Sarah Simmons IAT/Owner NexGen Hearing Industrial Division ssimmons@nexgenhearing.com Glen Bye IAT/Owner NexGen Hearing Industrial Division gbye@nexgenhearing.com NexGen Hearing Industrial YOUR HEARING PROTECTION HEROES Technician (IAT). The Mobile Testing Units have two sound booths in each vehicle and therefore can conduct hearing tests every 15 minutes, quickly and efficiently accommodating up to eight people an hour. And where the job site is inaccessible to the Mobile Testing Units, the IATs can utilize portable Audiometers to conduct testing services, even in remote locations. Because of the importance of early detection, IATs are tasked with looking for signs of “noise-induced” early hearing loss, and will focus on this throughout the hear- ing evaluation process. Employees receive fundamental training that includes the fitting and use of standard hearing protection devices. IATs may find that employees in higher risk environments require more robust, custom hearing protection, and can take ear mould impressions on site for fitting custom devices. Sometimes employers receive recommenda- tions from IATs for modifying the workplace to address hearing safety concerns. NHI is certified by WorkSafeBC (WCB) to provide annual hearing tests to employees who are exposed to hazard- ous noise. They service a wide range of industrial sectors mainly in logging and construction on Vancouver Island but also including traffic control, fish farms, truck drivers, metal manufacturers and research scientists. Services can be provided any time of day, and in any sort of weather. Healthy Hearing In the Workplace Every day in Canadian workplaces, workers are ex- posed to levels of noise that cause permanent hearing damage. Unfortunately, once the damage is done, it cannot be reversed. Thankfully, there are laws that mandate employers’responsibilities to ensure that their employees are protected. Testing for hearing loss on a routine basis can catch the early warning signs, and even the use of inexpensive ear plugs can save workers from subsequent loss of hearing. Workplace Hearing Tests: What Employers and Employees Need to Know WorkSafeBC has put procedures in place for hearing safety and conservation. Their requirements and guidelines can lower the likelihood of hearing damage. Under this program, employees who work in the pres- ence of noise up to 85 dBA must take part in a hearing conservation program. Employees are tested and trained, and their employers are required to report to WorkSafeBC with the results of those evaluations. If noise exposure levels go unreported and testing isn’t done, the expense can be very high for legal representa- tion and fines. It is much more cost effective for compa- nies to hire a professional to ensure compliance. Providing Mobile Hearing Tests…And More! NexGen Hearing Industrial (NHI) was established to pro- vide hearing evaluation to workers on the job site, and to assist employers in addressingWorkSafeBC requirements for hearing safety. NHI has two fully equipped Mobile Testing Units, each staffed by an Industrial Audiometric Do you know a tradesperson needing a WorkSafeBC hearing test? Contact NexGen Hearing Industrial for your annual hearing tests and services. Driven to Protect Your Hearing! Serving the Community Foryears,NexGenHearingIndustrialhasworkedwithvocational institutions to educate students about the risks of hearing loss prior to their employment in the industrial workplace. Students leave school knowing about safe sound levels and what kind of protection is appropriate for different environments. Additionally, the NHI Mobile Testing Units can be made avail- able for community events and health shows, and will even travel to events in smaller communities or remote locations. NHI also serves individuals that lack the personal means or government assistance to obtain appropriate hearing testing, and will service events at shelters and food kitchens. One of the primary goals of NHI is to provide hearing health services to those who need them. Each Mobile Testing Unit is equipped with two sound booths accommodating up to eight people an hour and is air-conditioned for your comfort. 23 | HEARING TODAY