Noise Exposure, Headsets, and Auditory and Nonauditory Symptoms in Call Center Operators.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the exposure of call center operators (CCOs) to occupational noise, its association with auditory and nonauditory symptoms, and the feasibility of monaural and binaural headsets. METHOD: We measured the noise exposure sound pressure levels (SPLs) with the microphone-in-real-ear technique and administered a questionnaire on auditory/nonauditory symptoms and headset preference. RESULTS: We assessed 79 CCOs with normal hearing. Overall, 98.7% of the participants reported at least one auditory symptom, and 88.6% reported at least one nonauditory symptom after using the headset. We found significant associations between the headset volume setting and the number of auditory and nonauditory symptoms and between sharp increases in sound level and tinnitus. The microphone-in-real-ear diffuse-field-related SPLs with monaural headsets (85.5 dBA) were significantly higher than those with binaural headsets (83.1 dBA). Binaural headsets were the preference of 84.8% of the subjects. The SPLs of the binaural headsets were significantly lower than those of the monaural headsets in the subjects who preferred the binaural headsets. CONCLUSIONS: CCOs with normal hearing reported auditory and nonauditory symptoms, highlighting the need for attention and further investigation. The binaural headsets were preferable, as they were associated with a lower SPL and a higher call quality. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.18361463.

Earmuff efficacy in the workplace using F-MIRE - a case report.

PURPOSE: To determine the field efficacy of an earmuff used by the employees of a private company. METHODS: Measurements were performed using a double-channel noise dosimeter. Noise levels collected in one-third-octave bands were corrected with the frequency response for diffuse sound field and attenuation was compared with values provided by the manufacturer of the hearing protection device (HPD). RESULTS: Comparisons between the corrected noise reduction and the attenuation provided by the manufacturer of the HPD show no statistically significant differences in attenuation for most frequency bands, with higher mean values for the observed corrected noise reduction. However, despite the fact that the field attenuation values are above those obtained in the laboratory, when individual attenuation values were compared with expected attenuation values it was found that the employees have below-expected noise attenuation in all frequency bands. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that over 60% of the employees had frequency band attenuations below that expected for most frequency bands underscores the need for individual assessment of attenuation provided by the HPD in the workplace, to assess whether the HPD is functional and what provisions should be implemented in a specific workplace.

A study of the influence of mounting conditions on the measured sound absorption in laboratory tests of suspended ceilings.

This letter presents the results of an investigation into the influence of mounting conditions on the measured sound absorption coefficients of a suspended ceiling specimen. A series of measurements and analyses were carried out using a fixed standard sample, varying independently different mounting parameters and introducing controlled leaks. A correction of room volume in the calculation of the sound absorption coefficients was also examined. The tests were carried out in accordance with the ISO 354:2003 standard (International Organisation for Standardisation, Geneva, 2003), using the type E mounting. The test specimen consisted of fiberglass wool panels covered with a plastic film. Some of the experiments resulted in no statistically significant alteration. This included, unexpectedly, the sealing requirements of E type mountings.