Noise Abatement Program

Baseline threshold audiometry is performed in the sound‐isolated test area of the specially constructed mobile van. The van is moved to the power generation site where four men are tested simultaneously with a discrete‐frequency automatic audiometer. The program functions as part of the Medical Department under supervision of the Medical Director. An audiological case history is obtained including information on past industrial and nonindustrial noise exposure and potentially significant medical conditions. Testing is performed by students majoring in audiology and speech pathology under the supervision of an audiologist certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association. The Con Ed audiological consultant reviews all audiometric records. Workers whose initial automatic tests are unsatisfactory are retested on the automatic audiometer with additional individual supervision. If the second test remains unsatisfactory, a manual audiometric test is performed. Criteria for referral of the worker for additional audiologic testing and otological examination will be presented. A variety of audiological procedures are performed both in the trailer and in the home office as well as at several comprehensive audiological facilities in the community with which Con Ed is affiliated. Statistical data will be presented showing the numbers of workers at different plants requiring audiometric retesting and complete audiological evaluations of various types.