Outputs and Transfer - Research Goal 1.10:
Develop a hearing protector device compendium
The 1994 hearing protector device compendium was issued as a NIOSH publication. Over 1300 copies were printed and distributed between 2000 and 2003, when the on-line version was published.
The current hearing protection device compendium was also designed and developed by HLR staff. The web site was made available to the public in 2003. Visits to the site are being tabulated for future analysis. The current compendium provides:
- Web-based tutorial on how to use the compendium
- Searchable database of HPDs by product type and manufacturer
- Searchable database of HPDs by NRR
- Searchable database by noise level in which the HPD would be used
- Browser function to facilitate data searches
- Special section on new technologies such as level-dependent HPDs, and information for persons exposed to gunfire
- Special section to explain how HPDs are rated and how noise attenuation is calculated
- Links to web pages with information on how to properly use HPDs
Intermediate Outcomes
Major hearing protector manufacturers in the U.S. report using the NIOSH web-based compendium. For example, in the past year, Bacou-Dalloz reported using the compendium in presentations to over 200 hearing protector distributors and safety professionals. They include reference to the compendium in their training presentations, and refer incoming callers to it through their technical support section. A Google search on “NIOSH Hearing Protector Device Compendium” revealed 27 direct links from other sites to the compendium. These links include three union or worker organizations, five university hearing conservation or industrial hygiene programs, six hearing health related manufacturers, two audiology service providers, six safety organizations, two government entities, and three resellers of hearing protectors.
Spurred by the availability and wide use of the compendium, two major manufacturers to date have voluntarily supplied subject-fit data for their products. Although not currently required by the EPA for all hearing protectors, subject-fit data most accurately represent real world hearing protector attenuation. The NIOSH 1998 Criteria Document recommended using subject-fit data because they would eliminate the need to use controversial de-rating schemes.
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Publications
NIOSH Publications
NIOSH [1975]. List of personal hearing protectors and attenuation data. U. S. Department of Health Education and Welfare, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHEW (NIOSH) Technical Report Publication No. 76-120.
NIOSH [1994]. The NIOSH compendium of hearing protection devices. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 95-105.
Journal Articles
Lempert B. Compendium of hearing protection devices. Sound and Vibration, 18:26-39, 1984.
Web Pages
Franks JR, Graydon PS, Jeng C and Murphy WJ [2003]. “NIOSH Hearing Protector Device Compendium.” http://www2d.cdc.gov/hp-devices/hp_srchpg01.asp.