Evaluation of a FitCheck hearing protector test system

The measurement of attenuation provided by a hearing protector is an important element in the development of an effective hearing‐loss prevention program. Three systems were evaluated for accuracy compared with a sound‐field test of real‐ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) [J. R. Franks, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 105, 1129 (1999)]. The FitCheck method used with headphones was the most feasible system to use for field‐test situations. However, the FitCheck method produced REAT values in the low frequency that were less than those produced by the sound‐field method when used with the EAR Express earplug. A subsequent study has been conducted which evaluated the EAR Classic and the Howard Leight MAX earplugs with the FitCheck and sound‐field methods. Twenty‐four subjects were instructed to fit the devices without experimenter intervention (re: ANSI S12.6 Method B subject‐fit protocol). Subjects were not allowed to adjust the earplugs between test methods. Mean REAT data from both methods will be compared. Prelimin...