NIOSH science policy update: individual fit-testing recommendation for hearing protection devices

This National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) policy update for determining the attenuation of hearing protection devices “Individual Fit-Testing Recommendation for Hearing Protection Devices” supersedes the hearing protector derating guidance contained in Chapter 1 (Section 1.5) and Chapter 6 of NIOSH’s 1998 Criteria for a Recommended Standard – Occupational Noise Exposure. The 1998 criteria document stated that “ideally, workers should be individually fit tested for hearing protectors.” Given the lack of commercially available fit-test systems at the time, the 1998 NIOSH criteria document recommended a variable derating of the labeled Noise Reduction Rating to estimate worker protection. As fit-test systems are now readily available, this NIOSH Science Policy Update recommends employers use individual, quantitative fit testing to evaluate the attenuation received by workers from their hearing protection devices.

NIOSH science policy update: individual fit-testing recommendation for hearing protection devices

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2025]. NIOSH science policy update: individual fit-testing recommendation for hearing protection devices. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH), Publication No. 2025-104, DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2025104.