the 10th niosh-nhca -...
TRANSCRIPT
The 10th NIOSH-NHCA
Awards for Innovation in
Hearing Loss Prevention
February 16, 2018
@SafeinSoundUS
Independent Expert Committee
Thais Morata
Deanna Meinke
Scott Schneider
John Franks
Noah Seixas James Lankford
Lee Hager
Independent Expert Committee
Thais Morata
Deanna Meinke
Scott Schneider
John Franks
Initiative Objectives
• To recognize innovation and organizations that document measurable achievements in hearing loss prevention
AND
• To share their strategies and leading edge information widely. Please see the expanded presentations of award-winning strategies at www.safeinsound.us
Awards are presented for:
- Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention for hearing conservation initiatives in the workplace,
and - Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention,
open to any industrial sector, institution or individual.
Your STORIES are WINNERS!
*Potential candidates for either the Safe-in-Sound
Excellence or in Innovation in Hearing Loss Prevention may be nominated by individuals outside of the candidate organization/company.
NOMINATE someone you know!
#wewanttohear
Important Deadlines: 2018
Nomination from third parties: June 1st, 2018
Completed Application/Self-Nomination:
Tomorrow at NHCA: Presentation on what we learned in the 10 years of Safe-in-Sound
John Howard, MD, Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Scott SchneiderExpert Committee Chair
2018 Innovation
Award
Feb 16, 2018
US Army Tactical Communications and
Protective System (TCAPS)
Program Executive Office Soldier
Mission:
Develop, acquire, field, and sustain affordable, integrated, state-of-the-art equipment to improve Soldier dominance in Army operations today and in the future.
TCAPS
Current Team Members/Support Organizations
• Assistant Product Manager – CPT Effens Bowden
• Training Coordinator – MSG Aaron Atchley
• System and Test Engineering – Mr. Collin Drennen
• Operations – Ms. Jessica Lucy
• Logistics Support Manager – Ms. Margaret Livesay
• Test Coordinator – Mr. Timothy Massey
• Hearing Center of Excellence Subject Matter Expert – Mr. Robert Williams
• Support Organizations: Office of the Surgeon General, Public Health Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Army Audiology Community
TCAPS
THE CHALLENGE
Veteran disability benefit claims for hearing loss has continuously increased since 1999. Since 2009, the percent of positive Significant Threshold Shifts (STSs), as indicated by the Army Hearing Program, has shown a relatively steady decrease through 2017. The TCAPS program aims to decrease post-service hearing loss claims, as well as aiming to decrease the occurrence of STSs for Active Army Soldiers.
TCAPS represents the first Army Program of Record addressing hearing protection.
TCAPS
THE INNOVATION
• Utilizing Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) products, TCAPS provides Soldiers with advanced, active hearing protection that simultaneously protects Soldiers' hearing while enabling situational awareness and mission command.
• This COTS approach allows rapid adaption of the latest commercial technology.
TCAPS
THE INNOVATION
• With TCAPS/TCAPS-Lite, Soldiers no longer have to choose between hearing protection and situational awareness.
• TCAPS will reduce the occurrence of removing a Soldier from a combat role due to hearing loss.
TCAPS
THE INNOVATION
• Develop new and innovative procedures to procure, test, deliver and train users on new active hearing protection devices;
• Work to restore a soldier’s confidence in hearing protection devices -to restore the confidence that something can be done to protect his or her hearing.
TCAPS
Fielded TCAPS and TCAPS-Lite Devices
TCAPS – INVISIO X50
• Active hearing protection: Reduces harmful impulse (gunfire) and steady-state (engine) noises to safe levels
• Hearing enhancement capability
• Sound localization capability
• Up to 2 radios can be attached via cables for voice communications
Connects to Radio 2
Connects to Radio 1
TCAPS
Fielded TCAPS and TCAPS-Lite Devices
TCAPS-Lite: 3M TEP-100 and COMTAC III
• Same basic capabilities as TCAPS (hearing protection/enhancement/sound localization)
• Does not connect to a radio via cable, but user can still communicate using hand-microphone equipped radios
• Includes Medical Contingency (COMTAC III) that features replaceable hybrid foam/gel ear cups
TCAPS
HOW IS THE INNOVATION IMPLEMENTED?
– TCAPS/TCAPS-Lite are issued primarily to combat Infantry Soldiers.
– Partnered with and received support from the medical community
– Before being issued the system, each Soldier was:
• Properly fitted with TCAPS/TCAPS-Lite
• Provided with a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on exercises
TCAPS
➢ Periodic evaluation of COTS devices that offer enhanced capabilities and increase Soldier acceptance at a lower cost.
➢ Establish a consistent line of communication with fielded units to get feedback on what works, as well as with other military organizations for program improvement.
FUTURE OF THE INNOVATION
LESSONS LEARNED
- Continue to solicit feedback from Soldiers
- Comfort, convenience, and cost should always be kept in mind.
- Competition reduces costs.
- Demonstrate program success
- Identify metrics that show the impact of TCAPS/TCAPS-Lite
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE AWARD
The TCAPS Program is honored by the recognition for the promotion of hearing protection and conservation within the Army. This honor would not be possible without the resolve of our industry and government partners to help provide Soldiers with the best hearing protection available.
This award should provide the program with leverage to grow and get stronger, and for accountability at all levels.
CONTACT INFORMATION
CPT Effens Bowden
703-704-0997 (office)
Collin C. Drennen
703-704-2864 (office)
U.S. Army, PEO Soldier, PM SWAR
ATTN: SFAE-SDR-SWAR-SSI
5966 12th Street, Building 1024
Fort Belvoir, VA. 22060-5554
Thank you▪ Expert Committee
▪ NHCA leadership and EC members
▪ Candidates and those who submitted nominations!
Congratulations to:
▪ Safe-in-Sound recipients and their delegations