Awareness, Use, and Opinions of Individual Fit Testing of Hearing Protection Devices Among Practicing Michigan Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association Health Care Providers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the awareness, opinions, and use of individual fit testing of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among occupational medicine practitioners. Methods: Members of the Michigan Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association completed a 21-question survey on individual fit testing of HPDs. Results: The survey response rate was 67%, 53% reported having heard of individual fit testing of HPDs, and 24% reported that their clinic/site performed the testing. Major barriers to its use were perceived time to perform (63%), cost (51%), lack of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement (51%), and lack of long-term studies of its effectiveness (20%). Conclusions: Further work to educate practitioners about the availability, implementation, and potential benefits of fit testing of HPDs is needed if use of this technology is to become more widespread.