CHCS - Perspectives Summer/Fall 2017

22 Nova Southeastern University Audiology Fort Lauderdale Introducing AUDrey: A Personal, Sound-Level Measurement Mannequin By Kasia Bagniski, B.S., Second-Year Au.D. Student, and Erica Friedland, Au.D., Department Chair and Associate Professor DID YOU EVER WONDER if the music you listen to in your earbuds is too loud? The Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) stu- dents in the NSU Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) have developed a way to answer this question by constructing AUDrey—a personal, sound-level measurement mannequin. AUDrey, who is the color representative of audiology, has stylish green hair and wears an audiology shirt. AUDrey, inspired by the Dangerous Decibels® program developed by the University of Northern Colorado, was constructed using a sound-level meter wired to a silicone ear. People interested in learning if their music is dangerous- ly loud simply place their earbud, along with their music, in AUDrey’s ear, and the sound-level meter displays the output. This is a fun and easy way to measure the output of personal music players. The Au.D. students then provide information about the measured level and provide the participant with a bookmark of common sound levels and their danger levels. AUDrey is used at health fairs, public events, schools, and universities for educational and research opportunities throughout the community. Chelsea Foglio, a second-year student, said, “There were 10 to 12 students who put AUDrey together. It was a com- bination of hard work, pizza, and hot glue that got the job done.” Brittney Vicioso, another second-year student, said her favorite part of building AUDrey was decorating her. “The time spent building her went by fast because it was done with fellow classmates,” she said. Recently, AUDrey was used at the NSU Employee Health Fair and at several community events. People of all ages walked into the health fair curious about the wild contraption on the table. “To date, the community has reacted positively to AUDrey and the message we are able to deliver,” said second-year student Kasia Baginski. “Many people are unaware of just how loud their music is and that these levels could actually damage their hearing over time. AUDrey helps give us a good place to discuss these dangerous effects,” she said. “We can give participants an instant readout of how loud their music is and compare it to other everyday sounds and noises.” AUDrey promotes hearing conservation and allows the college to offer resources to the community, such as free earplugs and brochures with information about the audiol- ogy clinic. “I feel that the community loves the opportunity AUDrey presents. Many people are excited to see how loud they listen to their music and enjoy being able to compare their levels with friends,” said second-year student Michelle Birriel. “It has been very rewarding building AUDrey and being able to educate others.” If you are ever at a local health fair, or view AUDrey around campus, come see just how loud your music is, because it just might surprise you. ●