title: Attitudes toward use of hearing protection devices and effects of an intervention on fit-testing results.
abstract: This study assessed attitudes toward the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) and the effect of an educational intervention on fit-testing results by comparing personal attenuation ratings (PAR50) before and after the intervention. Employees (n = 327) from a large metal container manufacturer at four geographic locations were tested with a field attenuation estimation system (FAES) to identify workers (n = 91) requiring intervention. PAR50 values significantly increased from baseline to post-intervention (p < .001, 15.1 to 26.9) and at the 6-month follow-up (p < .001, 95% confidence interval = -11.2, -6.3). Perceived self-efficacy scores for using HPDs significantly declined from baseline to post-intervention (p = .006, 95% confidence interval = 0.3, 1.9), but were not significantly related to PAR50. Therefore, a FAES can assist the occupational health nurse to identify workers at high risk (low PAR50), teach proper fit and use of HPDs, and improve hearing protector selection.
authors.forename: Pegeen S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Monaco
authors.forename: Sally L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Lusk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult