Personal attenuation ratings versus derated noise reduction ratings for hearing protection devices.

National and international regulatory and consensus standards setting bodies have previously proposed derating hearing protector ratings to provide a better match between ratings determined in a laboratory and the real-world measurements of attenuation for workers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has proposed a derating scheme that depends upon the type of protector. This paper examines four real-world studies where personal attenuation ratings (PARs) were measured at least twice, before and after an intervention in earplug fitting techniques.

The Effect of Using an Active Earmuff on High Frequency Hearing in United States Marine Corps Weapons Instructors.

Objectives: To investigate the change in hearing and perceived comfort over 1 year related to using an active hearing protection device (HPD) among United States Marine Corps (USMC) personnel routinely exposed to hazardous noise.

Methods: USMC Weapons Instructors (n = 127) were issued an active earmuff that met military standards and was compatible with other protective equipment. These participants completed pre- and post-hearing tests and comfort surveys.

I Feel Like I Am Flying and Full of Life: Contemporary Dance for Parkinson's Patients.

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms which are strongly associated with patients' quality of life, affecting social skills and support. It strikes not only the motor abilities but may harm cognitive and emotional functioning. For the past 15 years, contemporary dance has been employed as an intervention to help people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease cope physically and mentally by way of motor, vestibular, and sensory stimulation as well as social interaction.