Evaluating the effect of training along with fit testing on earmuff users in a Chinese textile factory

ABSTRACT

A hearing protection fit testing was conducted on workers (n = 189) in a textile factory in southern China. The 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System was used to measure the personal attenuation rating (PAR) on an over-the-head style earmuff at the work site. In addition, PARs were obtained several times throughout the same work shift to capture different fits on 39 workers. Follow-up visits were conducted in approximate 6-month or 12-month intervals to repeat the fit testing. Both the immediate and residual effects of training on the field attenuation of hearing protection devices obtained by workers, and the effects of training toward improving the attenuation and protection of earmuffs after a period of daily use, were observed. A questionnaire survey was used to assess the awareness of hearing health and motivation toward the use of earmuffs in a high temperature environment. The results showed that there were wide variations in PARs among the workers tested. The one-on-one training together with fit testing improved PAR and helped to reduce the negative impact caused by use of protective hair covers. Since earmuffs are often used for long periods of time (>1 year), repeating fit tests could be helpful in order to verify the attenuation received throughout their useful life.

KEYWORDS:

• Earmuff
• fit testing
• hearing Protection Device (HPD)
• personal attenuation rating (PAR)

Acknowledgments

We would like to express our appreciation to Laurie Wells and Elliott H. Berger (3M Personal Safety Division, USA) for their careful technical review on this manuscript. And, we wish to thank Xiaomin Lin and Fuyun Yan (3M Personal Safety Division, China) for their effort on data acquisition.