C. Dixon-Ernst
Occupational Health Program, Alcoa, 1501 Alcoa Bldg., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
A. Behar
Ontario Hydro, Whitby, ON L1N 9E3, Canada
Accurate values for hearing protectors' attenuations are needed by occupational health professionals who deal with hearing conservation of employees exposed to noise levels in excess of 85 dBA. The problem becomes yet more important in large corporations with extensive use of those devices. Inaccurate NRR values may be the cause of increases in hearing losses, worker's compensation claims, and liabilities. Overestimation of the NRR may result in a decrease in the use of engineering noise controls. Each of these areas will be highlighted and explained.