Hearing Protection Fit Tests In Alberta

Do you distribute hearing protection devices (HPDs) to your employees? Do you know if they work the way they should? Hearing protection fit tests measure the amount of noise reduction an HPD provides. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requires that all employers get their employees annual fit tests for the HPDs they wear.

Fortunately, Soundwave Hearing Care offers hearing protection fit tests for individuals or groups. Contact us today to learn more about how to comply with this government regulation.

What’s a hearing protection fit test?

Hearing protection fit tests are designed to assess and ensure the effectiveness of HPDs worn by individuals in environments with elevated noise levels. The primary goal of fit testing is to determine whether the selected hearing protection adequately reduces the individual’s exposure to harmful noise levels. The fit-testing process typically involves the following steps:

• Baseline audiometric testing. Before fit testing, individuals undergo baseline audiometric testing to establish their initial hearing levels.

• Hearing protection instruction and fitting. Employees must bring their assigned HPDs to the audiology clinic, whether ear plugs or earmuffs. Participants are required to know the name, brand or model number of the device they use. Individuals are instructed on how to insert or wear their selected hearing protection correctly.

• Real-time testing. Fit testing is often conducted using real-time measurement systems that assess the effectiveness of hearing protection in the specific individual’s ears. These systems use microphones placed in the ear canal to measure the noise inside and outside the ear, providing data on the protection provided by the device.

• Participants with effective HPDs are given a valid OHS certification for one year. Failing the test means the employee must return with another device and get another test. Our audiologists will recommend a high-quality HPD that will comply with noise reduction standards.

A hearing protection fit test typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Benefits of hearing protection fit tests

Hearing protection fit tests have benefits for employees and employers alike, including:

• Individualized protection. Everyone receives personalized hearing protection based on their unique ear anatomy and preferences.

• Verification of protection. Fit testing verifies that the selected hearing protection is achieving the intended level of noise reduction, enhancing the individual’s safety in noisy environments.

• Education and training. Fit tests educate individuals on the importance of hearing protection, contributing to long-term hearing health.

• Compliance monitoring. Certification helps employers and safety professionals monitor compliance with hearing protection protocols in the workplace.

Hearing protection fit tests in Calgary

Soundwave Hearing Care is dedicated to your hearing health and that of your employees. Contact us today to request a hearing protection fit test for your staff in Calgary, Grande Prairie or High River.