AudiologyOnline Phone: 800-753-2160


Oticon Work - September 2024

Hearing Loss Simulations and Counseling

Brian Fligor, ScD, CCC-A

August 10, 2009

Share:

Question

In counseling musicians about hearing conservation and noise induced hearing loss, have you found hearing loss simulators to be useful?

Answer

Yes, hearing loss simulators can very effective in counseling as part of an overall hearing conservation program. At Musicians' Hearing Program (www.childrenshospital.org/MHP) we developed specific noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) simulations to enable people to listen to music as it sounds to those with normal hearing and for varying degrees of hearing loss. We have found this particularly effective with musicians and consumers of music as they can immediately hear the effect that loud listening levels over time may have on their enjoyment and appreciation of music. The severity of the NIHL depends on both the sound intensity and the duration of listening. Our simulations are based on predictions of hearing loss that are accepted by the American National Standards Institute (S3.44-1996), and are processed through software called "Hearing Loss and Prosthesis Simulator (HeLPS)" developed by Sensimetrics Corporation, Malden, MA. Some of the simulations even include tinnitus. These simulations are based on the best available research to date, and can be listened to at our Web site: https://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site2148/mainpageS2148P27sublevel30.html

This Ask the Expert was based on Dr. Fligor's course, Music-Induced Hearing Loss: Risk and Prevention for Musicians and Music Consumers that can be viewed in the AudiologyOnline library: www.audiologyonline.com/ceus/recordedcoursedetails.asp?class_id=13989

Brian Fligor, ScD, is the Director of Diagnostic Audiology at Children's Hospital Boston and Instructor in the Department of Otology and Laryngology at Harvard Medical School. His primary research interests are investigating causes of acquired hearing loss from ototoxicity and noise, particularly in the pediatric population. Dr. Fligor's work on potential for noise-induced hearing loss from using portable media players with headphones has received considerable popular media attention, including being spoofed on David Letterman's show in 2005.


brian fligor

Brian Fligor, ScD, CCC-A

Director of Diagnostic Audiology, Children’s Hospital Boston

Brian Fligor, ScD, is Director of Diagnostic Audiology at Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Otology and Laryngology at Harvard Medical School. His primary research interests are investigating causes of acquired hearing loss from ototoxicity and noise. Dr. Fligor’s work on potential for noise-induced hearing loss from using portable media players with headphones has received considerable popular media attention, including being spoofed on David Letterman’s show in 2005. He is principle audiologist in the Children's Hospital Boston Musicians’ Hearing Program (www.childrenshospital.org/MusiciansHearingProgram), a clinical service geared toward enrolling musicians and music enthusiasts in hearing loss prevention programs.


Related Courses

Managing the Musician with Hearing Loss: Treatment Considerations, presented in partnership with Salus University
Presented by Brian J. Fligor, ScD, PASC
Recorded Webinar
AudiologyOnline

Presenter

Brian J. Fligor, ScD, PASC
Course: #41298Level: Intermediate1.5 Hours
  'This presenter is very organized and clearly presents the content'   Read Reviews
Musicians with hearing loss present with a unique set of needs and challenges. This course reviews the effective management of musicians within an audiology practice, with a focus on treatment considerations. Topics covered include prioritizing tinnitus, hyperacusis, diplacusis and hearing loss; engaging musicians in tinnitus management; and selecting and fitting hearing aids that also optimize music listening. This is part of a 2-part series presented in partnership with Salus University.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Managing the Musician with Hearing Loss, presented in partnership with Salus University
Presented by Brian J. Fligor, ScD, PASC
Recorded Webinar
AudiologyOnline

Presenter

Brian J. Fligor, ScD, PASC
Course: #32378Level: Intermediate3 Hours
This two-part series presented in partnership with Salus University reviews the fundamentals and effective management of working with musicians within an audiology practice. Topics covered include terminology, diagnostic testing considerations, interpreting noise surveys, and hearing protection devices. In addition to prioritizing tinnitus, hyperacusis, diplacusis and hearing loss; engaging musicians in tinnitus management. Treatment considerations, selecting and fitting hearing aids that also optimize music listening will be discussed.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Managing the Musician with Hearing Loss: Fundamentals and Diagnostics, presented in partnership with Salus University
Presented by Brian J. Fligor, ScD, PASC
Recorded Webinar
AudiologyOnline

Presenter

Brian J. Fligor, ScD, PASC
Course: #32161Level: Intermediate1.5 Hours
  'Explained complex concepts well, real life examples'   Read Reviews
Musicians with hearing loss present with a unique set of needs and challenges. This course reviews the fundamentals of effectively working with musicians within an audiology practice. Topics covered include terminology, diagnostic testing considerations, interpreting noise surveys, and important issues surrounding hearing protection devices that audiologists must be up to speed on to best serve musicians and audio professionals. This is part of a 2-part series, presented in partnership with Salus University.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Auditory Wellness: What Clinicians Need to Know
Presented by Brian Taylor, AuD, Barbara Weinstein, PhD
Audio
Signia

Presenters

Brian Taylor, AuDBarbara Weinstein, PhD
Course: #36608Level: Intermediate0.5 Hours
  'i loved the podcast format'   Read Reviews
As most hearing care professionals know, the functional capabilities of individuals with hearing loss are defined by more than the audiogram. Many of these functional capabilities fall under the rubric, auditory wellness. This podcast will be a discussion between Brian Taylor of Signia and his guest, Barbara Weinstein, professor of audiology at City University of New York. They will outline the concept of auditory wellness, how it can be measured clinically and how properly fitted hearing aids have the potential to improve auditory wellness.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Understanding Patient Empowerment Along the Hearing Health Journey
Presented by Brian Taylor, AuD, Sarah Gotowiec, PhD
Audio
Signia

Presenters

Brian Taylor, AuDSarah Gotowiec, PhD
Course: #37890Level: Intermediate0.5 Hours
  'great topic'   Read Reviews
Most clinicians recognize the importance of empowerment in the patient journey, but do they know what it really means for a patient to feel empowered? Find out in this engaging and informative podcast with WSA research scientist, Sarah Gotowiec, PhD, who reviews the five dimensions of patient empowerment and how clinicians can apply her research to empower patients more effectively throughout the patient journey. This recent open access article is the focus of her discussion: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2021.1915509

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.