Wayne Loyborg, Hearing Conservation Consultant, CHPPM-Europe
CPT Rhonda Fleener, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center
In the first phase of this project, reported at MASC 1997, we checked attenuation of hearing protectors, using the Fitcheck,. Measurements were performed immediately after soldiers had finished firing for qualification. After firing they were instructed not to touch earplugs until the test was finished. Results showed attenuation for the rifle range group was 10 dB less at each test frequency, 250 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz than for another group of soldiers who had been instructed in how to use earplugs.
In phase II, soldiers were instructed, in proper use of earplugs, during the range safety briefing just prior to firing for qualification. At the conclusion of each firing order the soldiers were told to leave earplugs in place and proceed to the test area where earplug attenuation was measured using the Fitcheck device. Test frequencies were 250 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz. Results were compared with the phase I soldiers who received no instruction on earplug usage just prior to firing for qualification.