The E-A-R Hearing Conservation Clinics, educational seminars presented by 3M, Indianapolis, and now in their 30th year, provide information on how to enhance hearing conservation programs that help protect workers who are exposed to on-the-job noise. The clinics are free and are accredited for professionals by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene Certification Program, American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, and the American Academy of Audiology.
The clinics are offered to industrial, government, and military personnel who want to learn more about hearing conservation program management and how to protect their employees from hazardous noise. Attendees typically include industrial hygienists, health and safety personnel, occupational health nurses, industrial audiologists, consultants, engineers, and medical staff. The clinics focus on practical and applied solutions rather than highly technical matters.
Author and industry expert, Elliott Berger, who leads the clinics, is a senior scientist in auditory research in the Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division of 3M. Berger, who has conducted the clinics for 29 years, will talk about the mechanics of hearing, how noise levels are measured, and proper protection of workers. He will also address the EPA’s recently released Proposed Rule, which could drastically change the labeling of hearing protectors.
Berger says there has been an increase in the number of people wearing hearing protection. "Data suggests some inroads have been made when there are effective conservation hearing programs in place," says Berger. "I think because of media coverage and people’s general interest in a healthier lifestyle, they are more likely to wear hearing protection in nonoccupational settings as well."
2010 clinic locations:
Pasadena, Calif – January
Houston – March
Miami – March
Chicago – April
Denver – May
Vancouver – September
Philadelphia – November
Click here for full presenter biographies and online registration.
[Source: 3M]
