Professor presents findings from noise research on tree service workers

University of Northern Colorado Associate Professor of Audiology Deanna Meinke recently shared research results involving noise exposure measurements of tree service workers to raise awareness of the risks of noise-induced hearing loss, demonstrated need for hearing protection and employer responsibilities.

 

Meinke presented the results on behalf of audiology graduate student Thea LaBere, who spent last summer taking noise measurements of 20 urban tree service workers in Colorado. The study results, with implications for anyone who uses such equipment, showed that ear protection should be used when operating chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, leaf blowers, water trucks, rotochoppers, tractors, and brush and weed trimmers. It was evident that hearing conservation efforts, including hearing testing and hearing loss prevention training, are needed for these workers, according to the study.

 

Highlights of the research include: 

Meinke, who recently earned a service award for outstanding service in the field from the National Hearing Conservation Association, has also collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in establishing an online resource to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss in children, and a national program, called “Dangerous Decibels,” that provides educator training workshops, classroom presentations and educational materials on the topic.