2010 Winners

The 2010 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™ were presented at the 35th Annual Hearing Conservation Conference on February 26, 2010 in Orlando, Florida.

The 2010 recipient for Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention in the Manufacturing Sector is:

Etymotic Research, Inc., (“Et-im-oh-tik” true to the ear), a research and product development group which creates products designed to measure, improve and protect hearing. Founded in 1983, Etymotic Research spans an impressive 27-year history of innovative, practical and high-fidelity solutions to challenging hearing loss prevention issues. Etymotic Research is being recognized for their pioneering technical expertise, remarkable influence, ardent support and essential sponsorship of hearing loss prevention research, services, products and public outreach. Specifically, the development of insert earphones, ER-15 and other flat attenuation hearing protectors, isolator earphones and the ER-200 personal consumer noise dosimeter are highlighted. Etymotic Research’s innovations have had a direct impact on the quality, delivery and effectiveness of hearing loss and tinnitus prevention programs.
Etymotic Presentation Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

The 2010 recipients for Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention in the Construction Sector are:

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) and Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc (PB) in a partnership established to address a mayoral charge to update the New York City’s Noise Code and create a new law establishing rules for construction noise. Parsons Brinckerhoff has been a leader in the transportation and infrastructure engineering industry for almost 125 years, and for this particular endeavor, became the primary consultant supporting NYC DEP to research, develop, write, present and defend the new NYC Construction Noise Rules. These Rules were developed primarily to reduce community noise by establishing noise emission limits and requiring noise mitigation measures for all construction work occurring within New York City, but because of NYC DEP and PB’s insight, the rules proactively address work-related exposures, thereby extending its reach and benefits. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. were recognized for their combined efforts in developing, implementing and overseeing the New York City Construction Noise Mitigation Rule.
(FC) Army Hearing Program Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

The 2010 recipients for Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention in the Services Sector are:

Dr. Kris Chesky and the College of Music, University of North Texas, for their contribution towards raising the awareness of the importance of hearing loss prevention among student and professional musicians, a constituency that has not been reached through other traditional mechanisms. Dr. Chesky and colleagues are pursuing all facets (including innovative research and methodology, education and advocacy) which can potentially contribute to success in hearing loss prevention among individuals involved in music performances and practice. Their work has reached music educators and students from kindergarten through college, university administrators and board members of accreditation agencies. Advocacy was demonstrated by the development and proposed adoption of position statements that set the agenda for formal music education related to the prevention of music-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Their work is bringing additional attention to the risk of music-induced hearing loss to other professionals in entertainment venues and to the general public.
Dr. Kris Chesky Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

Back row, left to right: Captain Margaret Kitt and SiS Award Committee members, Noah Seixas, Deanna Meinke, Lee Hager, James Lankford, Pam Graydon, Thais Morata.
Front Row, Left to right Award Winners: Erich Thalheimer, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc, Mead Killion, Etymotic Research Inc., and Kris Chesky, College of Music, University of North Texas. Photo courtesy of Jack Foreman


Left to Right: CAPT, Greg Lotz, Division Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Carter Strickland, Jr., Deputy Commissioner for Sustainability at New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Photo taken at the Building Trades Employers' Association Leadership Dinner, on May 18, 2010.


Left to right Award Winners: Kris Chesky, College of Music, University of North Texas, Mead Killion, Ph.D., Etymotic Research Inc., Erich Thalheimer, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. Photo courtesy of Jack Foreman

2009 Winners

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The 2009 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Awards™ were presented at the 34th Annual Hearing Conservation Conference on February 13, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The 2009 recipients in the Manufacturing Sector were:

• Pratt & Whitney - East Hartford Facility, CT.  Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp. Company, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and support of aircraft engines, gas turbines and space propulsion systems.  It was recognized for the comprehensive approach taken, aiming at excellence in every component of the hearing loss prevention program; for their exceptional commitment to noise control and for promoting the active involvement of the workforce in their efforts.
  Pratt & Whitney Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

• Domtar Paper Company, Kingsport Mill, TN.  Domtar Paper Company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of fine paper products. It was recognized for the comprehensive integration of their hearing loss prevention program and a demonstrated commitment to extend hearing loss prevention practices beyond the occupational work environment into recreational and community activities enjoyed by their workers and their families.
  Domtar Paper Company Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)
  

The 2009 recipient in the Services Sector was:

The Montgomery County Water Services (MCWS), OH. Public entities in Ohio do not fall under the purview of Federal or State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but the MCWS proactively addresses each of the components of an effective hearing loss prevention program, often extending beyond minimal regulatory requirements. The Montgomery County Water Services was recognized for the comprehensive approach taken, aiming at excellence in every component of the hearing loss prevention program; for developing innovative strategies for addressing the variable work routine of its noise-exposed workers and for promoting the active involvement of the workforce in its safety and health efforts.
The Montgomery County Water Services Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)

The 2009 recipient for the Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention award was:

Sensaphonics Hearing Conservation, Inc., Chicago, IL.  Sensaphonics serves the hearing needs of music industry and other industries that rely upon high-impact audio products. Sensaphonics was recognized for being a pioneer in combining products, audiology services, and education to reach their hearing loss prevention goals, for their culture of innovation and educational outreach, and for having raised awareness of the importance of hearing loss prevention among audiologists, the music industry and the general public.
Sensaphonics Hearing Conservation Presentation (Adobe Flash Required)
                                                                                       
Back row, top left to top right: Charlie Floyd (Domtar), Mark Skripol (P&W),  Pam Graydon (NIOSH), Tim Brooks (P&W), Nancy Hitchins (P&W),  Meg Gildea (P&W),  Ed Nelson (P&W), Thais Morata (NIOSH), Dom Chiulli (P&W),  Craig Thompson (P&W), Deanna Meinke (NHCA), Jim Newhall (NIOSH) and James Lankford (NHCA)Front row (seated), left to right: Connie Muncy (MCWS), Debbie Davis (Domtar), Dave Russel (P&W) and Michael Santucci (Sensaphonics). Photo courtesy of Jack Foreman.