What is an Otoscopy?

An Otoscopy is a visual ear examination through the use of an otoscope. The purpose of the examination is to check for any abnormal features in the external auditory canal of the ear. The part of the ear being examined is the tunnel that leads from the outer ear (pinna) to the eardrum. The most common abnormal features that may be found through the examination include;

Noise induced hearing loss is an irreversible condition that can have significant impacts on people’s lives.

Section 3.2.11 – Audiometric tests, of the Victorian Regulations states: “If an employer is required under regulation 3.2.4(1)(d) to provide hearing protectors to an employee, the employer must provide for audiometric testing for that employee..."

According to the University of Sydney’s Men’s Health Week booklet, Australian men are more likely to get sick from serious health problems than women, often due to a lack of early intervention and their mortality rate is also much higher.

The working environment plays a critical role in keeping men healthy and safe by providing regular preventative screening of health issues, particularly in the construction and mining industries, which are male dominated.

The EPA's Noise Effects Handbook states that excessive noise can create distraction and mental fatigue that can impair workers' judgment and reduce morale. At certain levels, constant noise pollution can interfere with necessary business communications or even drown out safety alarms. A noisy workplace environment places stress on employees, who must find ways to work around the impediment.

Well, did you know that a males life expectancy is nearly 5 years less than females? Or that the rate of suicide for men is 3 ½ times higher than women? Men are also more likely to be overweight than women, even though women naturally store higher levels of fat (women 25-31% body fat, males 18-24% body fat).

With today being World Asthma Day, it seemed apt to talk about occupational asthma and how it can be caused within the workplace.

What is asthma?

According to Asthma Foundations Australia (AFA) people with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs and when exposed to certain triggers their airways narrow, making it hard for them to breathe.

Importantly, AFA also states that occupational asthma is the most prevalent occupational lung disease in developed countries, and can be severe and disabling.

The NIOSH Science Blog posted an interesting article on the investigation of high blood lead in a small child. Lead, a known neurotoxin and has a history of neurological effects in exposed children in Australia and internationally. No lead contamination could be found in the house or surrounding garden except the laundry floor. Upon further testing of the family, her father Ted, was found to have elevated blood lead as well. It was determined that Ted typically came home from work at the e-scrap recycling facility with dust in his hair and on his clothes.