Assessing attitudes toward use of hearing protection devices and effects of an intervention based on results of fit testing

Abstract

As field attenuation estimation systems (FAESs) have become more prevalent, there has been a call from industry to quantify the value of including them into hearing conservation programs. This presentation describes a study that assessed attitudes toward the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) and the effect of an educational intervention based on results of fit testing by comparing the personal attenuation rating (PAR50) before and after intervention. Employees (n = 327) from a large metal container manufacturer at four geographic locations were tested with a FAES to identify workers (n = 91) needing the intervention. PAR50 values significantly increased from baseline to post-intervention (p < 0.001, 15.1 to 26.9) and at six-month follow-up (p < 0.001, 95% CI = −11.2, −6.3). However, perceived self-efficacy (SE) scores in using HPDs significantly declined from baseline to post-intervention (p = 0.006, 95% CI = 0.3, 1.9) but were not significantly related to PAR50. Therefore, a FAES can assist the health and safety professional to identify workers who are at high risk (low PAR50), teach the proper fit and use of HPDs, and enhance hearing protector selection.