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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
O.S. Hong, PhD, RN and D.M. Raymond, MS, RN. School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 N. Ingalls, Room 3186, Ann Arbor, MI 48197, 734-763-3450, oshong@umich.edu
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major occupational health problem in the U.S. Early detection of NIHL is crucial and requires regular audiometric tests (AT). Since periodic AT makes it possible to track and document hearing loss, further development of NIHL can be prevented. More importantly, regular AT not only monitors for hearing loss, but also provides the best opportunity to educate and motivate workers' attitudes and behaviors regarding hearing protection. This tailored multimedia hearing protection program focused on intervening at the 'Teachable Moment', the moment workers experience serious concerns regarding their hearing loss by viewing demonstrable hearing loss on their audiograms.
The study used MI-5000 audiometer to interface with the computer. Both ears are being tested at the frequencies 0.5 through 8 kHz in the audiometric booths. As workers complete the program, the computer presents their audiograms with an explanation of the results on the screen and prints a hard copy of the results as well. Multimedia program for instruction of AT, presentation of audiogram, and immediate feedback on AT results were developed by a multidisciplinary team including scriptwriters, video and film production specialists, graphic designers, computer programmers, audiologist, and nurse researchers in the fields of occupational and environmental health and safety. This program is currently being delivered to about 800 construction workers in a midwestern state. Preliminary analysis of feedback data from 256 participants indicated the majority of them (96.1%) liked getting hearing test by the computer and 95.5% reported the computerized hearing test worked smoothly.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Computer-Assisted, Intervention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.