Hearing Protection Fit Testing

Hearing Protection Qualitative Fit Testing

Our hearing protection fit-testing system ensures you get the most out of employee hearing protection

Hearing Protection Fit Testing: Learn More

What is Hearing Protection Fit-Testing?

Hearing protection fit-testing is the best way to track the effectiveness of your hearing protection devices (HPDs). Similar to a hearing test, an employee listens for noises and signals when they are heard. Then, the employee inserts their HPD in their normal way, and takes the same test again. Based on the difference in results between the two tests, the employees Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) can be determined. Often, the PAR will be higher than the labeled Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) on the hearing protection. However, if they are lower this can signify that the employee needs to be retrained and/or refit in the use of hearing protection.

Custom hearing protection is the most effective type of hearing protection, as it fits right, every time.

Custom Hearing Protection

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) vs Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR)

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) label on your hearing protection is a number derived from laboratory testing. However, it doesn't guarantee how much attenuation your employees will receive - in fact, it is known to be so inaccurate that hearing protection usually needs to be derated.

Derating: When derating hearing protection, the calculation of 'subtract 7, divide by 2' is generally preferred. This means when providing hearing protection, you must subtract 7 from the NRR, and then divide the result by 2. For example, if you provide your employees with HPDs that have an NRR of 22 dBs, after derating the NRR is only at 7.5 decibels. If employees are exposed to over 92.5 decibels, they are not receiving enough attenuation, and could endure permanent hearing injury.

However, by fit-testing your employee hearing protection, you do not need to derate the NRR. Instead, the number your employee achieved is their Personal Attenuation Rating for that particular HPD, and can indicate if they should try fitting a different type.

Why Fit-Test Hearing Protection?

Real results, not a lab estimate

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) was first introduced in the 1970s. We call it Not Really Relevant.

Although required to be on the label of your hearing protection, this number is derived from laboratory testing. This means that the real attenuation is significantly lower than the labeled attenuation.

A no hassle system

Our custom hearing protection fit-testing system is designed to be simple and easy to use. Two steps: take the test without HPDs, and then take it with HPDs. You're done.

No need to derate attenuation levels

After fit testing, an employee will receive a PAR, or Personal Attenuation Rating. This eliminates the need to derate the hearing protection, and helps employers determine who needs to be retrained/refitted with hearing protection

Works with any brand of hearing protection

Unlike other fit-testing systems, our system has a database with the details of over 200 different types of HPDs. This means it can test any type of hearing protection.

"Substantially less disruptive to our production needs"

The implementation of onsite individual testing as opposed to the trailer batch testing version we utilized in my previous 20+ years has proven to be substantially less disruptive to our production needs at the same time making the scheduling of test subjects much easier to administer.

Daryl B - General Manager – 1000 Employee Lumber Mill
"...not a ripple in production!"

Chris N - General Manager – Auto Battery Manufacturer
“Your system works wonders for record keeping”

Thank you, your system works wonders for record keeping no more scanning or digging through tubs of records. Everything is at our finger tips.

David F - Production and Safety Manager – Ferrous Metals Casting
"The best part is the customer service."

My company use to struggle to juggle having the van/trucks on-site using a different audiogram service. It would be a hectic day of keeping 4 people out and away from production at once, not to mention that the testing would always come back that we needed re-testing from being outside. With Anadyne the testing dates are set, we work out the times that work well for the site, the staff is extremely helpful and understanding and meeting our unique circumstances. The best part is the customer service, whenever I have a question, Wayne and his team have always given me a callback or answered the phone promptly when you have time-sensitive business that is a must. Anadyne is willing to come during any shift we have needed, finding someone to come out when it is best for your company is the absolute best for manufacturing.

Tara K - HSE Coordinator – Aluminum Forming Compan
"Dedication to providing top-tier hearing testing services..."

I am writing to share my recommendation for Anadyne as a trusted vendor for annual hearing testing services. Working with Anadyne has been an absolute pleasure, and I cannot praise them enough for the outstanding experience they provide.
From the very start, the ease of use in coordinating with their team has been exceptional. The friendly and professional staff go above and beyond to ensure every step of the process is seamless and stress-free. Their flexibility with scheduling has been particularly impressive, accommodating our needs and ensuring minimal disruption to our operations.
Anadyne’s commitment to excellence and customer service sets them apart. Their dedication to providing top-tier hearing testing services makes them a wonderful partner to work with. I would recommend Anadyne to anyone in need of a reliable vendor for their hearing testing requirements.

Kevin L - EHS Manager
"...consistently professional..."

We have been using Anadyne's services for several years and their staff has been consistently professional and nice to work with.

Kevin E - Risk Manager
"...professional and thorough"

Dary B - Production Manager
"Always a great experience for our employees."

I've worked with Anadyne for 2 years now, [they] are always so easy to work with, always accommodating with our work schedules, and the techs that come on site are very courteous, professional, and able to be flexible with our ever-changing daily schedule. Always a great experience for our employees.

Jon B - EHS Manager