LAUSR

Individual fit testing of hearing protection devices is not widely used in occupational medicine practices. Lack of awareness of its availability and barriers related to the perceived time to perform, its cost, lack of OSHA requirement and concern about its effectiveness all contribute to its lack of use. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the awareness, opinions, and use of individual fit testing of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among occupational medicine practitioners. Methods Members of the Michigan Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association completed a 21-question survey on individual fit testing of HPDs. Results The survey response rate was 67%, 53% reported having heard of individual fit testing of HPDs, and 24% reported that their clinic/site performed the testing. Major barriers to its use were perceived time to perform (63%), cost (51%), lack of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement (51%), and lack of long-term studies of its effectiveness (20%). Conclusions Further work to educate practitioners about the availability, implementation, and potential benefits of fit testing of HPDs is needed if use of this technology is to become more widespread.