National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Updates Hearing Protector Device Database

In 2000, NIOSH researchers initiated a new effort to collect data published by manufacturers of hearing protectors sold in the United States. The new data was sought to augment or replace the data last collected by NIOSH for the 1994 Hearing Protector Compendium (DHHS/NIOSH Pub. No. 95-105).

The data included the mean attenuations and standard deviations of the attenuations provided by the manufacturers on labeling required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also provided were data about protector construction, materials, and other features that may aid in selection of protectors for specific situations. All companies listed in various industry, technical, and professional directories were invited to submit data. Many companies that were listed in the 1994 compendium have merged with other companies or have ceased to manufacturer or sell hearing protectors.

The database, as of June 2003, contains information from 23 manufacturers nationwide on 292 hearing protectors. Although only 23 companies contacted responded to the request for data, these 23 represent a majority of the market share. There are no data in the compendium other than those provided by the manufacturers. All other manufacturers are welcome to submit their data.

The updated database may be viewed and printed with Adobe Reader 4.0 or higher. Also viewable and printable with Adobe Reader is the complete tutorial on how the NRR and other rating systems are calculated.

Source: NIOSH Press Release, August 5, 2003