| ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2011 | Volume
: 13
| Issue : 51 | Page : 147--151 |
Fit-testing hearing protectors: An idea whose time has come
Lee D Hager
Hearing Loss Prevention Consultant, 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division, IN, USA
Correspondence Address:
Lee D Hager
248 Church St, Portland, MI 48875
USA
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.77217
The performance of hearing protection devices (HPD) worn by individual workers in specific noise-exposure environments has been difficult to assess using the hearing protector ratings printed on HPD packages. Because the role of the HPD in prevention of hearing loss remains as a vital last line of defense against the effects of noise exposure, proper assessment of their performance is increasingly critical. HPD fit-testing procedures now allow the individual fit-testing of HPD to assist in appropriate selection of HPD for individual workers, to aid in training workers on proper use of HPDs, and a range of other applications. Understanding these technologies, their strengths and weaknesses, and appropriate application of the results of fit-testing may enable employers to make improvements in their hearing loss prevention program performance.
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