Latest news on Army audiology activities.
Capt Jillyen Curry-Mathis writes in the ASHA Leader about new initiatives in hearing protection devices which allow for communication as well as preventing excess noise exposure.
The Army offers a 4th year Audiology (AuD) Externship. This externship lasts twelve months and incurs a follow-on three year obligation as an Army audiologist and Medical Service Corps officer with a starting salary range of $45,636-$47,872.
The externship starts in the summer following 3rd year. During the first several months, the individual will attend the Officer’s Basic Course in San Antonio, Texas. The externship affords the opportunity to work in a clinical setting, with patients of all ages and with a variety of disorders. This includes all types of audiometric diagnostic, vestibular, aural rehabilitation, and central auditory processing evaluations. The externship prepares the audiologist to manage programs focusing on prevention of noise-induced hearing loss at their follow-on assignment. Opportunities are available to educate Soldiers and commanders about the effects of hazardous noise and how to protect their hearing from those hazards, assess environments to improve communication, conduct compliance visits, and engage in projects or research related to noise-induced hearing loss.
For more information, contact COL Kathy Gates, Audiology Consultant to the Army Surgeon General via e-mail or phone (202) 782-8607.
The Army Medical Department is recruiting fully qualified audiologists to serve in the Army Medical Service Corps. Applicants must have an AuD or PhD in Audiology from an accredited program and must meet professional qualifications for unrestricted practice.
Army audiologists provide clinical, rehabilitative, occupational, educational, operational and industrial hearing services to Soldiers, civilian noise exposed workers and other eligible beneficiaries. Serving as an Army audiologist provides opportunities for professional growth and development in management, leadership, research, and education. Army audiology positions are available in several States, Germany, Korea, Alaska and Hawaii. Army audiologists receive excellent pay and benefits to include medical and dental coverage, low-cost life insurance, continuing education, 30 days annual vacation, and 10 federal holidays. Army audiologists also receive board certification pay. Loan repayment program is available for those that qualify.
For more information, contact COL Kathy Gates, Audiology Consultant to the Army Surgeon General via e-mail or phone (202) 782-8607.
CEPS gives Soldiers and Marines Protection from Hazardous Noise, both Steady State and Impulse (Weapons Fire) and at the same time:
Soldier Survivability and Situational Awareness. Soldiers must use all senses to survive and perform on the modern battlefield. While sight is critical to the soldier’s ability to perform the mission, they must also use their hearing to detect, locate and recognize the enemy. Combat veterans value hearing as a 360-degree warning sense whereas vision is acknowledged as slightly more than 180 degrees. Soldiers must also communicate face-to-face and via radio in secure modes during mission operations. Operational contingencies, missions and environments, such as night reconnaissance, nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) defense modes or smoke, dust and haze confound the soldier’s ability to perform these tasks. Cave clearing and MOUT operations are particularly hazardous to hearing. These are situations where subtle sounds must be heard yet hearing protected from expected and unexpected blasts. In addition, hazardous noise from small arms, artillery fire, armored vehicles and aircraft can result in an inability to hear for hours even days and eventually become a permanent hearing loss.
The CEPS Solution. The CEPS allows an individual to listen to ambient (surrounding) sounds that are translated from their original (absolute) levels to levels that are more optimal for communication and protection. For example, the user may translate sounds to a higher level for improving detection of very low-level ambient sounds. Conversely, the user can translate high level, hazardous sounds into lower levels that are considered safe for hearing. Microphones are placed at or near each ear to preserve the localization capability (ability to determine direction of incoming sound). Sound signals are processed separately to maintain the fidelity of the sounds received. This configuration attempts to emulate the normal reception of sound when hearing protection is not worn. In addition, a pair of momentary contact switches can either increase or decrease the electronic output gain to control the reception and amplification of external sound. Increased gain permits the user to maximize his sound detection ability during watch or lookout activities without compromising his position to an enemy. The CEPS is coupled with expanding foam earplugs which act as a barrier to reduce hazardous noise and serve as a channel for essential sounds to be transmitted past the occluded (plugged) ear.
Field Tested. The 160th Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) procured and deployed the helmet version of the CEPS for aviation combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The CEPS was needed for air crews when they were required to egress their air craft to conduct ground operations. With the CEPS they were able to retain their aviator helmets and its mounted NVG sight systems, lip lights and hearing protection while staying on the net and maintaining face-to-face communication ability.
Hearing Protection Available. The amount of noise reduction (protection achieved) will depend on how well the user inserts the Comply™ foam ear tips. The foam tips are available in three sizes. However, use of the short size is discouraged because of the lower performance and less retention in the ear canal. Noise reduction potential for these earplugs is shown in the Table below. Results for the “real world fit” are generally less, but appropriate size selection and user training in a proper roll down and insertion technique improves the noise reduction achieved.
Configurations Available. The CEPS can be used in headband, recon or helmet configurations. See Figures. The infantry version includes headband and modular configurations. A radio interface allows for communication under stealth conditions as well as in the back of a Bradley or in a helicopter. The low profile device including two AAA batteries only weighs 2.2 ounces. The helmet configuration uses the lip light battery power supply.
Ordering. National stock numbers are not available at this time. The beginning price for the Infantry version (Band and Recon) is $275 which is expected to drop as the production process is streamlined for this new product. Orders should be placed directly to the manufacturer:
Communications & Ear Protection
PO Box 311174
3700 Salem Road
Enterprise, AL 36331-1174
(334) 347-1688
FAX (334) 347-4306
| Test Frequency | Mean Attenuation | Standard Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| (Hz) | (dB) | (dB) |
| 125 | 29.7 | 5.3 |
| 250 | 34.2 | 5.9 |
| 500 | 39.7 | 4.7 |
| 1000 | 42.1 | 5.1 |
| 2000 | 38.0 | 3.2 |
| 3150 | 43.2 | 3.2 |
| 4000 | 43.5 | 3.5 |
| 6300 | 47.5 | 4.5 |
| 8000 | 46.1 | 4.4 |
References. Ahroon, W. A., War Fighter Hearing Protection, Briefing to DOD Hearing Conservation Working Group, 22 April 2004, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.
Mozo, B., email message to D. Ohlin, 10 May 2004, Subject: CEPS.
Comply is a trademark of Hearing Components, Inc.
Further Information:
Hearing Conservation
US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine
5158 Blackhawk Rd
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403
DSN 584-3797, Commercial: (410) 436-3797
Congratulations to Dr Therese Walden upon receiving the AAA Presidential Distinguished Service Award presented at the 2004 AAA Convention.
(L to R, Theresa Schulz, Therese Walden, Theresa Luley)
Ever wonder what was happening in Army Audiology 20 years ago? Well neither have I, until I found a copy of the Army Audiology Newsletter THE 68M dated 1 March 1981.
It opens with a letter from the Consultant (LTC Roy Sedge) speaking of their struggle with …forever justifying our military status at each cut in military manpower… Wow, does that ever sound familiar! At the time we had 61 army audiologists, about 1 audiologist for every 12.6k soldiers (1980 data). We currently have 32 army audiologists, and each is responsible for aprox 15.5k soldiers (1999 data). Not bad considering all that the army, and audiology, has been through. I also believe that we have more civilian audiologists now than we did then.
The rank break down looked something like this:
| Rank: | 1LT | CPT | MAJ | LTC | COL |
| number with in 1981 | 11 | 36 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| number with in 2001 | 4 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
The rank structure seems to have changed dramatically. While we don’t have as many company grade officers, we do have an increase in field grade officers. This should allow for longer careers and better promotion opportunities.
Of 61 audiologists, eight had a Ph.D. Rod Atack was the only LTC who did not have his Ph.D., but he was working on it at the Univ. of Utah. Jeff Davies was the only CPT who had a Ph.D.
AR 40-501 had just been published in Jan. It listed audiometric standards for Induction, Army Aviation, and Physical Profiles. Induction and Profile standards were more stringent than they are today.
| Profile | 1981 | 2001 |
| 1 | Average not more than 15 dB at .5, 1, 2 kHz. Not over 40 dB at 4000 Hz in both ears. | Average not more than 25 dB @ .5, 1, 2 kHz. No level greater than 30 dB. Not over 45 dB at 4 kHz both ears |
| 2 | Average not more than 20 dB at .5, 1, 2 kHz. Not over 50 dB at 4 kHz in both ears. Or 15 dB at .5, 1, 2 kHzand 30 dB at 4 kHz in better ear | Average not more than 30 dB at .5, 1, 2 kHz. No level greater than 35 dB. Not over 55 dB at 4 kHz. In both ears. Or 30 dB at .5 kHz, 25 dB at 1 and 2 kHz, and 35 dB at 4 kHz. |
| 3 | May have hearing level at 20 dB with hearing aid by SRT | Aided or unaided SRT greater than 30 dB |
The most used hearing aids were(based on % issued at the MedCens):
The least used hearing aids (that were used):
Where might you PCS to? Well, the following assignments were filled in FY1981:
Some of the more exotic assignments included:
Well I hope you have enjoyed this peak into our past. It has given me a greater appreciation for the hard work, vision, and struggles of our predecessors. I hope we can all keep the same vision and dedication over the next 20 years.
CPT Martin Robinette, USA
Over the past 55 years, the Army Audiology and Speech Center (AASC) has earned special distinction as a leader in the field of communication disorders. The audiology profession was actually established in an Army hospital after World War II, when scientists and speech-language clinicians recognized the need for specialists to meet the needs of hearing-impaired soldiers.
Today, the AASC is a world-class center of excellence that continues to provide the highest echelon of evaluation and treatment of communication disorders in Department of Defense, focusing its services in three areas: patient care, research and medical education. I’d like to acquaint you with some of the AASC programs and services that are currently available to you and your patients.
The Speech-Language Pathology services at AASC are unique in DoD, and at the “cutting edge” of the speech disorder profession. The AASC continues to offer its Fluency Program for active duty service members with stuttering problems. Patients attending this 4-week residential program at AASC typically enroll with a moderate-severe level of disfluency. During their training, patients receive intensive individual and group therapy using the Computer Assisted Fluency Enhancement Tool (CAFET). Dr. Mike McClean and Dr. Steve Tasko, two of our speech scientists, also provide instrumental assessment of speech-motor function before and following treatment, to document treatment outcomes and further enhance this program. The success of the fluency program has been astounding. Service members completing this program improve from a moderate-severe level of stuttering, to an insignificant-mild degree of disfluency.
The Voice Disorders program is another unique AASC mission area that is having resounding success in the evaluation and treatment of voice disorders. Ms. Joyce Gurevich-Uvena, in conjunction with Medicine, Allergy and Otolaryngology services, has developed this multidisciplinary program into the only one of its kind in DoD. Since its inception, more than 300 patients with paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction have been treated with a greater than 90% success rate. Many of these cases were patients with asthma, or the misdiagnosis of asthma, and pending medical discharge from military service. With successful evaluation and treatment, these service members were able to resume full military duties. If you encounter active duty service members that you think might benefit from any of these program and would like more information, please contact Ms. Pat Thompson, Chief of Speech-Language Pathology, at (202) 782-8553.
The AASC continues to lead the clinical research of communication disorders, with a prolific record of extraordinary scientific investigations. During FY00, AASC produced 12 published manuscripts, 11 published abstracts, and 28 presentations at national and international scientific meetings. The AASC’s reputation for quality research has generated extramural grants and contracts that fund more than half of our research program. Presently, AASC is conducting clinical trials for GN ReSound (directional microphone hearing aids), and Songbird Medical, Inc. (disposable hearing aids). Studies are also underway to investigate temporal processing in the impaired auditory system, amplification and dead regions of the cochlea, and speech-motor characteristics in stuttering. Further, AASC scientists are leaders in their respective professional organizations, serving as associate editors of scientific publications, chairpersons of various professional committees, and in other committee positions. Dr. Brian Walden is director of AASC Research.
The Audiology Section at AASC continues to set the professional standard for the practice of clinical audiology. The AASC has established 4th year training positions for Au.D. students, and is leading DoD in developing the curriculum for the Au.D. resident training year. A balance center is being established that will integrate the services of audiology, otology, neurology and physical therapy to collaboratively evaluate, treat, and manage vestibular disorders. Finally, evidenced-based medicine has become standard for determining benefit of clinical audiology practices. Presently, we are looking at benefit of the AASC Aural Rehabilitation Program on hearing aid use, use of speech-in-noise clinical testing, and efficacy of digital hearing aids over non-digital hearing aids. Ms. Therese Walden supervises the Audiology Section, and can be contacted for further information via e-mail at.
The AASC values our responsibility as a resource for you and your patients. We look forward to continuing to serve you, and to advance our professions’ understanding, evaluation and management of patients with communication disorders. I invite you to let us know how we can assist you.
COL David Chandler, USA
Ft. Rucker, AL
It’s been a long time since we’ve had Army Audiology involved in research at USAARL. Thanks to the powers past and present that have kept our presence here. The acoustics research program at USAARL is moving forward thanks to leadership in the lab and the interest and expertise of our section director, Dr. Bill Ahroon.
Some of the research we’re working on focuses on the effectiveness of various types and combinations of hearing protection devices aimed principally at the army aviator. Most Army Audiologists are probably aware by now of the success USAARL and the aviation community have had with the Communications Earplug (CEP) in reducing noise hazards to the aviator while simultaneously enhancing radio communication. If you’re not familiar with this technology, I encourage you to visit our web site, (look under “AP Division”) or the web site of one of the manufacturers of the CEP, to find out more about it. This technology has additional applicationin other areas, which are currently being investigated.
Looking forward to meeting with you all again and getting to know the new 72Cs that have come on board since I went underground.
Dale
As president of the National Hearing Conservation Association (effective 25-Feb-01), I am going to be looking to military audiologists for increased membership and participation in the organization. I’m also happy to report the election of Maj Tressie Waldo as the newly elected Secretary of NHCA. Congratulations, Tressie.
Doug
It has been a busy year for Army Audiologists and the Hearing Conservation Program in Europe.
CPT Rhonda Fleener and Mr. Wayne Loyborg were successful in getting two command emphasis memoranda published; one from GEN Meigs, the USAREUR Commander and one from BG Ursone, the European Regional Medical Commander. It is hoped that these letters will call attention to the Hearing Conservation Program and result in the prevention of hearing loss in our soldiers assigned to the European Theater.
Mr. Wayne Loyborg deployed on two occasions, once to Bosnia and once to Kosovo, to access the need for the establishment of hearing conservation services in the Balkans. The CHPPM – Europe will be purchasing an audiometric test booth for the new medical treatment facility at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo and DOEHRS-HC systems will be provided to medical facilities in both Bosnia and Kosovo.
Here at CHPPM – Europe, we were successful in the establishment of a military officer authorization with duty at Heidelberg to cover Hearing Conservation within the Heidelberg MEDDAC footprint. This is the first position of its kind to be established, where an Army officer will be assigned to CHPPM with a primary duty of being a Program Manager in direct support of the hearing conservation program. COL Dennis promises a fill for this newly established position in summer 2001.
What are the advantages of the VA’s Hearing Aid Program?
If you are a veteran and you meet any one of the following conditions, you may be eligible to receive free hearing aids from the VA:
If you are not sure about your VA status, your audiologist may be able to help you.
Courtesy of Gerald Schuchman, PhD
LTC USAR
202 782-8573
Congratulations to Brian Walden, PhD, of Walter Reed Army Medical Center who was awarded the Jerger Career Award for Research in Audiology by the American Academy of Audiology (2001). His research aims at establishing a scientific basis for clinical practices and through his dedicated service, Dr Walden has contributed significantly to upgrading our profession. Congratulations, Dr. Walden! (Audiology Today, Volume 13, Number 2, Mar/Apr 2001)
Dale Ostler –
It is great to be back in uniform in the real Army again, to have my own office, my own phone, and my own computer that I don’t have to share with half a dozen other students. (Interpreted: It’s great to be done with the doctoral program)! While I miss the associations and opportunities I had at school (some of them anyway) one of the benefits of working in this research lab is the opportunity to work with and interact with top-notch researchers and personnel both in and out of Army circles. (Did I mention that it’s great to be done with the doctoral program?!)
Norvis Haygood
John “Andy” Merkley – Prior military experience: Before I came active duty I had been in an Army Reserve unit in Lubbock Texas for about three months as an Audiologist and had almost 8 years in the Utah National Guard as a linguist/interrogator.
Civilian experience: I completed my CFY and worked for almost a year after my CFY at Hendrick Hearing HealthCare in Abilene, Texas. I loved the people of Texas, but had to get out of the heat. The Army was the best decision at the time.
Great Military Audiology stuff: I had the opportunity to spend a month with COL Richard Danielson and LTC Marc Stevens this past summer working with the ROTC cadets and doing some clinic work at MAMC. I had a great time, worked hard and enjoyed some of beautiful areas of the Northwest (Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound, etc.). It was a great learning experience and a wonderful introduction into Military Audiology.
I am currently stationed at Ft. Drum, where there is plenty of outdoor excitement to partake of. The fishing here is great, you just have to watch out that you don’t get poisoned from all the pollution in the lakes. The area is some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and we don’t lack for things to do. My family and I love it up here. The picture was taken at Cranberry Lake, approx. 50 miles from Ft. Drum.
Jennifer Johnson – I’m in Colorado now which (in my opinion) is far better than being in the middle of Texas. I began my Au.D in September of 1999. I picked the University of Florida program because it’s “working-woman friendly”. Trying to accomplish the Au.D and Command and General Staff College (CGSC) at the same time requires the friendliest program available. But don’t let the ease in learning full you; it’s still a lot of work. Each course demands a project, 3 quizzes, and a final examination. One must attend weekly chat sessions with their local Au.D group. National Chats are optional (Course Instructor is present). I started with the Tulsa group, transferred to the Dallas group, then moved to the Denver group – pretty cool. I will graduate in May this year. As for CGSC, I will finish Phase III this May and start Phase IV in June. Light at the end of the homework tunnel!
This May, my cat (Mittens) will turn 16 years old. She is fighting hypothyroid disease. At the National Hearing Conservation Association Conference, I out-bid Dr. Ohlin for a pair of Bose Active Noise Reduction Headphones. Then, after my last Au.D final examination, I bought a Bose Surround Sound System. Mittens and I like to listen to our Bernie Krause Nature CDs on the Bose System.
The last vacation I took was a trip to Yosemite National Park (September 1999). After finishing CGSC, I plan to do mega hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snow biking.
Marjorie Grantham
Martin Robinette – In the last two years I have learned how to play the banjo (Scruggs style and frailing, for you diehard bluegrass fans) and have taken up small boat sailing. I completed my second round of EFMB training and was Honor Grad. Never did get my Air Assault but I really wish I had!! Last summer I went back to Wyoming with Dad, brother and brother-in-laws on a fishing trip. We hiked in to a very remote place. We caught literally hundreds of fish. One day I caught 50 fish in the AM and another 50 in the PM. Mike Alley, a fellow audiologist, was our guide. His kids tied flies and sold them to us. As the fishing got good the price went up. It was the most memorable trip I have had in a long time.
Gerald Schuchman – I recently retired (Sept 1, 2000) from the Washington, DC, Veterans Affairs Medical Center where I had been coordinator of the Audiology Section. I am now “back home” at the Army Audiology & Speech Center working as a contract audiologist. I served as a military audiologist at AASC from 1969-1972 and was the Supervisor of the Hearing Evaluation Section from 1973-1976. I’m delighted to report that there are still a few of us Forest Glen folks actively contributing to this marvelous organization!
Lynnette Bardolf – Been busy as OIC, Schofield Audiology and Acting Chief at Tripler Audiology (since Dec 2000). But my main bragging news this last year is the announcement of our new little addition to the family. Our daughter, Michaela Rachele (pronounced Mikayla Rashell) Bardolf was born on 13 July 2000. She weighed in at 8 lbs., 6.4 oz, and was 20 inches long. She is now 7 months and is a true joy to have. Mommy-hood is awesome!
Melissa Leccese – In October 2000, I got my CAOHC course director certification in preparation for my PCS to Korea for a year. My report date is in April 2001. I have been trying to learn the Korean language and have been reading about Korean customs and traditions. My sister had twin boys in December, so I am an aunt for the first time. I’ve been keeping a scrapbook using Creative Memories and that has been super nice for keeping pictures of the twins.
Vickie Tuten – I had a PCS move from Ft. Sam Houston, TX to Ft. Hood, TX where I am waist deep in Hearing Conservation (and loving it). Received an MSM for an award upon leaving (3rd oakleaf cluster). In the past several years I have finished CGSC, done the Preventive Medicine Manager’s Course (6AF6), and completed to date 12 credit hours towards my AuD. My daughter was a CPT on active duty stationed at Ft. Hood with her husband who was an Armor Officer. They have separated from service but are living in the Austin area with my 14 month old granddaughter Taylor. My favorite vacation during this time was going to Montana (where I lived during most of my childhood) for a school/family reunion. We had five generations of women together as Taylor’s great, great grandmother is still living.
Joan Besing and Richard Price
US Army Research Laboratory
At the USARL we have recently begun an investigation of the effects of airbag deployment on hearing sensitivity. The overall goal of this project is to determine the presence and the extent of permanent threshold shift resulting from exposure to the impulse noise generated by a deploying airbag. This is the first large-scale study designed to examine the effects of high levels of sound pressure on hearing sensitivity as a result of airbag deployment.
There is some evidence in the literature of hearing loss resulting from exposure to airbag deployment, but unequivocal results have not been forthcoming. Nonetheless, the results of limited clinical studies as well as the predictions from our model of the human ear indicate that some proportion of the individuals exposed to airbag deployment will experience permanen hearing loss. There are more than 250 million drivers in the United States, and 50 million airbags in use. Thus, even a 1% chance of an accident in any year for any individual would indicate that many thousands of accident victims will experience a permanent hearing loss in the coming year. Clearly, these conservative estimates support the need for investigating this issue!
The results of this study will enable us to make an epidemiologic statement regarding the impact of airbag deployment on hearing sensitivity. Furthermore, the results will be used to validate our current model of the ear with regard to the effects of high levels of impulse noise on the human auditory system. Finally, the data obtained in this study along with the model will provide information for the development of safer airbag designs.
In order to successfully complete this project, it is essential that we identify as many individuals as possible who have recently been involved in automobile accidents. Both pre- and post-accident audiograms are needed so that we can quantify the effects of airbag deployment on hearing sensitivity. Many of you have already received information about this project and have indicated your willingness to help. If you were inadvertently missed in our attempt to contact military personnel involved in hearing testing, we will provide you with complete information about the study and how to assist us in identifying potential subjects. For more information or if you have any questions please contact Joan Besing or (410) 278-2997, DSN: 298-2997.