Evaluation of Hearing Protector Fit Test Systems
Abstract
The objective of this project was to conduct an evaluation of five Hearing Protection Device (HPD) Field Attenuation Estimation Systems (FAES) and measure the improvement in device attenuation following training in the proper use of hearing protection devices. Soldiers, civilians, and contractors enrolled in the Army Hearing Program at five U.S. Army installations each exhibiting a Significant Threshold Shift during annual audiometric monitoring comprised a convenience sample for a repeated-measures design. Personal Attenuation Ratings (PARs) were collected before and after earplug retraining. PARs were measured using five different HPD FAES: the NIOSH HPD Well-Fit(trademark), the Michael and Associates FitCheck(trademark), the Howard Leight VeriPRO(registered trademark), the 3M(trademark) E-A-Rfit(trademark) and the Workplace Integra INTEGRAfit(registered trademark). Retraining how to fit the hearing protection improved PARs measured by each HPD FAES. HPD FAES provide a valuable tool to assess the hearing protection provided to individual Soldiers during annual audiometric examinations, especially when retraining on fitting the HPD is advised.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 25, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1146507
Entities
People
- Jr Stefanson
- William A. Ahroon
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab