Hearing protection utilization: Survey results across the USA

Abstract

Information about the utilization of hearing protection devices (HPDs) has been obtained through on‐site surveys at 219 industrial facilities representative of all regions of the USA. The primary objectives of the study were the identification of problems related to HPD use and the development of a reference manual to guide industrial personnel in achieving maximum benefit from HPDs. The data collected concerned the types of HPD utilization problems encountered. HPD selections offered, criteria considered in choosing HPDs, procedures for fitting/issuing/reissuing, and company policies for furnishing HPDs. User problems identified during the surveys include discomfort, attenuation of warning signals or communication, HPD design limitations, canal irritation, external otitis, wax impaction, and misuse or abuse of HPDs. Problem incidence could be reduced significantly by improved procedures for selection, fitting, issuing, and reissuing HPDs. Administrative problems that were observed include the use of inadequate and/or incorrect information by management in making HPD related decisions, the lack of an in‐house key individual to coordinate the overall hearing conservation program (HCP), the breakdown of communciation between various professionals involved in the HCP, and excessive reliance on outside assistance for all HCP related activities.