Video Transcript

Andrea: Hello and welcome to Quick Tips from MSC Industrial Supply, a show where we invite the manufacturing community to share their expertise with us. When it comes to hearing protection, we typically rely on the noise reduction rating to tell us how effective a product is. But in the real world, how can we be sure each individual worker is getting the right level of protection? Since every person's ear canal is unique, the actual fit can make a huge difference. Our partners at 3M have a way to stop guessing and start knowing. Let's take a look.

With the dangers of hearing loss and concerns about hearing loss claims, employers, safety directors and hearing conservation professionals are faced with a critical question. What level of protection are workers really receiving from a hearing protector?

Combine these factors with the unique shape of every person's ear canal, and it's easy to realize different people in different places are getting different protection levels in the real world. Fit can be far from perfect, and conditions can be anything but ideal.

So who is getting protection and how much are they getting? Well, now you can stop guessing and start knowing. The 3M E-A-Rfit dual ear validation system. Test on site, validate and document. With the E-A-Rfit dual ear validation system, a technician can test on site, validate and document the amount of protection each worker is getting. Quick, simple, accurate. Here is how the system works.

Using E-A-Rfit's unique Field Microphone in Real Ear, also called F-Mire technology provides an objective measurement. The keys to the system are two small dual element microphones, one for the right side and one for the left side, and specially probed plugs and muffs by 3M.

The process is easy. Just follow three simple steps. First, the worker fits their own test plugs or muffs, just as they would on the job. Then the technician connects both dual element microphones to the test plugs or muffs on both sides. Finally, when the technician activates the sound source, both the level inside and outside the ear are measured on both ears.

Three seconds is all it takes to obtain data at seven standard frequencies. This validates a personal attenuation rating, or par for each individual. These results are stored in a database and are accessible for future reference. This information may be valuable for comparative purposes.

The 3M E-A-Rfit dual Ear validation system is test compatible with a variety of 3M hearing protectors. The 3M E-A-Rfit Dual Ear Validation System. Test, validate and document. Stop guessing about hearing protection levels and start knowing the answers. Every worker deserves it. The 3M E-A-Rfit dual ear validation system. 3M hearingsolutions made innovatively easy.

For more information on 3M’s innovative hearing solutions, visit www.mscdirect.com/products/3m-hearing.

A big thank you to 3M for taking a personalized approach to hearing safety. We'll see you next time on Quick Tips.