Departments

Hearing Safety

by Laurence B. Abrams

“That Sound Mixer can hear grass grow!”

It’s an expression we’ve heard often, suggesting that the Production Sound Mixer is capable of listening so intently as to be aware of even the slightest and most subtle of sounds. Quite true. Even as developments in digital audio processing provide more tools and methods for suppressing extraneous and unwanted sounds, there is still no substitute for clean tracks … and when they get them, Sound Editors and Producers are thankful for the time and money saved when minimal repair is required.

This type of critical listening relies not just on training and knowing what to listen for but also on healthy ears capable of differentiating a wide range of the audio spectrum. That is why it’s so important to have an informed understanding of how to protect your ears from situations that can cause irreversible and, perhaps, even career-ending hearing damage.

The auditory system is an extraordinarily intricate and fragile mechanism built for the singular purpose of converting acoustic energy into electrical energy. Once transmitted to the brain, this complex surge of electrical pulses is processed and interpreted into the lush tapestry of voices, music and sounds that fill our world.

But this remarkably evolved sensory structure does not always perform fully up to spec. To a hearing specialist, a failure of the auditory system is described as either Conductive Hearing Loss or Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Conductive Hearing Loss can result from the buildup of earwax or from certain diseases and disorders. In such cases, a visit to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician can often provide treatment that will improve hearing.

The prognosis for Sensorineural Hearing Loss, however, is less encouraging. This type of hearing loss is associated with a variety of nerve-based disorders and occurs when one of the two critical components of the auditory system are damaged or compromised. These two mechanisms are the microscopic hair cells of the cochlea, which vibrate in response to the sound waves they are exposed to, and the nerve fibers, which transmit electrical signals to the brain. This type of hearing loss usually turns out to be irreversible.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss can be genetic, age-related, triggered by disease and high fever … and it can be caused by excessive and cumulative exposure to very loud noises.

Repeated exposure to loud sound levels permanently damages the microscopic hairs of the cochlea, causing the gradual loss of hearing. This Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) accounts for more than 30% of all cases of permanent hearing loss in the United States. The main factors that impact Noise-Induced Hearing Loss are:

• Loudness

• Duration

• Frequency

Loudness, of course, is measured in decibels (dB). The decibel is a logarithmic unit of measurement, which is to say that an increase of 10dB indicates that the sound levels and the air pressures have become 10 times more intense. In a qualitative sense, however, that same tenfold increase in sound pressure tends to be perceived as though it were only about twice the loudness. This deceiving difference between actual change in loudness and perceived change in loudness makes it all too easy to be unaware of potentially harmful sound levels. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that one’s perception of loudness diminishes significantly after prolonged exposure. The longer damaging noise levels are present, the greater the risk … and yet the less likely you are to notice that the levels are so high as to endanger your hearing.

Damage to the ear can be caused either by very loud sounds in short duration (such as gunshots) or by moderately high-volume sounds that are longer in duration. At first glance, that message is fairly intuitive … the louder the noise, the less time your ears can tolerate exposure to it before some degree of damage occurs. But the chart below reveals the reality about the nonlinear relationship between levels and exposure.

With just a 3dB increase in sound levels, the safe exposure time is cut in half … and each subsequent increase of 3dB cuts the safe time by yet another half. To put this into real-world perspective:

• With an average output of about 80dB, you can let the alarm clock ring all day long.

• A lawn mower putting out about 90dB can begin to cause hearing loss in a little more than two hours.

• Turn on the leaf blower at 102dB and you’re beginning to damage your unprotected ears after only about seven minutes.

• Some rock concerts are as loud as 120dB but even a more tame concert at 110dB starts to induce hearing damage in LESS THAN TWO MINUTES.

• A jet takeoff at 140dB? Do the math.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss is cumulative and the higher frequencies are usually the first to go. You might not notice it after a single occurrence, but the effect is additive over time. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is another consequence of this type of hearing damage. While some of these symptoms are temporary, with a limited degree of recovery within 24 to 48 hours, the unfortunate truth is that all those rock concerts you attended in your carefree youth probably did chip away at your hearing. The only thing you can do about it now is to take measures to prevent it from getting worse.

Here are some things that you can do to reduce further hearing damage:

• Be aware that noises above 85dB can begin to cause hearing damage after prolonged or repeated exposure.

• Sounds very much louder than 85dB should be avoided whenever you can.

• Don’t run the gain on your headphones any louder than you absolutely need to and perhaps reduce the headphone level a little bit when the camera’s not rolling.

• When there is something loud happening on set, like Ritter fans or gunshots or trains or loud machinery, let your closed-ear headphones provide you with some protection by muffling the sound a little bit and consider using foam earplugs when practical.

• After periods of exposure to loud sounds, give your ears a chance to rest and recover with a 15-minute break far from the noise source.

• It may be too late for you to undo the past damage but make sure to tell your kids that with ear buds plugged tightly into the auditory canal, their mobile phones and MP3 players need to be operated at safe levels at all times. And remind them that foam earplugs are cheap and easy to bring to music concerts and that there’s nothing at all “uncool” about wearing them … in fact, if you look closely, you’ll see that almost every rock musician performing on the stage today wears a custom set of noise-suppressing earplugs at every performance.

Good hearing is essential for the work we do. Take measures to protect your ears from prolonged exposure to sound levels above 85dB. If you suspect that your hearing has diminished, see a physician who specializes in hearing disorders. Further information and advice about maintaining good hearing health and safety can be found on the website of the House Ear Institute at http://www.hei.org. Most importantly, be smart and protect your ears whenever you can.

​News & Announcements

MPTF Kicks Off the “Every Member Counts” Campaign

The Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), along with the IATSE, have introduced the “Every Member Counts” fundraising and volunteer program. “Every Member Counts” wants to make union members aware that volunteering and contributions are needed to keep the Fund alive.

The Motion Picture & Television Fund was created in 1921 for the purpose of providing a safety net for those in the industry who need it the most. It is supported by fellow entertainment industry members who have contributed to the Fund, knowing that if they were ever in a tight spot, the MPTF would be there for them too. The MPTF provides an array of services for eligible industry members, including emergency financial assistance, charitable services, social services, retirement living, senior care and services, counseling, childcare and more.

At the “Every Member Counts” launch event on June 15, 2011, the membership of Local 695 was represented by Business Rep James Osburn and Executive Board members Elizabeth Alvarez, Scott Bernard, Dean Striepeke, Peggy Names and Susan Moore-Chong, held at the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s Wasserman campus in Woodland Hills. Before beginning a tour of the campus, Local 695 projectionist and retired IATSE Gold Card member Frank Fassnacht, a resident at the MPTF facility, spoke to the attendees about how vitally important MPTF services have been to him and to so many others in the motion picture and television industry.

In addition to contributions, volunteerism is another important way to help the Fund. For the past several years, Local 695 boom operator Mark Musella has been volunteering his time at the Motion Picture and Television Home in Woodland Hills as a “pool buddy,” assisting elderly patients getting in and out of the pool and also as a “fitness buddy” in MPTF’s state-of-the-art gym, helping patients who are exercising with weights and the fitness machines. Mark says the youngest people there are in their 80s and are a very interesting and diverse group who have worked in all areas of the television and film industry. Speaking at the launch event, Mark explained that he has developed great relationships with some of the patients, and says, “I get much more back than I give.” (See the text of Mark Musella’s presentation to the right.)

Volunteer opportunities include MPTF Advocate Volunteers, Channel 22 (a closed-circuit resident TV station), Computer Tutors, Rebuilding Together & Home Safe Home Programs, Phone Buddies, Pet Care Program, Friendly Visitors, Grocery Shopper and Pool Buddies/ Fitness Floor Buddies to name just a few. Donations to the MPTF can be made on a one-time basis or as a payroll deduction.

To find out more information about how you can get involved, please visit www.mptvfund.org/ia

Presentation by Mark Musella, Local 695 Boom Operator

My wife Janice and I had been using the health center on the (Woodland Hills) campus for 30-plus years but never had much contact with any of the residents.

When the Saban Center for Health and Wellness opened, we happened in and got a tour of the facility. During our visit a resident using the gym asked, “What are the young people doing here?” We looked around to see what the young people were up to. Turns out it was us (I’m 62, my wife, a year younger). I decided I could hang out there. We both joined the gym and started attending regularly.

We started interacting with the residents, which erased any fears I had of aging. Watching the grace with which the elders live their lives is amazing. Always easy to start a conversation. Just have to ask, “What did you do in the industry?”

An opportunity to volunteer arose. I have been rather fortunate in life and thought, here’s a chance to give something back. We have always supported the fund monetarily, but here was a chance to give some time. I’m still working on the giving part— I have received a heck of a lot more than I have ever given.

I volunteer as a “pool buddy” and “fitness buddy.” Pool buddies accompany those who need a little assistance in the Saban Center pool. 

They arrive in their walkers or wheelchairs. Once in the pool, they are free of their physical constraints and move around unhindered.

My most memorable pool buddy is a guy who is somewhere in his 80s. He was from upstate New York originally. He floats like a cork. I’m a good swimmer but wear a belt in case I have to help someone out of the water. This guy had no belt on and I still had to work to keep up with him as he swam around. Finally, he took a break. Flipped on his back; both hands behind his head all 10 toes sticking out of the water as he floated. Told me as a boy he used to enjoy swimming with his buddies in the quarries in upstate New York. In that moment, I could clearly see him as a kid, not the 80-plus man in front of me.

I’m also a fitness buddy in the state-of-the-art Saban Center gym. I assist people with their workout and on the equipment.

This is where I met Chester Duncan, retired prop master, and member of Local 44. He immediately became my inspiration. If I’m fortunate enough to reach his age, I hope I’m in his condition. Hard to tell his age by looking at him but I learned he was 93. He was a lucid, fit, happy-go-lucky, go-with-the-flow kind of guy. Prided himself on knowing and greeting everyone by name. Everyone knew his name. He lived in the cottages and walked to the Saban daily. We’d have some conversation and workout.

As the years passed, he started to arrive using a walker. A little less workout and more conversation. Eventually, he started arriving on a scooter. As he approached 96, he moved from the cottages to the Frances Goldwyn Lodge—still making the daily trip on his scooter.

As 97 approached, he started to slow down a bit. Debra Greenwood (manager, Aquatic & Fitness Center) put together a workout routine Chester could do in his room. The highlight of my morning was going to his place for morning workout. After awhile, more conversation less workout.

He made his ‘97th birthday but was rapidly declining. I had met his daughter when she had some personal things to take care of and asked if I could spend the morning with him. Of course, I said yes. She was afraid he’d wake up and be alone. (I, too, quite frankly, was concerned he might slip away alone.) I sat with him, he’d wake up for three or four minutes, greet me with “Well. hello there, Mark,” then drift off to wherever he was headed. Never should have been concerned about him being alone either. Not 10 minutes would pass before someone stuck their head in the door to check on him. Staff from the floor, as you would expect; staff from all other parts of the campus, not what you would expect, and various other volunteers. Chester was not alone and was never going to be alone.

He passed away the next morning with his daughter in attendance.

Taught me one last lesson. I had a fear of growing old and being “put in a home.” Motion Picture Home is not “a” home or “the” home. It’s just home.

Easy concept for my IA associates to grasp. We spend our working day watching out for our union brothers and sisters.

The Motion Picture Home is where we look out for our moms and dads.

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Healthcare Options

Very low-cost partial coverage for members not currently qualified for the Health Plan
A new program called “Bridge to Health” offers limited healthcare services to members who have not accrued enough hours to qualify for the Motion Picture Health Plan. Available to members and their dependents age 13 and up, office visits cost only $25 and lab services and X-rays are free when performed at the Motion Picture clinics. For complete details and eligibility information, see www.mptvfund.org/page.aspx?pid=528

Full healthcare for members who did not qualify
The Industry Advantage Health Plans offer members the chance to purchase full medical coverage using the doctors and resources of the Motion Picture & Television Fund. For details, see www.mptvfund.org/health-plans

“Health Wheels” takes healthcare on location
“Health Wheels” is a 33-foot mobile health center with two well-equipped private examination rooms and staffed with a doctor and licensed vocational nurse. “Health Wheels” is available to members covered by the Health Plan as well as members participating in the “Bridge to Health” program (see above). To find out where Health Wheels will be next, visit the Health Wheels page at www.mptvfund.org/health-wheels

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CSATF Environmental Safety

All Local 695 members must take the A-2 Environmental Safety course by October 31, 2011. This course covers a wide range of subjects, including studio lot & location safety, heat illness, severe weather, disaster/emergency response, environmental awareness, transportation of dangerous goods, electrical safety, and workplace cleanliness.

This is a required course as part of the Safety Pass program. Don’t risk any job opportunities by not completing the A-2 course by October 31. More information and sign-up is at www.csatf.org

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2012 Membership Directory

The deadline for submitting information to the 2012 Local 695 Membership Directory is October 2. If you’ve already entered your info, all previously submitted data will remain intact (presuming there has not been a break in your membership status) but please take this opportunity to verify and update as needed. The new edition will be published in December. To update or review your info, go to www.local695.com/mbr/dir-review2.php

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Wages Increase 3%

On July 31, 2011, minimum wages on the Local Basic Agreement increased 3%. Rate cards are available at www.local695.com/mbr/contract.php

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Union Cards

Local 695 wants to remind you that they are making more set visits, and they will ask to see your union card to verify membership. Please remember to keep your union card with you at work.

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Production Tracking Database

Our database helps us protect the contract and protect your job. To enhance its effectiveness, it’s important that you submit your job information now and each time you take a job. www.local695.com/mbr/jobreport.php

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Photos from the annual BBQ

Hosted by 695 members Michael (Kriky) Krikorian and Seth Gilbert

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In Memoriam

HAROLD “BILL” VARNEY
Re-recording Mixer
Jan. 22, 1934 – April 2, 2011

PETER A. GREGORY
Projectionist
Oct. 24, 1948 – Feb. 7, 2011

DONALD R. HANSARD SR.
Projectionist
Sept. 4, 1925 – Oct. 3, 2010

In Perspective

“A chicken in every pot and a car in every garage.”

When at the age of 7, and invited into the sanctuary of my grandmother’s bedroom, two elegantly framed portraits were displayed on the east wall.  One portrait was that of Pope Pius XII and the other portrait was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then President of the United States.

I had acquired a certainty for the purpose why Pope Pius XII was so commemorated having attended Catholic elementary. I was uncertain about President Roosevelt’s portrait and as is my nature, I inquired.

Grandmother confirmed he was the man we listen to on the radio giving his fireside chats. More importantly, my grandmother held Mr. Roosevelt in high esteem because of his advocacy of the “Second Bill of Rights,” which he presented in his State of the Union Address on January 11, 1944. President Roosevelt argued the “political rights” guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights had proven inadequate to protect and assure workers equality in the pursuit of happiness.
 

The remedy Mr. Roosevelt advocated was an “Economic Bill of Rights” which would guarantee every American the following:

•  Employment, with a living wage

•  Freedom from unfair competition and monopolies

•  Housing

•  Medical Care

•  Education

•  Social Security Retirement

That visit to my grandmother’s room was some 66 years past. President Roosevelt’s “Economic Bill of Rights” was broadcasted the year before and, at the time, it was considered futuristic, extraordinarily progressive.

I totally understand my grandmother’s reverence of President Roosevelt, especially today when so many Americans are beneficiaries of his foresight and what he accomplished. Yet this matter is again at the forefront of our concerns today.

I would appreciate hearing from you concerning your concerns on this matter. You may find President Roosevelt’s January 11, 1944, State of the Union Message to Congress at http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/archives/address_text.html  And you may e-mail me at Jim@local695.com Keep apprised, best wishes.

Fraternally,
James A. Osburn, CAS
Business Representative
Executive Director

Visiting a set these days, there’s hardly any eye contact. Heads are titled down, and a ghostly light frames their faces. It seems like everyone on production is living in their own solitary world. They’re all staring at their PDAs, iPhones, Droids, Androids, tablets, iPads, either texting, reading emails, surfing the Web or occasionally, making phone calls.

The Web has taken over and virtually anything in print can be found there. That’s why this publication and all the back issues are available to you 24/7 right here.

You also receive this magazine by mail and frankly, there is nothing better. No scrolling, no finger swipes, no expanding the text, just simple dignified page turning. Reading and rereading at your leisure, big and bright, just like the old days.

Members contribute an impressive range of interesting, informative material to each issue. It’s a pleasure to share their experiences with you.

David Waelder continues to explore wireless antenna systems, in this issue it’s transmitting antenas. Scott D. Smith, CAS delves into recording history with another installment of “When Sound Was Reel.” We also have a fascinating interview with Courtney Goodin.

So whether you are reading this on your personal digital assistant or holding this great four-color publication in your hands,
enjoy!

Fraternally,
Eric Pierce, David Waelder
and Richard Lightstone