3M Hearing Protection Fit Testing

Make it easy to measure hearing protection needs.

Loud sounds can damage hearing, but wearing the wrong hearing protection can do the same. Do you know what level of protection your employees are receiving from their hearing protectors? Learn more about our quantitative method for hearing protection fit testing.

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How it works

3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System uses a proven technique known as Field Microphone in Real Ear or F-MIRE to measure how well the hearing protector is working for each employee. The noise reduction provided by the hearing protector is measured directly and objectively, without the need for the employee to listen or respond to the test signals. Learn more about the technology and download the bulletin!
Why would you choose this system?

Whether you are looking for earplug fit testing or earmuff fit testing, 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System has the capability to measure both. Watch the video to explore all the benefits of this hearing protection fit test system.
Request a demo

If you are interested in testing the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System on- site please fill in the form to request your demonstration.
Product Catalogue and Where to Buy

For more information and details on the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System view our online product catalogue.

Hearing Protection Advisor

Looking for a hearing protection solution rather than a fit testing solution? No matter what challenges you have with occupational noise, the selection of the appropriate hearing protector with the best fit is key.

Help me select the right hearing protection

Only one sense of hearing. Protect it.

Hearing loss is 100% irreversible, but it’s also 100% preventable. And it starts here. Download the toolkit with literature and tools that help implement your hearing conservation program.

Download Hear for Life Toolkit

What is hearing protection fit testing?
Hearing protector fit testing is a way to measure the amount of noise reduction, or attenuation, a hearing protector provides while it is being worn by a specific individual. This real-world measurement is referred to as a “Personal Attenuation Rating” or PAR.

3M recommends workers fit test their hearing protectors. So, like respirators, the worker can better understand the level of protection they can achieve with a properly fitted hearing protector.
Why should I fit test my hearing protection?
Hearing protective equipment is a Category 3 piece of PPE, like respiratory protection. If you fit test your respiratory protection, it would be good practice to fit test your other Category 3 PPE where equipment is available.
How does fit testing work?
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System uses a proven technique known as Field Microphone in Real Ear or F-MIRE to measure how well the hearing protector is working for each employee. The system test both ears in under 5 second across 7 frequencies. The noise reduction provided by the hearing protector is measured directly and objectively and provides and accurate quantitative assessment, without the need for the employee to listen or respond to the test signals.
What is the best hearing protection solution?
When selecting the appropriate hearing protection it is key that they offer the best fit and meets the needs of the wearer. Use the Hearing Protection Advisor to help find the best solution for you.

Hearing Protection Advisor
How do you fit test your hearing protection using EARfit?
1. Connect to the unique dual-element microphone
  The microphone measures the noise reduction of each earplug or earmuff as worn by the workers across the wide range of industrial noise frequencies.
  Advantage: Objectively tests 7 frequencies in under 5 seconds per ear, so you do not have to rely on subjective test responses.
2. Run the test for Personal attenuation rating (PAR)
  The patented system and proprietary algorithms quickly analyse real-ear data to provide the PAR and fit variability.
  Advantage: PARs can assist in determining if the level of hearing protection your workers are getting is appropriate to their work environment.
  Documented results: Easy-to-understand test results are documented for each test subject for future reference.
3. Workers self-fit their won earplug or earmuffs
  Workers fit the probed version of their hearing protection themselves and in less than 5 seconds, the system generates a personal attenuation rating (PAR) that indicates a workers noise reduction levels for their current fitting.
  Advantages: Self fitting reflects the individuals fitting method and indicates if additional training is necessary using the EARfit system to educate the wearer on how to fit their hearing protection equipment.

Resources

3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System Brochure

Download Brochure (PDF, 1 MB)
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System E-Book

Download E-Book (PDF, 947.69 KB)
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System Specifications

Download Specifications (PDF, 177 KB)
3M™ Test Plugs List

Download List (PDF, 165 KB)
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System User Instructions

Download User Instructions (PDF, 12.73 MB)
Why Fit Test?

Watch video (MP4, 101.93 MB)
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System Software

Download Software
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System How-To Videos

Watch How-To Videos