Integration of a Video Application into Hearing Loss Prevention Programs

The Helmet-Cam technology is a wearable video camera that is lightweight and non-intrusive to the worker. When used with the custom developed Evade software, it allows for visual integration of the sampled data collected via noise dosimetry, with video of the employee experience during the time of sampling. This allows for easier identification of noise-hazardous activities. This technology can be integrated into three of the basic components of an effective hearing loss prevention program: noise exposure monitoring, use of hearing protection devices, and worker education and motivation. Use of the technology can provide more efficient noise exposure monitoring and determine the actual use of hearing protection by workers on the job site by allowing for real-time visual images associated with work tasks. The most innovative use of the technology, however, is as a training tool for the worker education and motivation component of a hearing loss prevention program. By providing visual images to enhance the sampling data results, this hardware/software package gives more easily understood and actionable information to the worker. Viewing a video of their own work experience is a powerful method to engage the worker and improve their sense of empowerment to control their own noise exposure.