Personal Hearing Protection Devices Flashcards
who is responsible for initial earplug fitting during reference audiogram
PH
when does PH examine the fit and condition of HPDs
annual audiogram
when effectiveness question exists
PH will maintain…
variety of earplugs
two manufacturers
three sizes
carry case
used to reduce noise exposure
HPDs
when should HPDs be used
when engineering/admin controls have been exhausted
when are HPDs most effective
when paired with engineering or admin controls
who approves HPDs
BE
what can increase the likelihood that workers will use HPDs
having variety
what can workers do to preserve their hearing health
workers must be motivated
standardized procedure for laboratory measured attenuation of HPDs
real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT)
amount of noise reduced when HPDs are worn correctly
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
main purpose of NRR
help consumer choose the right brand/style of HPDs
worker is under protected
overexposure
possible hearing loss
worker is over protected
rely on warning signals
become a hazard
ear plugs advantages
more comfortable
more compact
less expensive
ear plugs disadvantages
difficult to monitor
difficult in intermittent-noise environments
types of earplugs
foam
pre-molded/reusable
hybrid
custom-molded
earmuff advantages
easy to monitor
fit all ear/head shapes
can wear w/ minor ear infection
use in intermittent noise/occasional noise
earmuff disadvantages
pressure
not compatible w/PPEs
expensive
confined work locations
banded hearing protectors advantages
easier to put on/take off
short intermittent exposures
banded hearing protectors disadvantages
attenuation is lower
uncomfortable long periods
occlusion effect
wearing earplugs and earmuffs at the same time
double hearing protection
TWA >100dBA
how to calculate double protection attenuation
add 3dB to the higher attenuation number
most important criteria
air-tight seal
best HPD
one worker will wear correctly
