Recent University of Northern Colorado research shows there are plenty of opportunities for dealers to promote hearing protection accessories to customers, especially professionals. Associate Professor of Audiology Deanna Meinke shared research done by audiology graduate student Thea LaBere involving noise exposure measurements of 20 urban tree service workers  operating chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, leaf blowers, water trucks, rotochoppers, tractors, and brush and weed trimmers. It was evident that hearing conservation efforts, including hearing testing and hearing loss prevention training, are needed for these workers, according to the study. Twenty men ages 21-57 from seven employers participated in the study last summer. Their length of service ranged from one month to 28 years.The research concluded that urban tree service workers are exposed to noise levels that exceed OSHA standards and NIOSH criteria and workers are at risk for occupational noise induced hearing loss (recommend protection at 85 dBA).