Hearing loss in police K9 handlers and non-K9 handlers

An experimental examination of the perceptual paradox surrounding police canine units

Objectives

To experimentally examine public perceptions of police canine units.

Methods

As part of the between-subjects paradigm, participants were randomly assigned to view and rate an image of a police officer either with a police dog (i.e., as a police canine unit) or alone on eight dimensions: aggression, approachability, fairness, friendliness, intimidation, professionalism, respectfulness, and trustworthiness.

Results

The analyses reveal that the officer was perceived more negatively when presented with a police dog than when presented alone.

Conclusions

Police dogs play a multifaceted role in policing, including in crime control and public relations. In addition to their many functions, police canine units can also elicit many perceptual effects.

Auditory changes following firearm noise exposure, a review

Firearms produce peak sound pressure levels (peak SPL) between ∼130 and 175 dB peak SPL, creating significant risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in those exposed to firearm noise during occupational, recreational, and/or military operations. Noise-induced tinnitus and hearing loss are common in military service members, public safety officers, and hunters/shooters. Given the significant risk of NIHL due to firearm and other noise sources, there is an interest in, and demand for, interventions to prevent and/or treat NIHL in high-risk populations. However, research and clinical trial designs assessing NIHL prevention have varied due to inconsistent data from the literature, specifically with end point definitions, study protocols, and assessment methodologies. This article presents a scoping review of the literature pertaining to auditory changes following firearm noise exposure. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity of the study designs. Recommendations regarding audiologic test approach and monitoring of populations at risk for NIHL are presented based on critical review of the existing literature.