Validation System measures earplug/earmuff effectiveness.

Press Release Summary:



Measuring 7 standard frequencies for both ears in less than 3 seconds, 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System generates Personal Attenuation Rating to validate hearing protection and assist with hearing protector selection. System measures sound pressure levels objectively, both outside and inside hearing protection. Once measurement is complete, software displays PAR along with pass/fail indication for worker’s noise exposure level. Results are not affected by hearing level of employee.



Original Press Release:



New 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Hearing Protector Fit-Test Validation System



3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System measures a worker’s Personal Attenuation Rating with science-based, quantitative testing and helps employers identify the most appropriate hearing protection



ST. PAUL, Minn., — 3M Hearing Protection Solutions has announced its latest hearing protector fit test system to help combat hearing loss – the most commonly recorded occupational illness in manufacturing. The new 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System measures the effectiveness of earplugs and earmuffs, providing accurate, quantitative results for both ears simultaneously. In less than three seconds, seven standard frequencies are measured for both ears, generating a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) to validate hearing protection and assist with hearing protector selection.



“The 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System provides employers with the resources and confidence needed to better protect their workforce,” said Pegeen Smith, MS, RN, COHN-S, Technical Service Specialist. “The dual-ear system enables companies to quickly identify employees at risk for noise-induced hearing loss, assist in training employees, and help with hearing protector selection.”



While other systems typically rely on the employee’s subjective response to test signals, the 3M fit-testing system measures sound pressure levels objectively, both outside and inside the hearing protection. The test can be performed in relatively high levels of background noise. Results are not affected by the hearing level of the employee.



Once the measurement is complete, the software displays the PAR along with a pass/fail indication for the worker’s noise exposure level. The system helps ensure proper use of the hearing protection and identifies earplug or earmuff models offering the best protection, such as the popular 3M E-A-R Classic Earplugs or the 3M PELTOR Earmuffs X Series.



The 3M E-A-Rfit Validation System includes all the hardware and accessories needed, including a speaker, software, stand, dual-element microphones, cables and a trial quantity of probed test plugs.



As the leader in hearing protection, 3M offers a complete solution including earplugs, earmuffs, sound detection and fit validation tools. 3M offers a comprehensive, diverse portfolio of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) solutions providing fall protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection, reflective materials for high-visibility apparel, protective clothing, protective eyewear, head and face protection, welding helmets, and other adjacent products and solutions such as detection, monitoring equipment, and active communications equipment.



About 3M

At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.



3M, E-A-R, E-A-Rfit and PELTOR are trademarks of 3M Company. Trademarks not belonging to 3M are property of their respective companies.



To purchase 3M hearing protection products: www.3M.com/hearing

          

Press Contacts

Tim Whalen          

3M

651-733- 5278

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