Fit
Testing
Many employees fail to insert hearing protection appropriately, which results in ineffective hearing protection and permanent hearing loss. Hearing conservation programs have been pushing for a system that verifies the employee has appropriate ear protection.
OSHA, NIOSH, and the DOD emphasize the importance of fit testing as a best practice to protect an employee’s hearing. While OSHA doesn’t necessarily require fit testing for a hearing protection device, both the DOD and NIOSH consider it a gold standard.
Fit testing is designed to be a quantitive technique to verify that a hearing protector device is working properly. It is used to measure the effectiveness of a headset or attenuating earplugs while also providing an individual’s Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) by measuring the amount of noise reduction that a hearing protector provides. This measure identifies those at risk for hearing loss as a result of poor fit of the earplug and can ultimately prevent future degradation in hearing.
There are two types of fit tests:
OSHA, NIOSH, and the DOD emphasize the importance of fit testing as a best practice to protect an employee’s hearing. While OSHA doesn’t necessarily require fit testing for a hearing protection device, both the DOD and NIOSH consider it a gold standard.
Fit testing is designed to be a quantitive technique to verify that a hearing protector device is working properly. It is used to measure the effectiveness of a headset or attenuating earplugs while also providing an individual’s Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) by measuring the amount of noise reduction that a hearing protector provides. This measure identifies those at risk for hearing loss as a result of poor fit of the earplug and can ultimately prevent future degradation in hearing.
There are two types of fit tests:
Psychoacoustic
In a psychoacoustic test, an individual listens to a stimuli and responds to the noise with or without earplugs. The type of fit test is very similar to a standard hearing test.
Physical
Physical sensors, e.g., microphones, are used to calculate the attenuation provided by the hearing protector. This technique provides a simple quantitative measure of how different the sound level is on the outside of the ear versus the inside of the ear.
How it works:
fit testing with WAHTS
WAHTS provides a boothless, multi-person fit testing option that is fast, easy-to-use, and follows the ANSI S12.71 standard. The WAHTS hearing protector fit test is a psychophysical test and complies with the new ANSI/ASA standard for reporting personalized attenuation ratings (ANSI/ANA S12.71-2018). Because WAHTS includes an audiometer, it provides flexibility for performing both hearing testing and fit testing in your hearing conservation program either one-on-one or in group settings.
System Components
- Highly-attenuating headset allows you to
test in more environments - Intuitive tablet-based app provides hearing
protector education and calculates personal
protection - Ear plugs (not included)
- Supports both fit testing and automated
hearing testing
System Outputs
- PAR is computed with REAT-based method
- A report is available on a mobile app and
can be downloaded by CSV, PDF - The results can be uploaded to a third-party
electronic health database
1. Launch
The administrator launches the WAHTS app to being the fit test.
2. Training
The administrator will provide a quick training for the test takers on the task of responding to the stimuli.
3. Threshold Tasks
The test takers complete unoccluded (earplugs out) and occluded (ear plugs inserted) threshold measurements.
4. Reporting
Upon completion, the software reports attenuation at each frequency and an overall personal attenuation rating (PAR).
The WAHTS fit test can be administrated in two different instances: it can be paired with an annual hearing test and performed directly after, or it can occur as a separate test to measure the unoccluded and occluded thresholds. When conducted, the test can occur in a group setting or individual setting.
Full Audiometry Test Battery
For a group test, the administrator performs an introduction and the initial training to the group, providing the individuals with the same steps to follow as a single-person test. The administrator remains close by to answer questions or follow up with those who may need assistance.
Stand Alone Fit Testing
During the WAHTS fit test, individuals are provided training and then threshold measurements are taken with and without hearing protection. Feedback on proper hearing protector insertion is included, and the result is a personal attenuation rating.
WAHTS
fit test performance
OSHA, NIOSH, and the DoD emphasize the importance of fit testing as a best practice to protect an employee’s hearing. While OSHA doesn’t necessarily require fit testing for a hearing protection device, both the DoD and NIOSH consider it a gold standard.
In parallel, ANSI/ASA has recently issued a standard (ANSI S12.71-2018) that depicts exactly how manufacturers should validate their fit test system through specific laboratory-based procedures. These validation studies are geared to ensure that a fit test system is accurate and repeatable.
This table presents the information required by the ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018 American National Standard Performance Criteria for Systems that Estimate the Attenuation of Passive Hearing Protectors for Individual Users. This criteria is designed to evaluate fit test systems that report a personal attenuation rating.
In parallel, ANSI/ASA has recently issued a standard (ANSI S12.71-2018) that depicts exactly how manufacturers should validate their fit test system through specific laboratory-based procedures. These validation studies are geared to ensure that a fit test system is accurate and repeatable.
This table presents the information required by the ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018 American National Standard Performance Criteria for Systems that Estimate the Attenuation of Passive Hearing Protectors for Individual Users. This criteria is designed to evaluate fit test systems that report a personal attenuation rating.
The best
fit test system
WAHTS ATTRIBUTES
Speed
Performs a fit test quickly
Portability
Transport and use outside a clinic
Minimal Equipment
Uses the same equipment for hearing and fit testing
Ease-of-Use
Intuitive and easy software
Multi-Person Testing
Performs multi-person hearing and fit testing
Compatibility
Can be used across multiple devices.