New Hearing Protection Fit Testing Now Available in Saskatoon
Prairie Industrial Health Services is pleased to introduce a new hearing protection fit testing service with the 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System.
For many workplaces, selecting hearing protection is only part of the job. The real question is whether that earplug or earmuff is actually delivering enough protection for the individual worker wearing it. That is where fit testing becomes valuable.
The 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System uses quantitative F-MIRE technology to measure the amount of protection a worker is receiving from their hearing protector. It tests both ears simultaneously, measures across 7 standard frequencies, and produces a Personal Attenuation Rating, or PAR, in less than 5 seconds.
This means employers can move beyond assumptions and get a clearer picture of how well hearing protection is performing in the real world. It also gives workers an opportunity to learn whether their hearing protection is being worn correctly and whether another option may provide a better fit.
Why this service matters
It helps confirm whether hearing protection is providing adequate protection for the individual worker.
It supports hearing conservation programs with worker-specific, measurable results.
It can improve employee education by showing the impact of correct insertion and proper fit.
It provides documentation that can support records, follow-up, and program improvement.
It can be used with earplugs and earmuffs.
A practical addition for employers
For safety leaders, this service adds another layer of confidence to a hearing conservation program. Instead of relying only on a listed noise reduction value, fit testing helps show what protection the worker is actually achieving during the test.
Because the system is fast, it can be a practical option for onboarding, periodic hearing conservation reviews, or targeted follow-up when noise exposure and hearing protection performance need closer attention.
Available at Prairie Industrial Health Services
Prairie Industrial Health Services offers occupational health services in Saskatoon, and this new addition expands the support available for employers who want a stronger approach to workplace hearing protection.
Hearing protection fit testing can be a simple step that helps improve worker understanding, strengthen compliance efforts, and support better decisions about hearing protection selection.