Advanced Hearing Protection & Communication Solutions for a Changing World

The world and the workplace have changed due to COVID-19. As workers and employers adjust to the “new normal” they are confronting new demands: a workplace that is managing the complexities of a global pandemic while keeping employees safe, healthy, and efficient. For hearing loss prevention programs, how can workers be protected from the hazardous noise, work at least 2 meters (6-feet) apart from one another and still be able to communicate? How can enabling critical communication from a distance help reduce the number of workers who are potentially exposed to occupational hazards?

This webinar focuses on addressing these challenges through advanced hearing protection and communication technologies. Technical information and audio demonstrations will explore key concepts such as level-dependent hearing protection, environmental listening, and the importance of controlling the signal-to-noise ratio. Practical guidance regarding how to enhance communication-at a-distance and cleaning and disinfecting advanced hearing protectors will be shared.

Bev Borst

Bev Borst is a technical specialist and certified occupational health nurse for 3M Canada Company, Personal Safety Division. Bev has been with 3M Canada for 24 years and prior to this worked for 14 years as a Registered Nurse in healthcare facilities in Ontario. Her technical expertise includes hearing conservation, hearing protection devices and respiratory protection and she provides technical leadership for Canadian customers. Bev is 3M Canada’s leading authority on hearing loss prevention and has conducted multiple seminars on hearing conservation across Canada and the US. Bev is currently a technical member of CSA Z94.2 Hearing Protection Devices standard and Z1007 Hearing Loss Prevention Program Management standard and is the CSA Vice-Chair for the Occupational Hearing Conservation Technical Committee.

Pegeen Smith

Pegeen Smith is a board-certified occupational health nurse working as an Application Engineer with 3M Company’s Personal Safety Division. Pegeen has over 16 years of experience in hearing conservation. She has conducted research on hearing protector fit testing systems used in hearing conservation programs. Pegeen has written several articles for the AAOHN journal and has presented numerous times at the AAOHN National Conference as well as at regional conferences, National Hearing Conservation Association, and at AIHce. She is the co-author of the soon to be published 6th Edition of the Noise Manual Chapter on Fit Testing Systems. Pegeen has assisted with multiple events emphasizing the use of advanced hearing protection for workers.