Improving Hearing Protection Device Noise Attenuation Through Fit-Testing in an Occupational Health Clinic

Abstract

Background: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the second most common medical disability for military veterans and accounts for 24% of all hearing loss in the United States. Hearing loss negatively affects health and billions of dollars are spent annually for direct and indirect medical costs and lost work productivity. Proper hearing protection device (HPD) fit can prevent NIHL. Quantitative fit-testing systems to determine personal attenuation rates (PARs) are available, but not widely utilized. Without quantitative testing, validating appropriate fit and attenuation to a permissible exposure level to prevent NIHL is difficult. Methods: A quality improvement project measured 100 employees enrolled in a hearing conservation program (HCP) to determine if they obtained a target PAR after inserting the HPDs in their “usual” fashion. Those who did not obtain target PAR ( n = 27) received an evidence-based intervention that demonstrated proper HPD fit by a skilled trainer followed by a repeat attempt by the participant to replicate the feel of the demonstrated HPD placement. PAR was subsequently measured to assess for appropriate noise attenuation. Findings: Seventy-one percent achieved target PAR (≥ 20 decibels) at baseline testing. After the intervention, 91 of 100 participants had achieved target PAR, a 20% improvement. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Findings suggest this evidence-based intervention was an effective strategy for improving HPD fit for employees enrolled in HCPs. This intervention may prevent occupational hearing loss and decrease the health and socioeconomic impacts of NIHL.

Noise Isolation System for Indoor Industrial Ventilation

“…isolating the source of noise with temporal implementations, and even stopping the production process to perform activities in the contaminated area. Unexpectedly, the solutions may be obvious and simple, such as the use of protectors, isolating the noise sources, and avoiding machinery overload [42]. However, the application and correct use of these accessories also present a significant challenge for the local industry.…”

“…To address this challenge and to ensure the health and safety of workers exposed to noise contamination, engineers and industrial hygienists have developed various methods and systems to isolate and reduce indoor noise, effectively mitigating noise source of noise with temporal implementations, and even stopping the production process to perform activities in the contaminated area. Unexpectedly, the solutions may be obvious and simple, such as the use of protectors, isolating the noise sources, and avoiding machinery overload [42]. However, the application and correct use of these accessories also present a significant challenge for the local industry.…”

MRI noise and auditory health: Can one hundred scans be linked to hearing loss? The case of the Courtois NeuroMod project

“…As mentioned before, one of the main limitations comes from the hearing protection devices. It has been shown that if the users are not properly trained on how to use them or if they are not placed properly, their efficiency varies drastically [58,59]. This is why Hayes et al [58] recommend the implementation of training and fit tests for hearing protection users.…”

“…It has been shown that if the users are not properly trained on how to use them or if they are not placed properly, their efficiency varies drastically [58,59]. This is why Hayes et al [58] recommend the implementation of training and fit tests for hearing protection users. Kozlowski et al [60] brought up the idea of a simple and affordable tester to verify the placement of earplugs.…”