Characteristics influencing the comfort of earplugs experienced by workers in Canadian companies

ORCID

Franck Sgard : 0000-0001-9608-3565

Alessia Negrini : 0000-0002-6463-4913

Type de document

Résumés de conférences

Année de publication

2024

Langue

Anglais

Titre de la revue

Occupational Medicine

Résumé

Introduction

In Quebec (Canada), noise-induced hearing loss is the most prevalent and growing occupational disease, resulting in higher compensation costs. Although the most effective solution is action at the noise source, the use of individual hearing protectors, such as earplugs, can be the only way to prevent this disease. Nevertheless, the various discomforts, encompassing acoustic, physical, functional, and psychological dimensions, that earplugs engender can undermine their efficacy by influencing their consistent and correct use. These (dis)comfort arises from intricate interplays between the characteristics of the user, earplugs, and the work environment, collectively constituting the concept of “triad”.

Methods

To better understand how the characteristics of the triad influence the earplugs (dis)comfort, a comprehensive study has been conducted.

Results

173 workers tested seven distinct earplug models over the course of seven weeks and subsequently responded to detailed (dis)comfort questionnaires. Triad characteristics were assessed through both questionnaires and laboratory-based comfort testers. Statistical analyses led to the identification of primary triad characteristics that exert a significant influence on the acoustical, physical, and functional (dis)comfort dimensions. In this communication, highlights of the study and principal results are presented.

Discussion and conclusion

The main findings will aid manufacturers in designing better earplugs by considering not only their sound attenuation efficacy but also aspects related to perceived comfort. Furthermore, hygienists will have the ability to select earplugs that are most suited to a specific worker and his/her work environment. ©OUP, 2024.

Mots-clés

Protège-tympan, Earplug, Bouchon, Protection de l'ouïe, Hearing protection, Évaluation du confort, Comfort assessment, Essai du matériel, Equipment testing, Atténuation du bruit, Sound attenuation

Numéro de projet IRSST

n/a

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