3M™ E A Rfit™ Dual Ear Validation System helps employers verify whether the hearing conservation product that a worker is using is providing adequate protection. This objective fit testing system provides a personal attenuation rating (PAR) for each worker. In just seconds, it measures across 7 standard frequencies, quickly reporting whether their hearing protectors (earplugs, banded, or earmuffs) are effectively blocking the individual worker from potentially hazardous workplace noise. Once every employee’s personal attenuation rating is known, health and safety professionals can utilize this data to enhance their hearing conservation program.
Simply having hearing protection available is not enough
Employers commonly believe that they are protecting employees simply by making hearing protectors available and hope for a high level of compliance among workers to not only wear them but wear them properly. But even when hearing protector usage is high, many employees may still be exposed to excessive levels of noise. Failure to provide adequate protection can be due to several factors, such as employees choosing the wrong type or size of hearing protection or not wearing them properly. These failures can leave workers with a false sense of security that puts them at risk for noise induced hearing loss. The 3M™ E A Rfit™ Dual Ear Validation System helps take the guesswork out of knowing whether workers are receiving the level of protection they need.
Using this system is a simple three step process:
1) Fit Have the employee fit the hearing protection test probes to both ears
2) Test Connect to microphones and begin the speaker test sound
3) Assess Use personal attenuation rating (PAR) to customize hearing protector selection
Easy to understand pass or fail results The system will provide either a ""pass"" or a ""fail"" rating. A ""pass"" result means the hearing protection was properly selected, is being properly worn and provides sufficient protection for the employee’s work environment. A ""fail"" result means the hearing protection is either not fitted properly or is the wrong type or size for the worker's earcanal size or shape. Hearing protection is not one size fits all. Every person is different. Every job is different. Every ear is different. Finding each employee's personal attenuation rating will help to customize hearing protection for the individual worker.
Hearing loss from hazardous noise exposure in the workplace is a serious problem
Workplace environments with hazardous noise can put employees at risk for noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). For years, many employers have relied on the noise reduction rating (NRR) when selecting hearing protection products for their workplace. They often measure the decibel level in the work environment and then purchase hearing protection with a noise reduction rating that appears sufficient. But the problem with the noise reduction ratings is that they are derived in a laboratory environment and that the results may not mirror those attained by individual workers in their typical work environment. The 3M™ E A Rfit™ Dual Ear Validation System enables employers to measure a true personal attenuation rating for an individual worker and assists in hearing protector selection when needed.
Test results are recorded for future reference
The 3M™ E A Rfit™ Dual Ear Validation System documents results, which can be printed or saved electronically for future reference. Employers have documentation that employees are receiving the type of protection and training needed to safeguard their hearing, which can be valuable record keeping information.