jueves, 16 de julio de 2020

HCE celebrates 10 years focused on hearing health | Health.mil

HCE celebrates 10 years focused on hearing health | Health.mil

health dot mil banner image

HCE celebrates 10 years focused on hearing health

Woman exhibiting correct earplug insertion



Audiologist Dr. Amy Boudin-George, HCE, demonstrates how to properly insert earplugs during World Hearing Day education outreach March 3, 2020 at Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas. (Photo by Larine Barr, DoD HCE)



A decade has passed since a rising trend of hearing loss among military service members prompted Congress to mandate a new center of excellence dedicated to protecting and improving hearing health.
The 2009 National Defense Authorization Act called on the Defense Department to establish a center of excellence focused on the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of hearing loss and auditory system injuries in military personnel.
The DoD Hearing Center of Excellence was officially stood up in December 2010, when now retired Air Force Col. (Dr.) Mark Packer took the helm.
The center’s primary responsibilities have been to develop a data registry to track hearing loss and auditory injuries across the armed forces, facilitate hearing health research, develop best practices and clinical education, and help to enable Department of Veterans Affairs rehabilitation benefits and services to former service members.
“I’ve been humbled and amazed by the multiple, ongoing collaborations among HCE, the military services, Department of Veterans Affairs, our national and international partners, as well as those within the academic and industry communities, which have directly contributed to improving military hearing and balance health outcomes,” said Air Force Col. (Dr.) LaKeisha Henry, the center’s division chief since March 2017.
Henry emphasized how collaboration with the VA and other government, industry, and academic partners over the years has played a critical role in HCE’s work to reduce hearing injury among service members.

Scientist checking hearing equipment for four servicemen
HCE research audiologist Dr. Quintin Hecht, adjusts a blast overpressure gauge while monitoring four Marines undergoing Characterization of Acute or Short-term acquired Military Population Auditory Shifts (CHASMPAS) study testing in the Mojave desert, at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, in January 2020. To date, the HCE study has collected prospective audiologic data and noise/blast measurements on two cohorts from Camp Lejeune, totaling 34 participants. (Photo by Erin Cesario, DoD HCE)
One of the most significant successes observed over the last few years is an overall decrease in hearing impairment for all DoD components, according to Henry. This improvement is likely associated with multifaceted hearing conservation programs administered by each service, and with HCE’s Comprehensive Hearing Health Program.
According to a recently released Hearing Health Surveillance Data Review conducted by the DoD Hearing Conservation Working Group, the percentage of service members with hearing impairment fell from 21% in 2012 to 15% in 2018. Among DoD civilians enrolled in service hearing conservation programs, the percentage with hearing impairment also decreased from 51% in 2012 to 40% in 2018.
“This is remarkable and encouraging news -- and a trend we anticipate will continue with ongoing emphasis on DoD hearing loss prevention strategies,” said Henry.
The HCE also recently established the congressionally-mandated Joint Hearing Loss and Auditory System Injury Registry, which supports medical readiness and hearing health programs by tracking and monitoring service-related hearing loss injuries of service members and veterans from 2001 to present. The registry combines clinical episodes of care from both DoD and VA audiograms, as well as demographic, deployment, and theater trauma and non-trauma data to promote continuity of care, analysis, research, and clinical performance.
Over the last decade, the center’s clinical branch has partnered with a cadre of DoD and VA researchers and clinicians to help develop, disseminate, and implement clinical best practices across DoD and VA that serve as force multipliers at every echelon of care. Best practice guidance and recommendations address such topics as aural blast injury/acoustic trauma and hearing loss (part of the Joint Trauma System clinical practice guidelines); pharmaceutical interventions of hearing loss; vestibular (balance) assessment and rehabilitation; central auditory processing disorder; and adult tinnitus management.
In support of combatant commands, HCE, service representatives, and associated DoD laboratories have researched the impact of hearing loss on mission performance. These efforts have been focused on establishing DoD accession and retention hearing profile standards and studying ways to bring hearing health care to operational settings. New strategies include using boothless audiometry (hearing testing) and hearing protection device fit check systems, which are used to verify service members receive appropriate protection from hazardous noise with their issued device. 
“Wearing the right hearing protection is an ongoing challenge for service members, who have a dual need to protect their hearing while maintaining situational awareness,” explained Dr. Theresa Schulz, the center’s prevention branch chief.
HCE is collaborating with government and industry leaders to develop a Hearing Protection Device Evaluated Products List so service members can select the best device available to meet specific operational tasks and individual needs.
To provide unity of research efforts across the auditory science network, the center established and actively maintains a collaborative research network of more than 225 auditory researchers and stakeholders from the DoD, VA, international bodies, industry, and academia. The Collaborative Auditory Vestibular Research Network serves in a scientific advisory capacity for programmatic research reviews, supports the development of research roadmaps, and brings hearing and balance health solutions to the combatant commands and their service members.
Additionally, the Pharmaceutical Interventions for Hearing Loss working group, was established with more than 200 members representing DoD, VA, FDA, NATO partner nations, industry, and academia, all dedicated to advancing this area of research. Through its studies, the group has determined successful drug therapy for hearing loss would benefit an estimated 27,000 service members annually, substantially improving medical readiness and reducing costs associated with hearing injury.
In the future, Henry would like to see more extensive partnerships and alliances with the services, VA, academia, industry, and international communities to foster more initiatives and solutions for hearing and balance disorders.
“Working together, we will continue to deliver solutions centered on auditory-vestibular system care -- from prevention and research through rehabilitation,” Henry concluded.
For more information, visit https://hearing.health.mil


Center develops tool to help service members select optimal hearing protection

Article
5/21/2020
Marine holding and aiming a rifle
Hearing loss can have severe consequences for our health and future well-being.
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

Portable system demonstrates capability to save hearing downrange

Article
5/13/2020
Image of three soldiers looking at an iPad
Army audiologist demonstrates new hearing test system while deployed to Iraq.
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

Innovative military hearing health programs showcased at national conference

Article
3/5/2020
Lt. Col. John Merkley, Army Public Health Center, tests out a boothless audiometry headset system, one of four systems demonstrated by manufacturers during a workshop hosted by the DoD Hearing Center of Excellence at this year's National Hearing Conservation Association Conference. (HCE photo)
Hearing standards for new Air Force recruits saved the military service millions of dollars
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

World Hearing Day shines light on global hearing loss

Article
3/2/2020
Air Force Senior Airman Joseph Finigan, 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft hydraulics systems journeyman, puts on a second layer of hearing protection over his dual in-ear headset at RAF Mildenhall, England. The headset enables communication by transmitting sound waves through the bones in the user's ear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Barron)
Hearing loss declines among service members, DoD civilians
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

DHA PI 6025.12: Retiree At Cost Hearing Aid Program Retiree Hearing Aid Purchase Program (RACHAP)

Policy
This Defense Health Agency-Procedural Instruction (DHA-PI): a. Based on the authority of References (a) and (b), and in accordance with the guidance of References (c) through (r), establishes the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) procedures to establish common and uniform guidelines, standards, and procedures for all DoD MTFs providing hearing health services to beneficiaries through RACHAP. This program has been operating at self-selected MTFs without established DoD guidance. b. Enables MTFs with capacity and capability to provide hearing aid evaluation, selection, fitting, and follow-up appointments utilizing an at cost Federal Government contract price through RACHAP to RACHAP-eligible beneficiaries (“RACHAP-eligible beneficiaries” defined in the Glossary). c. Incorporates, cancels, and replaces Reference (s).
  • Identification #: 6025.12
  •  
  • Date: 7/12/2019
  •  
  • Type: DHA Procedural Instruction
  •  
  • Topics: Hearing Loss

Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System – Hearing Conservation (DOEHRS-HC)

Fact Sheet
6/17/2019
The Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System – Hearing Conservation (DOEHRS-HC) is an information system designed to support personal auditory readiness and help prevent hearing loss through early detection.
Recommended Content:
Technology | Hearing Loss | Solution Delivery Division

Combatting hearing loss remains top priority

Article
5/22/2019
Hearing Center of Excellence audiologist Dr. Amy Boudin-George conducts an audiogram using the Enterprise Clinical Audiology Application, known as ECCA, which is being deployed and implemented at military treatment facilities throughout the Department of Defense to improve the way data is computed and patient information is shared in a centralized environment.  (DoD photo)
The DoD recognizes May as Better Hearing and Vision Month
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss | Vision Loss

A Soldier’s fight to regain the gift of hearing

Article
5/15/2019
Joseph Schweitzer and a friend take to the slopes at Stevens Pass, Washington, in early March 2019.  The former Army combat engineer received more than a decade of care to address hearing loss and a condition called otosclerosis, a plaque-like buildup around the ear drum and hearing bones in the ear.  He is now able to hear normally out of one ear, and can go without hearing devices if he chooses. (Courtesy photo)
Schweitzer attributes his ability to hear to the world-class care he received at Walter Reed
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

Center continues quest to protect hearing, prevent damage

Article
10/26/2018
Air Force Lt. Col. Kwame Curtis (left), chief of the 48th Medical Group, Audiology Clinic at RAF Lakenheath, England, uses HCE's Comprehensive Hearing Health Program materials to discuss balance and dizziness disorders with a service member prior to a video-nystagmography test. (Air Force photo)
October is National Audiology Awareness Month
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

Noise impact on hearing loss

Article
9/20/2018
Noise exposure in the military can occur 24 hours a day, such as during flight operations, even in off-duty areas. (U.S. Air Force file photo)
Hearing loss is the number one disability among veterans
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

Study examines impacts of noise and chemical exposure on hearing health

Article
9/13/2018
Research audiologist Dr. Rozela Melgoza, DoD Hearing Center of Excellence, completes a study participant's acoustic immittance test to evaluate their middle ear function. Immittance audiometry is one of several tests completed by participants during the Noise Outcomes in Servicemembers Epidemiology (NOISE) study's comprehensive audiologic evaluation. (DoD HCE photo)
Exposure to certain chemicals, called ototoxicants, can cause hearing loss or balance problems
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

New course aims to reduce military hearing loss

Article
9/7/2018
Maj. Malisha Martukovich, Air Force liaison for the DoD Hearing Center of Excellence, tests out the new HEAR course app, which can be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet for convenient access. (DoD HCE photo)
Tinnitus and hearing loss have remained among the top disabilities of veterans
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

Battlespace acoustics branch protects hearing, human performance

Article
8/17/2018
Dr. Eric Thompson, a research engineer with the Warfighter Interface Division, Battlespace Acoustics Branch, part of the 711th Human Performance Wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, sits inside their Auditory Localization Facility. The facility allows researchers to test 3-D audio software that spatially separates sound cues to mimic real-life human audio capabilities. The application allows operators in complex communication environments with multiple talking voices to significantly improve voice intelligibility and communication effectiveness. The technology, which consists primarily of software and stereo headphones, has potential low-cost, high-value application for both aviation and ground command and control communication systems. (U.S. Air Force photo by Richard Eldridge)
We look at how noise is being generated, how it propagates, and what that means for Airmen in the field
Recommended Content:
Preventive Health | Hearing Loss

Exiting an A-10C Thunderbolt

Photo
9/30/2016
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Judith Bulkley, an electrical and environmental systems specialist deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., exits an A-10C Thunderbolt II after performing an external power operations check on the aircraft at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Because service members in particular are often exposed to high noise levels, hearing protection is crucial, especially with a TBI. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Schester)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Judith Bulkley, an electrical and environmental systems specialist deployed from the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga., exits an A-10C Thunderbolt II after performing an external power operations check on the aircraft at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Because service members in particular are often exposed to high noise levels, hearing protection is crucial, especially with a TBI. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Schester)
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss | Traumatic Brain Injury

Lt. Col. James Morrison getting adjustments to cochlear implant

Photo
9/22/2016
Dr. Elizabeth Searing (right) makes initial adjustments via a computer to Lt. Col. James Morrison's cochlear implant. Dr. April Luxner, an audiologist with Cochlear Corporation, was on hand to witness Morrison's reactions to hearing with his right ear after 12 years of deafness. (U.S. Army photo by Jeff Troth)
Dr. Elizabeth Searing (right) makes initial adjustments via a computer to Lt. Col. James Morrison's cochlear implant. Dr. April Luxner, an audiologist with Cochlear Corporation, was on hand to witness Morrison's reactions to hearing with his right ear after 12 years of deafness. (U.S. Army photo by Jeff Troth)
Recommended Content:
Hearing Loss

No hay comentarios:

Publicar un comentario