Hearing Protection Devices are the most common form of intervention provided to individuals to protect them from harmful noise or sound exposures.
However, we the real-life performance of these devices is questionable with possibly only 60% of workers who rely on hearing protection actually receiving the protection they need! (ref; https://protecthear.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/HSE-report-hearing-protectors-rr720.pdf)
The use of close-fitting respirators for respiratory protection is now subject to a requirement for a rigorous fit testing regime. This is because both employers and the individual worker need assurance that these devices are able to provide the protection needed in real life situations.
Recently there have been requests made for the same principles to be applied to hearing protection –our face shapes are all different and so are our ear canals!! The UKHCA published guidance a couple of years ago on the concept of fit testing for hearing protection and the types of solutions available; UKHCA Hearing Protection Fit Testing — An Introductory Guide | Hearing Conservation
The UKHCA would like to facilitate a discussion on how we can progress the wider adoption of fit testing measures. We will be circulating a survey to members in the near future but if you are interested in this topic and would be willing to possibly fund verification services or measures then we would like to hear from you. Contact us at….clare.forshaw@hearingconservation.org.uk
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