Dr. Bredenkamp recieved his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. He then went on to serve a six year residency at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine in the department of Surgery.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
What are the common problems with hearing protectors?
Studies have shown that one-half of the workers wearing hearing protectors
receive only one-half or less of the noise reduction potential of their
protectors. This diminished protection occurs because these devices either are
not worn continuously while exposed to noise or they do not fit properly.
As previously mentioned, a hearing protector can give an average of 30 dB
noise reduction if worn continuously during an 8-hour workday. If taken off for
just one hour while exposed to noise, however, such a protector would provide
only an average of 9 dB of protection during the 8 hours. This substantial
reduction in protection occurs because with the logarithmic scale used to
measure decibels, a 10-times increase in noise energy occurs for each 10 dB
increase in sound. Thus, during the hour with unprotected ears, the worker is
exposed to 1,000 times more sound energy than if earplugs or muffs had been
worn. (For the 30 dB, 10 x 10 x 10 = 1000 times more noise.)
In addition, noise exposure is cumulative. So, the noise at home or at play
must be counted in the total exposure during any one day. A maximum allowable
on-the-job exposure followed by further exposure at home to a noisy lawnmower or
loud music will definitely exceed the safe daily limit.
Even if earplugs and/or earmuffs are worn continuously while exposed to
noise, they do little good if there is an incomplete air seal between the
hearing protector and the skin. As mentioned above, when using ordinary hearing
protectors, it is common to hear one's voice as louder and deeper. This
plugged ear effect can actually be taken as a useful sign that the hearing
protectors are properly positioned.
Do hearing protectors prevent a person from communicating with others?
The answer is no, at least for people with normal hearing. In fact, just as
sunglasses help vision in very bright light, hearing protectors enhance speech
understanding in very noisy places. Even in a quiet setting, a normal-hearing
person wearing hearing protectors should be able to understand a regular
conversation.
Hearing protectors do slightly reduce the ability of
those with damaged hearing or poor comprehension of language to understand
normal conversation. Nevertheless, it is essential that persons with impaired hearing wear earplugs
or earmuffs to prevent further inner ear damage from noise.
It has been argued that hearing protectors might reduce a worker's ability
to hear the noises that signify an improperly functioning machine. Most workers,
however, readily adjust to the quieter sounds and can still detect such
problems.
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults.
Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of dizziness include low blood pressure, heart problems, anemia, dehydration, and more. Treatment of dizziness depends on the cause.
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased.
Tinnitus is a ringing or swishing that seems to originate in the ear or head. Most of the time it is not a serious problem (it is however, a nuisance to those that suffer from the condition). Causes of tinnitus include loud noise exposure (firearms, loud music), medications, and other diseases (Meniere's disease). Treatment options are limited for tinnitus. Tinnitus can be prevented by wearing hearing protection when exposed to loud noises.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
The Eustachian tube is a membrane lined tube that connects the middle ear space to the back of the nose. Problems include partial or complete blockage which can cause popping, clicking, and ear fullness. Allergies, sinus and ear infections, or the common cold can cause this blockage, while altitude changes can cause symptoms in those persons with Eustachian tube problems. Treatment includes several maneuvers (swallowing, chewing gum, yawning etc.), which can be done to improve Eustachian tube function.
Vertigo is a feeling of spinning movement, and at times accompanied by nausea and vomiting occur. Vertigo is most often associated with an inner ear problem. The treatment for vertigo can be lifestyle changes and medication if necessary.
Middle ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) is inflammation fo the middle ear. There are two types of otitis media, acute and chronic. Acute otitis media is generally short in duration, and chronic otitis media generally lasts several weeks. Seventy-five percent of children in the U.S. suffer from otitis media at some point. Treatment depends upon the type (chronic or acute).
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) is caused by a buildup of cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries. Risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, heredity, diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and obesity. Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath. There are a variety of tests used to diagnose coronary artery disease. Treatment includes life-style changes, medications, procedures, or surgery.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
Meniere disease (idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is an inner ear disorder with symptoms that include vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and the sensation of ear fullness. Diuretics, anti-vertigo, anti-nausea and low salt diets are the primary treatment for Meniere disease. Surgery may be recommended if the vertigo cannot be controlled with medication.
Ear was is a natural substance secreted by special glands in the skin on the outer part of the ear canal. It repels water, and traps dust and sand particles. Usually a small amount of wax accumulates, dries up, and then falls out of the ear canal carrying with it unwanted particles. Under ideal circumstances, you should never have to clean your ear canals. The absence of ear wax may result in dry, itchy ears, and even infection. Ear wax may accumulate in the ear for a variety of reasons including; narrowing of the ear canal, production of less ear wax due to aging, or an overproduction of ear wax in response to trauma or blockage within the ear canal.
Balance is a state of body equilibrium or stability. We often take for granted how dependent we are on a healthy balance system. When the system breaks down, however, patients will describe symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, or motion sickness.
There are three types of Usher (Usher's) syndrome, the most common condition that affects both vision and hearing. The major symptoms of Usher syndrome include retinitis pigmentosa (night-blindness and a loss of peripheral vision), and hearing loss. Usher syndrome is a genetic condition. There is no cure for Usher syndrome.
Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from noise. Treatment of deafness depends upon its cause.
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