Hearing protection device

Various earmuff hearing protectors.
Sound levels of some daily activities

A hearing protection device, also known as a HPD, is an ear protection device worn in or over the ears while exposed to hazardous noise and provide hearing protection to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss. HPDs reduce the level of the noise entering the ear. HPDs can also protect against other effects of noise exposure such as tinnitus and hyperacusis. There are many different types of HPDs available for use, including earmuffs, earplugs, electronic hearing protection devices, and semi-insert devices.[1]

The use of the HPD without individual selection, training and fit testing[2] does not significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss.[3][4] For example, one study covered more than 19 thousand workers, some of whom usually used hearing protective devices, and some did not use them at all. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.[5]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Technical Committee CEN/TC 159 “Hearing protectors” (17 November 2021). EN 17479-2021. Hearing protectors – Guidance on selection of individual fit testing methods. Brussels: European Committee for Standardization. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-539-04746-2.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) link
  3. ^ Suter, Alice (2012). "Engineering Controls for Occupational Noise Exposure – The Best Way to Save Hearing" (PDF). Sound & Vibration. 48 (1). Henderson, Nevada: Tech Science Press: 24–31. ISSN 1541-0161. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  4. ^ Berger, Elliott H.; Voix, Jérémie (2018). "Chapter 11: Hearing Protection Devices". In D.K. Meinke; E.H. Berger; R. Neitzel; D.P. Driscoll; K. Bright (eds.). The Noise Manual (6th ed.). Falls Church, Virginia: American Industrial Hygiene Association. pp. 255–308. ISBN 978-1-950286-07-2. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  5. ^ Groenewold M.R.; Masterson E.A.; Themann C.L.; Davis R.R. (2014). "Do hearing protectors protect hearing?". American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 57 (9). Wiley Periodicals: 1001–1010. doi:10.1002/ajim.22323. ISSN 1097-0274. PMC 4671486. PMID 24700499. Retrieved 15 October 2022.