The effects of training format on earplug performance

Abstract

This experiment investigated the effect of small-group versus individual hearing loss prevention (HLP) training on the attenuation performance of passive insert-type hearing protection devices (HPDs). A subject-fit (SF) methodology, which gave naive listeners access only to the instructions printed on the HPD product label, was used to determine real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) at third-octave noise bands between 125–8000 Hz. REAT measurements were augmented by use of the Hearing Loss Prevention Attitude-Belief (HLPAB) survey, a field-tested self-assessment tool developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Participants were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups, consisting of 25 listeners each, in a controlled behavioral-intervention trial. There were two types of HPDs (formable and premolded) and two training formats (individual and small group). A short multimedia program, including a practice session, was presented to all 100 listeners. Results showed training to have a significant effect, for both HPDs on real-ear attenuation and attitude, but, importantly, there was no difference between small-group and individual training.

• Attenuation
• Earplugs
• Hearing
• Noise
• Protection
• Training
• Attitude
• Survey

Acronyms
ANOVA	=	Analysis of variance
ANSI	=	American National Standards Institute
dBA	=	A-weighted sound pressure level
HCP	=	Hearing conservation program
HLPAB	=	Hearing loss prevention attitude-belief
HLPP	=	Hearing loss prevention program
HPD	=	Hearing protection device
KEMAR	=	Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research
MANCOVA	=	Multiple analysis of co-variance
MANOVA	=	Multiple analysis of variance
NIOSH	=	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NRR	=	Noise reduction rating
OSHA	=	Occupational Safety and Health Administration
REAT	=	Real-ear attenuation at threshold
SF	=	Subject-fit
TWA	=	Time-weighted average

Acronyms
ANOVA	=	Analysis of variance
ANSI	=	American National Standards Institute
dBA	=	A-weighted sound pressure level
HCP	=	Hearing conservation program
HLPAB	=	Hearing loss prevention attitude-belief
HLPP	=	Hearing loss prevention program
HPD	=	Hearing protection device
KEMAR	=	Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research
MANCOVA	=	Multiple analysis of co-variance
MANOVA	=	Multiple analysis of variance
NIOSH	=	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NRR	=	Noise reduction rating
OSHA	=	Occupational Safety and Health Administration
REAT	=	Real-ear attenuation at threshold
SF	=	Subject-fit
TWA	=	Time-weighted average

Sumario

Este experimento investigó el efecto en el desempeño de la atenuación que proporcionan los dispositivos de protección auditiva de tipo inserción (HPD) con el entrenamiento individual versus en grupos pequeños para la prevención de la hipoacusia. Se utilizó una metodología hecha a la medida (SF) que daba acceso a oyentes sin experiencia, solamente a las instrucciones escritas en la etiqueta del producto HPD, para determinar el umbral de atenuación en oído real (REAT) en bandas de ruido de tres octavas entre 125–8000 Hz. Las medicines REAT fueron reforzadas por medio de la encuesta sobre actitudes y opiniones hacia prevención de hipoacusia (HLPAB), una herramienta de auto-evaluación desarrollada por el Instituto Nacional para la Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (NIOSH). Los participantes fueron asignados al azar en grupos experimentales de 25 oyentes cada uno en un ensayo controlado de intervención conductual. Hubo dos tipo de HPD (formante y premodelado) y dos formatos de entrenamiento (individual y en grupos pequeños). Un programa multimedia corto que incluía una sesión práctica se presentó a los 100 oyentes. El resultado demostró que el entrenamiento tenía un efecto significativo en los HPD, tanto para la atenuación en oído real como en la actitud, pero fue importante ver que no hubo diferencia entre el entrenamiento individual y en grupos pequeños.