Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

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Health Hazard Evaluations Hearing Protection Research Engineering and Technology Solutions in Noise Control Evaluation of HLP Programs Current Data Collection Instruments and Methods

Hearing Protector Research

Noise Reduction Characterization of Nonlinear Hearing Protection Devices
Non-linear hearing protectors (NLHPs) have been developed to provide improved communication and ability to hear warning signals while protecting workers from hazardous noise. However, the existing American and international standards for testing linear hearing protectors cannot address the performance and effectiveness of nonlinear (level dependent and active noise cancellation) devices; the electronics are simply turned off for testing purposes. NIOSH is developing standardized laboratory test methods for acoustic and psycho-acoustic assessment of NLHPs which address the shortcomings of current ANSI and ISO standards. The information obtained from these new methods about the protectors’ performance will allow workers and employers to make an informed choice of NLHPs to achieve the best mix of hearing protection and hearing of speech and warning signals in noise.

Development of a new standard laboratory protocol for estimation of the field attenuation of hearing protection devices Alternative Field Methods for Measuring Hearing Protector Performance

Field Evaluation of Hearing Protection Devices
NIOSH is addressing the need to realistically and accurately evaluate hearing protector attenuation as the devices are worn by noise-exposed workers at their jobs. Presently, hearing protectors are selected on the basis of the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) label that is required by the U.S. EPA (a statistical value that may or may not reflect the noise reduction experienced by a given worker). NIOSH is field testing the effectiveness of various methods for determining hearing protector attenuation for each worker on the job. When completed, this project will provide qualitative and quantitative data that will lead to critical assessment of the real-world effectiveness and usability of each of these methods.

Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

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