Evaluation of Hearing Protection Fit Testing Program

Evaluation of Hearing Protection Fit Testing Program

The specific aim of this research is to evaluate the performance, effectiveness, and long-term training benefits of a formal hearing protection fit testing program. This study may provide preliminary evidence on the benefits of direct education/training combined with a formal hearing protection device (HPD) fit testing on HPD fittings on United States Air Force (USAF) employees. Currently, Public Health provides informal, subjective training to employees; this practice may be altered by the results of this study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects must be enrolled in the hearing conservation program, and can be civilian or active duty/uniformed. Subjects must be currently using some form of in-the-ear hearing protection device on a regular basis and have ear canals free of cerumen, infection, or any other obstruction.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not enrolled in the hearing conservation program. Not using in-the-ear hearing protection device on a regular basis. Ear canals containing cerumen, infection, or other obstructions.