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Mining Publication: The Effect of an Insertion Lubricant on the Noise Attenuation of Foam Earplugs
Keywords: Earmuffs Earplugs Lubricants Noise Rates
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Original creation date: July 2008
Authors: RF Randolph, FN Kissell
Conference Paper - July 2008
Download PDF Document (0.11 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20034244
NOISE-CON 2008: Proceedings of the 2008 National Conference on Noise Control Engineering, Dearborn, Michigan, July 28-31, 2008. Burroughs C; Lim T; Kim J; Maling G; eds., Indianapolis, IN: Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA, 2008; :1-4
Real-world levels of attenuation from hearing protection devices are usually much lower than the rated values obtained under near-ideal circumstances. The shortfall is even more extreme for earplugs than it is for earmuffs, primarily because of the complicated process of fitting the plugs within the ear canal. This study examines the use of a commercially-available lubricant for hearing aids to determine whether it would facilitate improved fit and attenuation for earplugs. In this experiment, ten participants inserted earplugs with and without using the lubricant. Average attenuation was assessed with the Real-Ear-Attenuation-at-Threshold (REAT) technique, and showed over 5 dB improvement when the lubricant was used. Participants obtained an 85% mastery rate using the lubricant versus a 50% mastery rate without. These results indicate several possible applications for improved earplug performance in real-world settings where hazardous noise is unavoidable and effective hearing protection is necessary.
Image of publication The Effect of an Insertion Lubricant on the Noise Attenuation of Foam EarplugsConference Paper - July 2008
Download PDF Document (0.11 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20034244
NOISE-CON 2008: Proceedings of the 2008 National Conference on Noise Control Engineering, Dearborn, Michigan, July 28-31, 2008. Burroughs C; Lim T; Kim J; Maling G; eds., Indianapolis, IN: Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA, 2008; :1-4
See Also
The Consequences of 'Leaky' Enclosures
Determination of Sound Exposures (DOSES): Software Manual and Implementation Guide
DOSES - Determination of Sound Exposures - 1.1
NIOSH Tools For Hearing Loss Prevention Programs
Noise and Hearing Protection: Development of Two Training Exercises for Drillers
Noise Exposure and Overhead Power Line (OPL) Safety Hazards at Surface Drilling Sites
Technology News 534 - QuickFit Earplug Test Device
Technology News 536 - NIOSH Develops New Software to Analyze and Reduce Noise Exposure
Technology News 538: Acoustic Enclosure to Reduce Noise From Vibrating Screen Mechanism Housings
What Does a Hearing Loss Sound Like?
Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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