Three inventors recognized for ideas to reduce work-related hearing loss

Nick Laperle and Jeremie Voix receive first place award.Nick Laperle and Jeremie Voix receive first place award.

During the first ‘Hear and Now – Noise Safety Challenge’ held on October 27, 2016, in Washington, D.C., three inventors were recognized for their ideas for reducing work-related hearing loss.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) hosted the event, which was created to inspire creative ideas and raise awareness of the market for innovations in workplace safety. Ten finalists were chosen from among 28 submissions to present their ideas in Washington, D.C.

“This event was an innovative way for government to help better protect workers from job-related hearing loss by connecting the entrepreneurial community with inventors developing solutions,” Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels says in a news release.

First place went to Nick Laperle and Jeremie Voix for their custom-fitted earpiece designed to provide a worker with protection, communication, and monitoring.

Second place went to Brandon Dever for wearable sensors that attach to glasses or protective equipment to detect noise levels and provide warnings and other communications via color-coded lights.

Third place was awarded to Madeline Bennett for an interchangeable decorative piece that attaches to silicone earplugs, which are manufactured with licensed designs for sports teams, businesses, or music festivals.

Additional information and pictures are available on the DOL Hear and Now’ webpage.