Effective Hearing ProtectionEffective Hearing Protection

The BasicsThe Basics

Timothy A. Swisher, MA, CCCTimothy A. Swisher, MA, CCC--AA

HEARING SAFETY HEARING SAFETY

Pittsburgh, PAPittsburgh, PA

AgendaAgenda

�� IntroductionIntroduction

�� Noise Reduction Rating Noise Reduction Rating

�� Hearing Protector RequirementsHearing Protector Requirements

�� Types of Hearing ProtectorsTypes of Hearing Protectors

�� Fitting Tips Fitting Tips

�� Fit Testing Fit Testing

IntroductionIntroduction

Noise induced hearing loss is the most common permanent and prNoise induced hearing loss is the most common permanent and preventable eventable occupational injury in the world occupational injury in the world (Source: World Health Organization)(Source: World Health Organization)..

Noise induced hearing loss (Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)isNIHL)is the most common occupational the most common occupational injury in the United Statesinjury in the United States (Source: NIOSH)(Source: NIOSH). .

Elements of the Effective Hearing Conservation ProgramElements of the Effective Hearing Conservation Program

(CAOHC)(CAOHC)

Noise MeasurementNoise Measurement

Noise ControlsNoise Controls

Audiometric TestingAudiometric Testing

Hearing ProtectionHearing Protection

Employee TrainingEmployee Training

Record KeepingRecord Keeping

Program EvaluationProgram Evaluation

IntroductionIntroduction

……when standing one armwhen standing one arm--length away length away from another person, If you must from another person, If you must SHOUT SHOUT to be understood over background noiseto be understood over background noise……that background noise is that background noise is HAZARDOUSHAZARDOUS..

IntroductionIntroductionRule of thumb

IntroductionIntroductionHearing protection used to be simpleHearing protection used to be simple

The NRR is only a The NRR is only a population estimate,population estimate,

not a predictor of not a predictor of individual attenuation.individual attenuation.

NoisNoise Reduction Rating (NRR)e Reduction Rating (NRR)

�� A laboratory estimate of the A laboratory estimate of the amount of attenuation amount of attenuation intended to help consumers intended to help consumers choose a protector, when choose a protector, when properly fit.properly fit.

�� A populationA population--based rating based rating ――some users will get more some users will get more attenuation, some will get attenuation, some will get less.less.

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

REAL WORLD VS LABORATORY ATTENUATIONREAL WORLD VS LABORATORY ATTENUATION

VARIOUS EARPLUGS AND MUFFS

E-A-RFoam

UltraFit

V-51RTriple

FlangeCustom

MoldedSound-Ban

MSA

Mk IV

HellbergNo

Noise

BilsomUF-1

Peltor H9A

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Laboratory Real World

That is That is completelycompletely unknown unknown ……

How much noise is reaching theHow much noise is reaching the

inner ear of the worker ?inner ear of the worker ?

Noise Level =Noise Level = 100 100 dBAdBA

NRR =NRR = 3030 dBdB

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

MSHAMSHA NIOSHNIOSH

EarmuffsEarmuffsNRR NRR –– 25%25%

Formable EarplugsFormable EarplugsNRR NRR –– 50%50%

All Other EarplugsAll Other EarplugsNRR NRR –– 70%70%

OSHAOSHA

NRR NRR -- 50%50%

Noise Reduction RatingNoise Reduction RatingDeDe--Rating MethodsRating Methods

FRAFRA

EarmuffsEarmuffsNRR NRR –– 20%20%

Formable EarplugsFormable EarplugsNRR NRR –– 40%40%

All Other EarplugsAll Other EarplugsNRR NRR –– 60%60%

Example:Example: Earplug = NRR 33Earplug = NRR 33Earmuff = NRR 25Earmuff = NRR 25Total Maximum NRR = Total Maximum NRR = 38 dB38 dB

DUAL DUAL PROTECTIONPROTECTION=

EARMUFFEARMUFF

+EARPLUGEARPLUG

For extreme noise environments, dual protection is often recommFor extreme noise environments, dual protection is often recommendedended

to estimate the protected noise level, add to estimate the protected noise level, add 5 dB5 dB to the higher NRR to the higher NRR

Noise Reduction RatingNoise Reduction RatingDual Protection

HPD Regulatory RequirementsHPD Regulatory RequirementsOSHAOSHA

Optional for Optional for >> 85 dBA TWA. Mandatory for 85 dBA TWA. Mandatory for >> 90 dBA TWA. 90 dBA TWA.

Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS.Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS.

Variety must be offered Variety must be offered –– 2 protectors of different types.2 protectors of different types.

Subtract NRR from Subtract NRR from dBCdBC level to estimate amount of protection level to estimate amount of protection

(seldom used).(seldom used).

--7 dB adjustment from NRR when using dBA level to estimate 7 dB adjustment from NRR when using dBA level to estimate

amount of protection.amount of protection.

Recommends 50% Recommends 50% deratingderating for field attenuation.for field attenuation.

For dual protection add 5 dB to the field adjusted NRR.For dual protection add 5 dB to the field adjusted NRR.

Required topic during employee training. Required topic during employee training.

Employer must ensure proper fit and supervise correct usage.Employer must ensure proper fit and supervise correct usage.

HPD Regulatory RequirementsHPD Regulatory RequirementsMSHAMSHA

Optional for Optional for >> 85 dBA TWA. Mandatory for 85 dBA TWA. Mandatory for >> 90 dBA TWA. 90 dBA TWA.

(same as OSHA)(same as OSHA)

Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS. Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS.

(same as OSHA) (same as OSHA)

Dual protection (muffs/plugs) required for exposuresDual protection (muffs/plugs) required for exposures

> 105 dBA TWA.> 105 dBA TWA.

Variety of choices must include 2 plugs and 2 muffs.Variety of choices must include 2 plugs and 2 muffs.

Consider NRR and comfort/fit.Consider NRR and comfort/fit.

Required topic during employee training.Required topic during employee training.

Employer must supervise usage.Employer must supervise usage.

HPD Regulatory RequirementsHPD Regulatory RequirementsFRAFRA

Optional for Optional for >> 85 dBA TWA. Mandatory for 85 dBA TWA. Mandatory for >> 90 dBA TWA. 90 dBA TWA. (same as OSHA)(same as OSHA)

Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS. Mandatory for employees demonstrating STS. (same as OSHA)(same as OSHA)

……..but shall consider an employee..but shall consider an employee’’s ability to understand and s ability to understand and respond to communications and audible warnings.respond to communications and audible warnings.

Variety of suitable HPD with range of attenuation levels.Variety of suitable HPD with range of attenuation levels.

Always use NRR with Always use NRR with --7 dB correction and dBA, and either 7 dB correction and dBA, and either deratederate by type (muffs 20%, formable plugs 40%, other plugs by type (muffs 20%, formable plugs 40%, other plugs 60%), or use Method B data, or make objective measures.60%), or use Method B data, or make objective measures.

Required topic during employee training.Required topic during employee training.

Employer must supervise usage.Employer must supervise usage.

HPD Regulatory RequirementsHPD Regulatory RequirementsNIOSHNIOSH

Mandatory for Mandatory for >> 85 dBA TWA. Must protect to 85 dBA. 85 dBA TWA. Must protect to 85 dBA.

Dual protection recommended at exposures >100 dBA TWA.Dual protection recommended at exposures >100 dBA TWA.

Offer variety.Offer variety.

DerateDerate muffs 25%, slow recovery plugs 50%, muffs 25%, slow recovery plugs 50%,

other plugs 70%. other plugs 70%.

Required topic during employee training. Required topic during employee training.

Recommend employer/employee monitoring.Recommend employer/employee monitoring.

Best PracticeBest Practice

Hearing ProtectorsHearing Protectors

�� Ear plugsEar plugs

�� Ear MuffsEar Muffs

�� Semi Semi AuralsAurals

Hearing protection is provided by the employerHearing protection is provided by the employerShould provide an air tight sealShould provide an air tight seal

(semi inserts, canal caps)(semi inserts, canal caps)

Hearing Protectors Hearing Protectors -- Ear PlugsEar PlugsGeneral CharacteristicsGeneral Characteristics

�� Variable attenuation.Variable attenuation.�� Cords and cases available.Cords and cases available.�� Very dependent on good fitting procedures. Very dependent on good fitting procedures. �� Can be difficult in intermittent noise areas.Can be difficult in intermittent noise areas.�� Some types may tend to work loose.Some types may tend to work loose.�� May be more difficult to monitor usage.May be more difficult to monitor usage.

Hearing Protectors Hearing Protectors -- Ear PlugsEar PlugsGeneral Characteristics (contGeneral Characteristics (cont’’d)d)

�� Insertion type devices.Insertion type devices.

�� Cooler in hot weather.Cooler in hot weather.

�� Made in variety of shapes, sizes, materials.Made in variety of shapes, sizes, materials.

�� Often more comfortable than other types.Often more comfortable than other types.

�� May, or may not, be the least expensive. May, or may not, be the least expensive.

�� Good for confined locations.Good for confined locations.

�� Compatible with other types of safety gear.Compatible with other types of safety gear.

Hearing Protectors Hearing Protectors -- Ear PlugsEar PlugsPremoldedPremolded / Reusable/ Reusable

PROPRO

�� Flexible and durableFlexible and durable--made to be reusedmade to be reused

�� DetectabilityDetectability availableavailable

�� Have tab or handle for ease withHave tab or handle for ease with

insertion/removalinsertion/removal

CONCON

�� Must be kept cleanMust be kept clean

�� Sizing may be an issueSizing may be an issue

�� Easier to loseEasier to lose

�� Need periodic inspection for Need periodic inspection for

dirt/cracks/hardness/damagedirt/cracks/hardness/damage

Hearing Protectors Hearing Protectors -- Ear PlugsEar PlugsHand Formed/Roll DownHand Formed/Roll Down

PROPRO�� Very comfortable for extended use.Very comfortable for extended use.�� Generally can fit all size ears.Generally can fit all size ears.�� Can provide highest levels of attenuation.Can provide highest levels of attenuation.�� Disposable. Disposable.

CONCON�� Attenuation highly dependent upon good fit.Attenuation highly dependent upon good fit.�� Hygiene issues in dirty environments.Hygiene issues in dirty environments.�� Disposable (can be among the mostDisposable (can be among the most

expensive) expensive) –– not bionot bio--degradable. degradable.

Hearing ProtectorsHearing ProtectorsHybrid Ear PlugsHybrid Ear Plugs

PROPRO

�� Easy to fit Easy to fit –– sizing not a big issue.sizing not a big issue.

�� Have tab or handle for ease withHave tab or handle for ease with

insertion/removal insertion/removal –– convenientconvenient

with gloved or dirty hand.with gloved or dirty hand.

CONCON

�� Must be kept clean (if reused). Must be kept clean (if reused).

�� More expensive than foam More expensive than foam type.type.

Hearing Protectors Hearing Protectors -- Ear PlugsEar PlugsCustomCustom

PROPRO

�� Durable and reusable.Durable and reusable.

�� Custom made for individual ears Custom made for individual ears

and individual employees.and individual employees.

�� May be easier to insert effectively.May be easier to insert effectively.

�� Situation appropriate filtering and Situation appropriate filtering and

detectabilitydetectability available.available.

�� Can solve fitting problems.Can solve fitting problems.

�� Employees may have more personalEmployees may have more personal

attachment. attachment.

�� Radio /electronic options available. Radio /electronic options available.

CONCON

�� Initial cost expensive.Initial cost expensive.

�� Ear impression must be made by Ear impression must be made by

skillful individual. skillful individual.

PROPRO

�� Very convenient for intermittent noise.Very convenient for intermittent noise.�� Readily available (around neck) when not in use.Readily available (around neck) when not in use.�� Ear Ear ““podspods”” usually can be replaced.usually can be replaced.

CONCON

�� May have lower attenuation than other types. May have lower attenuation than other types. �� Some noise transmission through band.Some noise transmission through band.�� Occlusion effect noticeable.Occlusion effect noticeable.

Hearing ProtectorsHearing ProtectorsSemiSemi--AuralsAurals/Inserts/Caps/Bands/Inserts/Caps/Bands

EarmuffsEarmuffs

PROPRO

�� Easy to get proper fit, more consistentEasy to get proper fit, more consistentattenuation than earplugs.attenuation than earplugs.

�� Good for intermittent noise.Good for intermittent noise.�� Radio & electronic options available.Radio & electronic options available.�� Cushions may be replaced.Cushions may be replaced.�� Compatible with other PPE.Compatible with other PPE.�� Easy to monitor usage.Easy to monitor usage.�� Can be used for Can be used for ““dual protection.dual protection.””

CONCON

�� Can feel hot/heavy with extended wear.Can feel hot/heavy with extended wear.�� Constant headband tension.Constant headband tension.

Special ProtectorsSpecial Protectors

Level Dependent ProtectorsLevel Dependent Protectors�� Allow low/moderate levels of sound to enter the earAllow low/moderate levels of sound to enter the ear

while attenuating high levels.while attenuating high levels.

Active Active -- Use electronic circuitry for noise cancellation.Use electronic circuitry for noise cancellation.

Passive Passive -- Use holes/valves to attenuate high noise Use holes/valves to attenuate high noise levels.levels.

Communication HeadsetsCommunication Headsets�� Designed for radio communication andDesigned for radio communication and

noise attenuation.noise attenuation.

Fitting TipsFitting TipsGeneral procedures for Ear PlugsGeneral procedures for Ear Plugs

1. 1. Prepare the ear plug.Prepare the ear plug.

Reusable plugsReusable plugs-- firmly hold handle.firmly hold handle.

Hand formed Hand formed –– roll down the plug. roll down the plug.

2. 2. Open the ear canal.Open the ear canal.

3. 3. Insert the plug in the canal.Insert the plug in the canal.

Fitting TipsFitting TipsHand formed/Roll down plugsHand formed/Roll down plugs

�� Should be rolled to compress before inserting in Should be rolled to compress before inserting in ear canal. Smashing or twisting is not effective.ear canal. Smashing or twisting is not effective.

�� Must be held with finger while plugs expands in canal.Must be held with finger while plugs expands in canal.At least 2/3 must left in canal.At least 2/3 must left in canal.

After expansion plug should sit well inside the ear canal After expansion plug should sit well inside the ear canal

and not stick outand not stick out..

Fitting Tips Fitting Tips Visual CheckVisual Check

The largest flange should close off the ear canal opening.The largest flange should close off the ear canal opening.““Tug testTug test”” is helpful.is helpful.

Fitting TipsFitting Tips

Cup hands over ears and release. Earplugs Cup hands over ears and release. Earplugs

should block enough noise so that should block enough noise so that

covering your ears with hands should not covering your ears with hands should not

result in a significant noise difference.result in a significant noise difference.

Acoustical Check

Fitting TipsFitting TipsMuffsMuffs

1.1. Place Place earcupsearcups over over each outer ear.each outer ear.

2. Adjust the headband Adjust the headband by sliding the by sliding the headband up or headband up or down at the down at the attachment buttons.attachment buttons.

3. The ear cushions The ear cushions should seal firmly should seal firmly against the head.against the head.

� Attenuation is significantlyAttenuation is significantly

impacted by thickimpacted by thick--framed framed

eyewear.eyewear.

Fitting TipsFitting TipsMuffsMuffs

�� With headband either under the chin With headband either under the chin or behind the head, ensure that tips (oror behind the head, ensure that tips (or pods) pods)

are wellare well--seated in ear canal opening.seated in ear canal opening.

Fitting TipsFitting TipsSemiSemi--AuralsAurals/Semi/Semi--Inserts/Caps/BandsInserts/Caps/Bands

Fitting TipsFitting TipsTraining is EssentialTraining is Essential

Comfort

Fitting TipsHearing Protection Selection Factors

Job RequirementsSize

Communication

HygieneNoise Reduction

Use with Other PPE

“My machine sounds different.”

“Can I hurt my eardrums if I insert an earplug to deeply.”

“I can always get fit with a hearing aid.”

“I can’t hear my co-workers if I wear them.”

“I don’t need them! I’ll get used to the noise.”

“Hearing protectors are uncomfortable.”“Won’t I get an ear infection?”

Fitting TipsCommon Objections to Wearing HPDs

“I already lost some of my hearing, so why should I wear them?”

Fitting TipsFitting Tips

Choosing a protector with an NRR higher than Choosing a protector with an NRR higher than necessary may result innecessary may result in overprotectionoverprotection

�� Verbal communication may be hindered.Verbal communication may be hindered.�� Warning alarms may not be heard.Warning alarms may not be heard.�� Machine noises may be too diminished.Machine noises may be too diminished.�� HPD may be removed.HPD may be removed.

As a problem solver:As a problem solver:�� DeratingDerating SchemesSchemes�� OneOne--onon--One TrainingOne Training�� HPD SelectionHPD Selection�� NRR NRR

Beneficial for:Beneficial for:�� Getting the right protectionGetting the right protection

�� Need additional trainingNeed additional training

�� Need different protectorNeed different protector

�� Random field sampling of Random field sampling of protector protector

�� Documentation of protector Documentation of protector training. training.

Provides an Provides an accurate,accurate, realreal--worldworld picture of the picture of the employeesemployees ’’ hearing protector effectiveness.hearing protector effectiveness.

Fit TestingFit TestingFit TestingFit Testing

DefinitionsDefinitions

PAR – Personnel Attenuation Rating

REAT – Real Ear Attenuation at Threshold. The difference between the two sets of

measurements, called (REAT), is an estimate of the protection provided by the ear

plugs for the individual and the HPD fit under test.

F-MIRE – Field-Microphone In Real Ear. A direct microphone

measurement inside and outside the ear plug, to address performance

instead of relying on subjective responses to test tones.

Loudness Balance -Loudness balance is a subjective approach that

requires the user to consistently assess equal loudness between ears.

Volume of tone in one ear is balanced to a tone in opposite ear at a

known level.

Fit TestingFit Testing3M - EARfit Validation System Howard Leight/Honeywell - VeriPRO

Workplace INTEGRA – INTEGRAFitNow for iPad

Michael and Associates – FitCheckSolo

NIOSH – HPD Well-FitPC based

The Best Hearing ProtectorThe Best Hearing Protector

THE ONE THAT IS THE ONE THAT IS

WORN EFFECTIVELY !WORN EFFECTIVELY !

Questions/CommentsQuestions/Comments

Thank you for your attentionThank you for your attention