Protecting Your Team’s Hearing Health
Protect your employees’ long-term health and ensure compliance with workplace health standards with KINNECT’s Hearing Fit Testing service. Offering both quantitative and qualitative testing, we ensure that each worker’s hearing protection equipment is optimally fitted to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in high-noise environments.
Why Hearing Fit Testing Matters
For workplaces with elevated noise exposure, effective hearing protection is essential. Not only is it a regulatory requirement, but it’s also key to safeguarding employees’ well-being and preventing long-term hearing damage. Properly fitted hearing protection devices (HPDs) are crucial to their effectiveness. KINNECT’s Hearing Fit Testing ensures that every employee’s HPD achieves the required protection level, giving you confidence in their safety.
Our Approach
KINNECT offers a dual-method approach to hearing fit testing:
- Quantitative Testing: Using the state-of-the-art 3M E-A-RFit machine, we conduct precise testing that measures the actual protection level each worker receives from their HPD. This method provides an objective fit verification, measuring the sound reduction directly in decibels, ensuring optimal fit and protection.
- Qualitative Testing: For an added layer of assessment, we offer qualitative testing, which evaluates the subjective experience of hearing protection. This ensures comfort and wearability, promoting consistent usage among employees.
How the Testing Process Works
Our trained specialists administer both types of tests to verify and adjust each HPD. Here’s how it works:
- Initial Fit: We assist employees in fitting their HPDs according to manufacturer specifications to ensure accuracy.
- Quantitative Test (3M E-A-RFit): Employees wear their HPD, and the 3M E-A-RFit machine conducts an automated assessment. This machine provides a real-time analysis of the hearing protection level achieved, giving an objective Pass/Fail result that informs adjustments.
- Qualitative Test: Employees undergo a sound perception test where they assess the fit based on comfort and usability in their work environment.
Service Locations
National Footprint
KINNECT have experienced occupational health consultants and offices nationally and is able to travel to your workplace.
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Brisbane, QLD
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Sydney, NSW
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Perth, WA
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Melbourne, VIC
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Adelaide, SA
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Newcastle, NSW
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Gold Coast, QLD
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Sunshine Coast, QLD
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Townsville, QLD
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Bundaberg, QLD
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Cairns, QLD
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Mackay, QLD
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Rockhampton, QLD
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Gladstone, QLD
Frequently Asked Questions
KINNECT can test multiple types of HPDs, including earplugs and earmuffs, to ensure each device provides sufficient protection. If employees use different types of protection based on their tasks, we can test and verify the fit of each type as part of our service.
Quantitative testing provides an objective measure of how well a hearing protector fits and how much noise reduction it offers. The 3M E-A-RFit machine conducts a precise, automated test that measures the protection level in decibels, offering an instant Pass/Fail result to indicate if adjustments are necessary.
Qualitative testing is a subjective evaluation that involves asking employees to report on the comfort and fit of their HPD. It helps confirm that the HPD is comfortable and wearable, encouraging consistent use throughout the workday.
Hearing Fit Testing is recommended for employees working in high-noise environments who are required to wear HPDs regularly. This testing is especially important for new employees, those using new types of HPDs, and workers who may need a reassessment due to changes in their work environment or personal comfort.
It’s recommended to conduct Hearing Fit Testing annually to ensure continued effectiveness and fit, as well as whenever a new HPD is introduced or an employee experiences any discomfort or change in fit.
Each Hearing Fit Test typically takes around 10-15 minutes per employee. Our process is designed to minimise disruption, allowing you to test multiple employees in a short period.
Employees should bring their current HPDs to the test. We recommend that they avoid loud noise exposure in the hours leading up to the test and follow any specific instructions provided by their employer or our testing team.
If an HPD fails the quantitative test, we assist the employee in refitting or adjusting their device. If needed, we’ll recommend alternative HPDs that may provide a better fit or protection level.
Yes, during the test, our specialists provide employees with information on the correct way to fit and wear their hearing protection devices for maximum effectiveness. We also educate employees on the risks of noise exposure, the importance of hearing protection, and the need for consistent use of HPDs to prevent long-term hearing loss.
Yes, each employee will receive a report detailing their quantitative test results and any recommendations. This information can be shared with employers to support ongoing health and safety record-keeping.
Hearing Fit Testing is available at multiple KINNECT locations across Australia, including our Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia clinics. Contact us to confirm availability in your area or discuss the option of on-site testing at your workplace.
To schedule a Hearing Fit Testing session, contact KINNECT, and our team will work with you to arrange a convenient time to test your employees on-site or at one of our locations.
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