Standardized Earmold Technique (SET)
Maj Stephen Steele
The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) has developed a standardized method for Earmold Impression taking called the Standardized Earmold Technique (SET). This method was developed for the Attenuating Custom Communications Earphone System (ACCES) and Terminal Attack Earplug (TAC) programs. The rationale behind SET is twofold. First, the Armed Forces has a limited number of audiologist to support these programs due to logistical and personnel constraints. To ensure sustainment of these programs, the Air Force is investigating a formal training course on SETS for Medical Technicians at the School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB. Secondly, these systems require a consistent method and materials due to a specific processing matrix designed for fabrication of these custom molds. Currently, there is no standardized earmold impression method or materials in the audiology profession, just general guidelines. Discussion of this topic will be geared towards the application of SET, equipment, materials and training for medical technicians.
The Enhanced Acoustic Remote Sentry (EARS)
Maj Stephen Steele
The Enhanced Acoustic Remote Sentry (EARS) is an Air Force Research Lab program under development to enhance the Integrated Base Defense Security System. The system will demonstrate a remote, panoramic, multimedia sensor that achieves a useful tele-presence for a Base Defense Operations Center. The function of EARS is to provide a semi-automatic detection and localization of sniper fire and other threats with acoustic signatures beyond terrain obscurants. By making the interface semi-automatic, clearly identifiable acoustic signatures are rapidly displayed to a command user while less identifiable acoustic events are left to the human user for interpretation. Additionally, the remote, panoramic, multimedia interface can be used to verify alarms and investigate false alarms generated by other sensor systems.
Hearing Conservation Data Registry Update
Maj Rob Pluta
This brief presentation will serve to provide information to AF audiologists about the Hearing Conservation Data Registry, its role in DOEHRS, present a survey of trends in STS, and provide an overview of varied HCon reports available through the DOEHRS-HC Data Repository website.
The Role of Audiologists in the AF Hearing Conservation Program
LtCol Theresa Schulz
Are you frustrated with those Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) referrals with no records and little or no information? You can make a difference in the AF HCP! We’ll discuss what your responsibilities are and how you can be one of the keys to success in preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Topics include HIPPA, Regional Consultants, What you need to know about DOEHRS, and What is a Professional Supervisor.
Hearing Protection Devices: The Sheppard Experience
Capt Jennifer Davis
Audiologists involved in hearing conservation programs for any length of time inevitably begin to ask themselves a question. Why, if the program works, are there so many threshold shifts? This simple question tends to lead to a bevy of others, such as: Does the program, at it exists here, work? Are the protection devices adequate for the environment they are used in? Are they being fit properly? Is it a question of education? Etc ad infinitum. Over the past year I began a study in the attempts to answer, or at least begin to answer, some of these questions in the environment I found myself in—Sheppard AFB. This presentation will address the hearing conservation program in place here, the study being conducted, the results I’m discovering, and the future paths they seem to indicate.