News

Occupational NIHL Assessment Resource, ACC

ACC is currently working towards developing a Workbook for ENT assessments of ACC claimants for occupational noise induced hearing loss.

Bill Baber and John Gilbert are representing the society.

The first step in the process is carrying out literature reviews in four key areas. Three of these have been contracted out, and the fourth is being carried out in-house. The literature reviews are:

·      Epidemiology of noise induced hearing loss

·      Typical noise exposures

·      Audiometric standards

·      Other factors affecting hearing loss

The first two areas are being reviewed by Dr David McBride from Otago. Associate Professor Suzanne Purdy from the University of Auckland is collating the standards materials in conjunction with Warwick Williams from National Acoustics Laboratories in Sydney. ACC’s Zhi-ling Zhang is reviewing the other factors research.

The first drafts of the reviews will be presented in December, and should be finalised in February 2010. Links to the reports will be posted on this website as they become available.

The second phase of the project is the development of the Workbook, which will be focussed on clinical issues. This work is expected to commence early in 2010 following the development of the literature reviews.

Further information is available from anne.greville@acc.co.nz