owned practice, has expanded to 9 locations across Colorado and Arizona. In , she founded Sound Relief in her hometown of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and continues to foster their mission through mentorship of the brightest minds in the field of Audiology.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Shooting Hearing Protection Canada.

A Department of Defense policy will soon require hearing protector fit testing for DOD personnel who are exposed to certain noise levels, according to the Defense Health Agency Hearing Center of Excellence.

The change is an update to Department of Defense Instruction .12 &#;Hearing Conservation Program&#; and is expected to be published by the end of .

Hearing protector fit testing measures the amount of noise reduction, or attenuation, a hearing protector provides while it is being worn. This measurement is referred to as a Personal Attenuation Rating, or PAR.

The new requirement calls for initial hearing protector fit-testing for those who have documented noise exposure greater than or equal to 95 decibels over an 8-hour time-weighted average, and who are enrolled in a service hearing conservation program, explained U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Spear, chief of HCE, a branch of the Research Portfolio Management Division of the DHA Research and Engineering Directorate.

Spear added that fit testing will also be required in the following situations:

&#; A service member tests positive for a significant threshold shift, otherwise known as hearing loss, in a periodic audiogram.

&#; Physical changes to a person&#;s ear canal cause a poor fit of their assigned hearing protection devices.

&#; The primary type of fitted hearing protection device is no longer available to the employee.

&#; An &#;early warning&#; hearing loss occurs. This happens when a person&#;s hearing worsens by 15 decibels at any of the following frequencies: , , , or hertz.

Spear noted, however, that these are the minimum criteria for hearing protector fit testing in the DOD and the service components may have different requirements. &#;Each service component may institute more stringent requirements to better meet the needs of their respective hearing conservation program,&#; he said.

Testing Protective Equipment to Ensure Readiness

&#;Hearing protector fit-testing contributes to service member readiness, because it can mitigate the occurrence of Significant Threshold Shifts and hearing-related fitness for duty evaluations,&#; said Spear.

The testing is also accurate.

&#;Hearing protector fit testing is a proven way to quantitively measure the amount of noise reduction a person is getting from their specific hearing protector,&#; explained Dr. Theresa Schulz, prevention section lead at HCE, who is heading up efforts to announce and guide the policy change across the DOD. &#;Fit testing can be used to determine if the person is not achieving adequate protection, and it can remedy the problem through training or finding another type of hearing protector."

There are many benefits to conducting fit testing, which is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as a best practice in hearing conservation. According to Schulz, Fit testing can identify workers at risk for noise-induced hearing loss due to inadequate hearing device fit, help personnel select the right device for their work environment, train workers to properly fit and use hearing protectors, and reduce noise-induced hearing loss for service members enrolled in hearing conservation programs.

Schulz added that HCE will distribute information to impacted organizations on how to comply with implementing it before the updated DOD policy is published.

&#;We&#;re here to help and answer any questions the services may have to enable a successful launch and implementation of this new requirement,&#; said Schulz.

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