---
title: 3M's Hearing Protection Test is Fit For Purpose
description: The 3M E-A-Rfit™ is a comprehensive fit testing system enabling employers to optimise hearing protection for every worker.
---

[Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au)

# [3M's Hearing Protection Test is Fit For Purpose](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/off-the-scale-hearing-protection-for-every-worker-3m)

 Written by [3M](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/3m) | 7 July 2024

In the buzzing world of construction, noise-induced hearing loss poses a significant risk. According to Hearing Australia, 98% of accepted worker's compensation claims for deafness in 2020-21 were due to long-term noise exposure. 

 

### Helping You Make Sound Decisions for Worker Safety

The dynamic nature of construction sites, coupled with a constantly changing workforce, makes a consistent approach to hearing safety measures complex. 

 

Traditionally, standard hearing protection tests in Australia adhere to the AS/NZS 1270-2002 standard. This evaluated the average noise reduction (attenuation) for a general group, which inevitably means that around 20% of workers may have inadequate protection. 

 

#### A Personalised Fit-Test

Recognising the critical need for effective hearing protection, 3M's Personal Safety Division has been a pioneer in the hearing health space with their innovative  [E-A-Rfit™ Dual Validation System.](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/hearing-protection/hearing-validation-systems/3m-e-a-rfit-validation-system-test-plugs/system-fit-testing-unit-3m-e-a-rfit/p/03113609)

 

This system is a significant leap forward in hearing protection tech that replaces the one-size-fits-all approach. It provides a personalised assessment of each worker's hearing protection equipment in under 5 seconds.

 

>  Julie Toseski, an Occupational Hygienist and Application Engineer Specialist at 3M explains, *“It quantitatively measures the noise reduction provided by a 3M hearing protector when worn by an individual worker. This not only ensures that the protection is adequate but also provides immediate,**valuable insights into the level of attenuation the worker is achieving.”*

 

<https://www.blackwoods.com.au/safety-spotlight?c=safety-spotlight-edition-7&page=1>

###### 3M™ E-A-RFIT™ Dual Validation System Features

- Tests both ears simultaneously in less than 5 seconds
- Earmuff and earplug testing capabilities
- Tests at 7 standard frequencies - 125Hz to 8000Hz
- Science-based, objective, quantitative testing
- Compliant with ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018
- Provides documented results

The [3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual Validation System](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/hearing-protection/hearing-validation-systems/3m-e-a-rfit-validation-system-test-plugs/system-fit-testing-unit-3m-e-a-rfit/p/03113609) is part of 3M’s broader commitment to elevating workplace safety standards through science and education. And the results speak for themselves. 

 

> Mitch Thompson, an Occupational Hygienist from the Hypex Group notes, *“Rather than just using visual inspection to ensure hearing protection is fitted correctly, the E-A-Rfit™ system allows us to put a number to it, making it tangible not only for the worker but also management. After using the E-A-Rfit™ system once, we saw its benefits and have been advocating strongly for our clients to adopt hearing protection fit-testing as part of their hearing conservation programs.”*

 

 

 

[SHOP 3M](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/3m/b/557642/brand)

<https://www.blackwoods.com.au/3m/b/557642/brand>

 

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[View full post](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/off-the-scale-hearing-protection-for-every-worker-3m)

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