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Training in the proper use of earplugs: An objective evaluation
Mirian Missae Takada1, Clayton Henrique Rocha1, Ivone Ferreira Neves-Lobo1
1Curso de Fonoaudiologia, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Fonoaudiologia e Terapia Ocupacional da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Proper training significantly improves hearing protection device (HPD) use, increasing personal attenuation ratings (PARs) and pass rates for earplugs in noisy workplaces. This educational intervention enhances worker safety.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health and safety
- Audiology
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Field attenuation discrepancies for hearing protection devices (HPDs) are common.
- User training can mitigate factors affecting HPD effectiveness.
- Proper fit is crucial for achieving laboratory-level attenuation in real-world settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of an educational intervention on the correct use of earplugs.
- To compare pre- and post-training personal attenuation ratings (PARs) and pass/fail rates.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of training using the F-MIRE method for HPDs.
Main Methods:
- 140 individuals' earplug personal attenuation ratings (PARs) were measured using E-A-Rfit™ equipment.
- PARs were assessed after users read packaging instructions versus after training.
- Results were classified as 'Approved' or 'Failed' by software.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in binaural PAR values was observed post-training for both earplug types.
- Training demonstrably improved the percentage of users passing attenuation evaluations.
- Statistically significant differences in pass rates were found before and after training.
Conclusions:
- Educational intervention significantly increases PARs and pass rates for HPD users.
- Training in proper earplug fit is effective in improving attenuation.
- This study validates the importance of user education for HPD efficacy.
