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Contact us today to schedule ear fit testing and safeguard your workforce.

Ear fit testing

Helping ensure effective hearing protection through fit testing

Noise-induced hearing loss remains one of the most common occupational health risks across New Zealand industries. When hearing protection is used to control exposure, it must be correctly fitted to ensure it delivers the expected level of protection. Even the best-rated hearing protective equipment (HPE) can fail to safeguard workers if not worn properly.

Each hearing protection device, whether earmuffs or earplugs, has a certified noise attenuation rating. This rating reflects the maximum protection achievable only when the device is fitted correctly. Without verification, employers cannot be certain that workers are receiving adequate protection, which may compromise compliance with New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated regulations.

Ear fit testing

FAQs

Our approach

At ALS, we take hearing protection seriously. Using the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System, we provide on-site, quantitative ear fit testing to help ensure your team’s hearing protection is performing as intended. This portable system measures the actual attenuation each worker receives from their earmuffs or earplugs, helping you verify compliance and improve safety outcomes.

This service is ideal for:
  • Workers in high-noise environments
  • New staff during induction
  • Annual health and safety review
  • Situations where hearing protection effectiveness is uncertain.
By implementing ear fit testing, your business can:
  • Confirm whether hearing protection is delivering the intended attenuation
  • Identify individuals at risk due to poor fit or incorrect use
  • Ensure compliance with New Zealand’s workplace health and safety regulations
  • Provide practical training to improve how hearing protection is worn
  • Select the most appropriate hearing protection for specific noise conditions.

FAQs

  • What is ear-fit testing and what does it involve?

    Ear-fit testing measures how well a hearing protection device fits an individual’s ear and whether it provides sufficient noise reduction. This typically involves specialised equipment to assess the effectiveness of the seal.

  • Why is ear-fit testing important?

    Without proper fit, hearing protection may not provide adequate protection against noise exposure. Fit testing ensures workers are receiving the level of protection required to prevent hearing damage.

  • Does one type of earplug fit everyone?

    No. Ear shapes vary between individuals, meaning a single type of earplug may not provide an effective seal for all workers. Fit testing helps identify the most suitable option for each person.

  • How often should ear-fit testing be carried out?

    Fit testing is typically completed when workers are first assigned hearing protection and may be repeated periodically or when there are changes to equipment or work conditions.

  • What happens if a worker fails an ear-fit test?

    If a worker does not achieve an adequate fit, alternative hearing protection options can be trialled to find a suitable solution that provides the required level of protection.

  • Can ear-fit testing be done on site?

    Yes. Ear-fit testing is commonly carried out on site to allow workers to be tested in their normal work environment, making it easier to integrate into day-to-day operations.

 
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