Role of a Unique Innovative Device (HEAR-O-SCOPE) in Prevention of Noise Induced Hearing Loss

• Main Authors: Sreemanti Bag, Md. Quaisar Rahaman, Rajiv Singh, Chiranjib Das, Dwaipayan Mukherjee, Sumit Kumar Basu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Association of Otolaryngologists of India, West Bengal 2021-06-01
• Series: Bengal Journal of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery
• Subjects: Hearing Loss; Noise-Induced; Prevention; Early Diagnosis; HEAR-O-SCOPE
• Online Access: https://bjohns.in/journal3/index.php/bjohns/article/view/455

Introduction Noise induced hearing loss has great significance in today’s world as it comes as an occupational health hazard accompanied with other systemic adverse effects like several neuropsychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or peptic ulcers. It can be prevented by serial follow up with pure tone audiograms and use of noise protectors like ear muffs or ear plugs. This article demonsrates an easy-to-adopt method of preventing noise induced hearing loss in the form of an electronic device named HEAR-O-SCOPE. Device Design This device is essentially a decibel meter which senses sound intensities above 85 decibel and equates it with permissible time of exposure for that decibel range and if permissible time of exposure is crossed, sends alarm signals in the form of buzzer and display, giving the user adequate time either to move away from the noisy surrounding or put in noise protectors. This device also has provision for real-time graphical plotting facilities. Expected Benefits Expected outcome by using this device in the long run would be early detection and prevention of noise induced hearing loss and other health hazards of noise pollution. Conclusion Regular use of HEAR-O-SCOPE is highly recommendable for prevention of Noise Induced Hearing Loss.