A Tester to Evaluate the Correct Placement of Earplugs

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jul 11;19(14):8482. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19148482.

Abstract

The use of hearing protection devices is one possible way of reducing the negative impact of noise on hearing. However, it is important to keep in mind that only properly used hearing protection devices provide adequate hearing protection. The aim of this article is to describe a newly developed tester to verify the correct placement of earplugs in the ear canal. This tester was developed using easily accessible and low-cost components. It implements the real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) method by which the sound attenuation of hearing protection devices is determined. The headphones with a greater low-frequency attenuation value were selected for use in the tester. The results of the sound attenuation measurement performed with the use of the tester did not differ by more than 5 dB compared to the measurements performed with the use of the Norsonic NOR838 system dedicated to this purpose. The developed tester is considered to be a device that will obtain reliable sound attenuation values. Thus, it can also be used as a device with which the correct placement of earplugs in the ear canal can be assessed.

Keywords: earplugs; fit testing; hearing protection devices; noise; personal protective equipment; sound attenuation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ear Protective Devices
  • Hearing
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Noise, Occupational* / prevention & control
  • Sound

Grants and funding

This paper was published and based on the results of a research task carried out within the scope of the fifth stage of the National Program “Improvement of safety and working conditions” supported within the scope of state services by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, task no. 3.SP.06 entitled “Develop guidelines for testing and teaching the correct placement of earplugs in the ear canal”. The Central Institute for Labor Protection—National Research Institute is the program’s main coordinator.