Farm Noise and Hearing Network

FARM NOISE &

HEARING PROJECT

NEWSLETTER

July 2004

Contact for this edition of the FNHN Newsletter:

Jo Pilgrim, Lower North Community Health Service

Ph (08) 8842 6555

Fax (08) 8842 6556

E-mail

Hi

Welcome to the winter 2004 edition of the Farm Noise and Hearing Network newsletter. By now the farmers have completed seeding and the wet weather is certainly a plus. We spectators can watch the world becoming greener and greener by the day. A welcome sight!

The Promotions Portfolio is responsible for compiling this newsletter after each meeting. The aim for this newsletter is to communicate the highlights of the most recent meeting for those who were not able to attend. It also includes evaluation reports from events completed recently and any other information of interest regarding hearing loss, prevention and rehabilitation. The newsletters will now be posted on the Farm Noise and Hearing Web-site, check it out at .

If you have articles of interest and reports on events or presentations about Farm Noise please forward them to me, see details above. As this is my last newsletter for a while I will forward any information received on to the remaining members of the promotions portfolio. For me this is the end of nine years involvement in the network. It will be strange to miss the meetings in town followed by a quick jaunt to the central markets before the drive home.

Cheers!

Jo

Contents of newsletter:

  • Executive summary of the FNHN meeting, 25 June 04.
  • Program for Hearing Awareness Week
  • Evaluation report from Karoonda Farm Fair 2004.
  • Quiz used at Karoonda Farm Fair
  • Farm Noise and Hearing Network Minimum standards and declaration.
  • Farm Noise and Hearing Network evaluation report format.
  • Program and registration form to attend Noise Induced Hearing Loss & Primary Health Care Workshop - Thursday 26th August 2004, Royal Adelaide Hospital.
  • Brief report from Deafness Forum presented by Kathy Challinor

Executive Summary

Farm Noise and Hearing Network Meeting

Friday 25th June 2004

Guide Dogs, Morphett St, Adelaide.

Options for Portable Testing Facility

A few more options were discussed for replacing the hearing test van. David and Lyn currently looking at requirements for a van.

Training Day 26th August 2004

The Education and Research portfolio have put together a training day. See fliers in the newsletter to register.

Minimum Standards

Emma reported that Research and Education Portfolio have updated the minimum standards, declaration and evaluation report proforma, (see attached to newsletter)

Generic Article- Promotions

Sarah reported that the media release is complete. Sarah will email this to all members for use during Hearing Awareness Week

Project Activity Reports

Events since last meeting

  • Karoonda Farm Fair
  • Lucindale Field Days- information provision only.

Plans for upcoming events

  • SERHS- Men’s Pit Stop Night @ Naracoorte- hearing screenings available in August.
  • Hearing Expo in Hearing Awareness Week.

Next Meeting

Date: Friday 29th October 2004

Time: 12.30-4pm

Venue: Hearing Solutions

Chair & Minutes: Promotions Portfolio

“The Good the Bad and the not so Ugly”

Brief summary of a presentation by Kathy Challinor,

Clinical Nurse Audiometrist

New England Health Service

Tamworth Community Health Centre, NSW

Maureen McGrotty attended the above presentation, which covered Hearing Access in the New England area of NSW where there are 19 trained nurse audiometrists. It deals with the good, the bad and the not so ugly of this service provision. The nurse audiometrists provide 3000 hearing assessments per year (adults and children) including farmers. If you would like a copy of the presentation please do not hesitate to contact Maureen McGrotty.

Karoonda Farm Fair Results

April 2nd 2004

Information/Display

FNHN Fact sheets

MillionEar Quiz (adapted for KFF)

Information and referral agencies brochures

Manufacturer’s Listings (where to buy muffs etc)

Catch phrases for display board

Posters

Free stickers

Equipment

Noise dampening materials

Noisy machinery/equipment (eg. chainsaw, angle grinder, planer, blower)

Variety of muffs and plugs

Big Ear model

“Free Hearing Tests” banner (folded so only “Hearing” seen)

display board

Tables and chairs

Tablecloths

Pamphlet rack

Clip boards and pens

Sticky tape, Velcro, blutack, scissors, rope

Recording sheet (number and type of contact, info given, referred on to agency etc)

Hats and sunscreen

NB: Would be useful to have a clear banner saying we are from FNHN and MMCHS.

Results

Brief contacts

<20 years old / Several children took stickers, asked about ear model etc.
20-35 years old / 1 M
35-50 years old / 2 M
50-65 years old / 3 M
>65 years old / 3 M

Questionnaires completed

<20 years old / 0
20-35 years old / 1 M
35-50 years old / 0
50-65 years old / 1 M, 1 F
>65 years old / 1 M

Information given

<20 years old / 0
20-35 years old / 1 M
35-50 years old / 2 M
50-65 years old / 2 M, 1 F
>65 years old / 3 M

Issues discussed

<20 years old / Nil
20-35 years old / M
Concerns re discos
Don’t realize how loud radio on tractors is
What type of ear protection is most effective
35-50 years old / M
Moulded plugs for a farmer and drummer
Gave number for Phoenix moulded plugs
Concerns re discos these days
Already partially deaf, enquired about Peltor muffs
Ear muffs with electric device to cut out sound above a certain dB (?)
50-65 years old / M
Prefer underchin strapped ear plugs > muffs because of hats
Hearing aid repair and telelink options
F
Tinnitus
>65 years old / M
Earmuffs are uncomfortable
Hearing aids
Where to go for hearing test
Preserving remaining hearing

Referral to another agency

<20 years old / Nil
20-35 years old / Nil
35-50 years old / Nil
50-65 years old / M
Hearing Solutions
F
Tinnitus SA
>65 years old / M
Hearing Solutions
Adelaide Hearing consultants (plus application form)

NB: The majority of contacts were made prior to lunchtime and start of entertainment.

QUIZ used at Karoonda Farm Fair 2004

How many farmers have hearing loss?
a) 20%
b) 50%
c) 80%
d) 100% / A hearing loss at this pitch is most likely to reduce understanding of speech
a)High pitch (8000 Hz)
b)Middle – high pitch (4000 Hz)
c)Middle pitch (2000 Hz)
d) Low pitch (250 Hz)
What is the most common noise source on the farm?
a) Combine
b) Tractor
c) Chain saw
d) Animals / Which of the following is the best hearing protector?
a)Earplug
b)Earmuff
c)Any hearing protection worn properly
d) Cotton wool
Which farm animal is the loudest?
a) Cow
b) Pig
c) Horse
d) Sheep / What is the best way to protect your ears from noise?
a)Wear hearing protectors
b)Muffle the noise at the equipment (dampen noise at the source)
c)Wear a Walkman
d)Avoid the noise
Which item produces the loudest sound?
a)Tractor
b)Combine
c)Grain dryer
d)Chain saw / A hearing protector worn appropriately will reduce the noise by:
a)10 dB
b)20 dB
c)30 dB
d)40 dB
Which of the following sounds would be the most damaging to the ear?
a)Gun fire
b)Lawnmower
c)Grader
d) Motorcycle / Where are hearing tests available?
a)Doctor’s office
b)Laubman & Pank – Murray Bridge
c)Australian Hearing Consultants
d) Australian Hearing
Which pitch (frequency) is first affected by noise?
a)High pitch (8000 Hz)
b)Middle – high pitch (4000 Hz)
c)Middle pitch (2000 Hz)
d) Low pitch (250 Hz)

MINIMUM STANDARDS

Testing at an Event

Confirmed at Meeting- June 2004

  • Use of quiet testing facilities where possible and record/ document testing conditions on form.
  • Audiometers to have current calibration certificate
  • Full completion of FN&H Assessment form
  • Obtained ethical approval from external body if participating in Farm Noise and Hearing research study.
  • Informed consent forms must be signed by participants
  • Farm Noise project and sponsors acknowledged
  • Qualified/ Trained Audiologist, audiometrist or Speech Pathologist (Audiometrist trained) to complete hearing test.
  • If no audiologist present, should be an audiological contact who is involved in FN&H network linked to event for discussion/ advisory purposes, liason piror and post event.
  • Speech Pathologist’s and Audiologists involved at events should be well oriented (Map, meet other people, time to be there, additional details etc), have completed testing manuals, orientation about testing, cross referrals and health promotion focus (prevention)
  • Impartial information provision across all levels of program (eg. Personal Hearing Protection, Audiological Services in the area). One service provider not endorsed, list of service providers given.
  • Coordinator of event must have observed or had contact with previous project coordinators and ensure that all staff are competent (eg. First time project coordinator can have an experienced mentor).
  • Other assistants involved in project need to be fully supported eg. Work shadow for first morning.
  • Project coordinator must be actively involved in network to run an event (ie. Attended 1 meeting for the year).
  • Provide a project summary within 3 months of event (see proforma for Evaluation Report)).
  • Resource Kit available for use at event/ fact sheets available to consumers
  • Adequate written information or person available for tinnitus information, or links with other agencies eg. Hearing Solutions, TAG, Tinnitus SA or other health professional.
  • Knowledge of Local service provision (audiological services and where to purchase hearing protection)
  • Confidentiality (quiet area for discussion is required)
  • Professionalism within the standards set in the manuals (PHC framework).

FARM NOISE AND HEARING NETWORK

MINIMUM STANDARDS- Info provision only

Confirmed at Meeting- June 2004

  • Coordinator of event must have observed or had contact with previous project coordinators.
  • Speech Pathologist’s and Audiologists involved at events should have been oriented to project, knowledge about advice, referrals, health promotion focus (prevention) but not need experience in testing/ audiogram interpretation.
  • Farm Noise project and sponsors acknowledged
  • Provide a project summary within 3 months of event (need to develop a central store first- see Sue Tucker- Health Promotion- LNCHS for evaluation forms).
  • Resource Kit available for use at event/ fact sheets available to consumers
  • Adequate written information or person available for tinnitus information, or links with other agencies eg. Hearing Solutions, TAG, Tinnitus SA or other health professional.
  • Knowledge of Local service provision (audiological services and where to purchase hearing protection)
  • Confidentiality (quiet area for discussion is required)
  • Professionalism within the standards set in the manuals (PHC framework).

DECLARATION

FARM NOISE AND HEARING PROJECT

I have read the minimum standards for Project Coordinator to participate in testing and information provision at an event.

I agree to abide by them during the farm noise and hearing project.

I will submit a project summary / verbal evaluation to the farm noise and hearing network within three months of the project. If I fail to do so, I am aware that I will not be eligible for any further funding from the Farm Noise and Hearing Network.

Signed:

Name:

Date:

Please forward this form to the Planning Portfolio

C/- Kate McCormack

Port Pirie Regional Health Service

PO Box 546

Port Pirie 5540

EVALUATION REPORT

This report is a summative report that reflects the key evaluation components of your program. It should convey to the reader the methods used to assess the program and it should reflect on the challenges/successes – both expected and unexpected. It does not need to be long, but should give the reader an overall picture of the program.

  1. Brief description of the program
  1. Process Evaluation (assess the way the program was run and developed,

relate to performance indicators specified in your program proposal,

eg attendance records, number of sessions, material distributed etc)

  1. Impact Evaluation (measures the immediate effects of the

program, relate to performance indicators specified in your program

proposal, observation) eg. Numbers per type of request, targeting the desired population, staff feedback.

  1. Outcome Evaluation (measures the longer term effects of the

program, did the program achieve its goal, assess changes in habits, pre/post questionnaires, population based changes/ increased awareness)

  1. Were there any unexpected outcomes, barriers or successes?
  1. Were budget expectations met?
  1. Recommendations for future programs.
  1. A list of contact people in your area eg. Industry partners, People who have made your day/event successful, Hearing Solutions.

This report needs to be:

  • Verbally presented at Farm Noise and Hearing meeting
  • Provided to Promotions Portfolio Contact Person for inclusion in newsletter

Farm Noise & Hearing Network &

Audiological Society of Australia (SA Branch)

Noise Induced Hearing Loss & Primary Health Care Workshop

Thursday 26th August 2004 9-00am to 4-30pm

Common Room, Residential Wing, Royal Adelaide Hospital

Workshop Outline:

9-00 Registration

9-30 Welcome & Opening address

Ms. Jane Reilly, Weather Reporter, Network 10.

Farm Noise and Hearing Project – Past, Present & Future

10-00 Noise and Farm Machinery

Mr. Tim Lacey – Lecturer in Rural Mechanics, Spencer Gulf TAFE

10-30 Break

11-00 Hearing aids and Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Mr. Sam Koroneos, Audiologist, Lecturer, Flinders University and Private Practice

12-00 Aural Rehabilitation and High Frequency Noise Induced Hearing loss

Mr. Christpher Lind, Audiologist, Senior Lecturer, Flinders University

1-00 Lunch & Displays

2-00 Tinnitus & Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Dr. Judith Boswell, Audiologist , Director Tinnitus SA and Adelaide Hearing Consultants

3-00 Break

3-15 Principles of Primary Health Care

Ms. Sue Tucker, Primary Health Care Worker, Lower North Community Health Service, Clare

4-00 Conclusion

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

& Primary Health Care

Thursday 26th August 2004 9-00am to 4-30pm

Common Room, Residential Wing, Royal Adelaide Hospital

Please note:

  1. One delegate per registration form (this form can be copied)
  2. This registration form can only be accepted if accompanied by full payment
  3. All fees include GST, lunch and refreshments

DELEGATE DETAILS:

Surname:

Given Name:

Company/Work Place:

Full Address:

Telephone: E-mail:

Special Requirements (e.g.: Audio loop, mobility, food allergies):

REGISTRATION FEES:Closing Date 13th August 2004

Full Conference Registration Fee:$33.00 (Incl. $3 GST)

Full Student Registration Fee: $11-00 (Incl. $1 GST)

Please make cheques payable to : “Audiological Society of Australia”

Please forward registration form and payment to:

Noise Induced Hearing loss & Primary Health Care Workshop,

C/- Audiology Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA 5000

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