NIOSH called upon PST to upgrade its Hearing Loss Simulator (HLSim), a Windows-based program that displays a "control panel" for playing sounds while adjusting the simulated effects of noise and aging. A simulated individual's age (in years) can be entered along with the years of exposure to noise. The effects are shown visually on the frequency band control panel and sound level display screen while the user listens to the audio playback.

Business Opportunity
The Hearing Loss Simulator is a training and communication tool for promoting hearing loss prevention. It allows a user or trainer to demonstrate the effects of noise exposure on hearing without subjecting him/her to an actual noise-induced hearing loss. The current program at NIOSH was created for older versions of Windows, and a new version of the software had to be created to run on XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

Solution
PST developed the new software using the latest Microsoft .NET technology, providing a solid application that runs on all versions of Windows. PST developed the application in 2009, and NIOSH will soon make it available online.

Benefits

• Software now available to users and trainers running newer versions of Windows.
• Software based on more solid, dependable platform.
• Client owns all rights to the software.