Are you exposed to loud noises at your workplace? If so, it's important to protect your hearing. Hearing loss can occur when the ear is exposed to noise levels above 85 decibels (dB) for extended periods of time. And while earplugs or earmuffs are often used to protect against occupational noise, not all hearing protector devices (HPDs) are created equal.
That's why in 2000, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) initiated a new effort to collect data published by manufacturers of hearing protectors sold in the United States. The goal was to create a new Hearing Protector Device Compendium that would provide updated information on HPDs and help employers and workers make informed decisions about hearing protection.
The new data collected by NIOSH included the mean attenuations and standard deviations of the attenuations provided by HPDs. Attenuation is the reduction in the intensity or loudness of a sound. HPDs are rated using a noise reduction rating (NRR), which is a measure of the amount of noise reduction provided by the device. The higher the NRR, the greater the noise reduction provided by the device.
The Hearing Protector Device Compendium serves as a valuable resource for employers and workers in industries where noise exposure is a concern. By providing updated information on HPDs, including their NRRs and attenuation values, the Compendium helps employers select the best HPDs for their workers and provides workers with the information they need to properly use their hearing protection.
Employers can use the Compendium to compare the performance of different HPDs and select the best ones for their workers. Workers can use the Compendium to make sure they are using their HPDs correctly and to check that their HPDs are providing adequate protection. The Compendium also includes information on HPD fit testing and maintenance, which are essential components of any hearing conservation program.
NIOSH's Hearing Protector Device Compendium is just one example of the agency's commitment to occupational safety and health. By providing valuable information on HPDs, NIOSH is helping to protect workers from the harmful effects of noise exposure. If you work in a noisy environment, be sure to use the Compendium to select the best HPDs for your needs and to ensure that you are properly protected.