You have offered hearing protection to your workers. Now, how do you gain confidence they are protected?
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System utilises F-Mire technology to measure the level of employee hearing protection in just 8 seconds. Workers receive their own personal attenuation rating (PAR) and learn how correctly inserting the right earplug increases their level of protection.
Step 1: Workers self-fit their own plugs
In less than 8 seconds per ear, the system generates a personal attenuation rating (PAR) that indicates a worker's noise reduction levels for a given fitting
Advantage: Reflects an individual's fitting methods and indicates if additional training is necessary.
Step 2: Connect to the Unique dual-element microphone
The microphone measures the noise reduction of each earplug as worn by the worker across the wide range of industrial noise frequencies.
Advantage: Objectively tests 7 frequencies (125 Hz - 8 kHz) in under 8 seconds per ear, so you don't rely on subjective test responses.
Step 3: Run the Test for Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR)
Patented system and proprietary algorithms quickly analyse real-ear data to provide Personal Attenuation Rating (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, both in print and electronic formats, for future reference.
There are 3 options for incorporating the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System into a hearing conservation program, all designed to suit your unique needs. This hearing protector fit testing benefits everyone.
Option 1: Audit (Good)
This is the base-level application of the E-A-Rfit system, acceptable for wearers exposed to noise levels less than 85dBA.
Establish baseline values for new employees
Helps identify workers receiving inadequate protection that leaves them at risk of threshold shifts
Validate high protection levels required by workers in high noise areas
Fit, Train & Motivate
Provides tool for training proper insertion techniques and to assess proficiency
Motivates employees by helping them realize the control they have in protecting their hearing
Option 3: Assess & Manage Usage (Best)
For optimum precision in predicting employee protection and enhancing individual use and performance.
Improves long term performance of your hearing conservation program
Indicates employees needing further fit training or alternative hearing protectors
Input your noise exposure data and the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Software can help you identify the most appropriate hearing protector(s) and help minimize over/under protection
Note: Click on the Full Installation link if you are a new user or you are running 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Software version 3 or earlier. Click on the Upgrade Installation link if you are running version 4 or later.
In order to use the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System to measure hearing protector attenuation, you will need to:
Purchase a 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Kit model 393-1000 from your 3M distributor. This kit includes the hardware and accessories you need to get started along with a sample of probed test earplugs. Once you begin using the system, you will need to purchase additional probed test earplugs for use during testing.
Download the current version of the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Software and the installation guide using the links on this page.
Contact 3M to obtain a Technician Code and password. Click here to create an e-mail request. Type "technician code request" in the subject field then fill in the form making sure to enter the serial number of your 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Loudspeaker in the "Serial Number" field. You should receive a response in 24 hours.
3M is pleased to introduce a dynamic, new online training program to guide users of its 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System through the process of system set-up, data entry, earplug attenuation testing, and reporting.
The training consists of 7 modules and you can view them and listen to them at your leisure.
The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Validation System assists in achieving optimal fit through hearing protector selection and employee training. In less than 8 seconds per ear, the system generates a personal attenuation rating (PAR) that indicates a worker's noise reduction levels for a given fitting of a hearing protector. Compare ratings across hearing protectors and fittings to determine best fit.
Researchers at 3M have developed proprietary algorithms to analyse sound pressure inside ear canals. This in-the-ear testing procedure provides quantitative data. Fit, train, and motivate workers using their Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR).
