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Field Attenuation of Foam Earplugs
Fran Copelli1, Alberto Behar1, Tina Ngoc Le1
1Psychology Department, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St. Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada.
Proper training significantly improves hearing protection device (HPD) effectiveness by enhancing attenuation. Addressing worker discomfort related to heat, humidity, and communication is crucial for optimal HPD use in noisy environments.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health and safety
- Audiology
- Industrial hygiene
Background:
- Workplace noise exposure poses a risk of hearing damage.
- Improper fitting of hearing protection devices (HPDs) is a significant factor contributing to noise-induced hearing loss.
- Effective instruction on HPD insertion can substantially improve noise attenuation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of one-on-one fitting instructions on HPD attenuation.
- To assess factors contributing to HPD discomfort and their relationship with usage.
- To investigate the influence of external ear canal diameter on HPD performance.
Main Methods:
- Two studies involving 33 workers from Hydro One.
- Measurement of personal attenuation rating (PAR) using the FitCheck Solo system before and after training.
- Assessment of ear canal diameters and administration of a questionnaire on HPD use, confidence, and comfort.
Main Results:
- One-on-one training significantly improved HPD attenuation, especially for individuals with initially low PARs.
- Key sources of HPD discomfort identified were heat, humidity, and communication difficulties.
- External ear canal asymmetry did not demonstrate a significant impact on measured PAR.
Conclusions:
- One-on-one instruction is an effective method for improving HPD use and effectiveness in the workplace.
- Mitigating discomfort related to heat, humidity, and communication can enhance HPD adoption and compliance.
- Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between ear canal asymmetry and HPD attenuation.
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