Evaluation of the effectiveness of different training actions in the placement of hearing protectors in individuals without previous knowledge of use

• Grant number: 18/19691-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2019
• End date: February 29, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Alessandra Giannella Samelli
• Grantee: Daiane Alves Martins
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the workplace, worker safety is of vital importance. In this sense, the actions of sanitary and epidemiological surveillance, aimed at identifying situations that require the planning of protection actions, which seek prevention, are necessary. Since these collective measures are not always possible, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (hearing protectors), and in the correct way, becomes the most efficient method in the short term. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of placement of the hearing protector (HP) by the personal attenuation rating (PAR) obtained after different training methods for placement of the insertion plug HP. Methods: A total of 40 university students from both sexes, who do not use hearing protection devices, will participate in this study. All participants will be guided about the study and, if they agree, should sign the informed consent form to participate in the study. After anamnesis and otoscopy, the personal attenuation rating (PAR) will be evaluated using the 3M EA-Rfit Validation System, in two stages: first, without the individual having prior knowledge about the correct form of insertion of the HP and then after the educational intervention. Three interventions will be evaluated and compared: written information (available on the package), demonstrative training provided by the evaluator, and visualization of a self-explanatory video on how to perform adequate HP placement. We will compare the different interventions among each other, based on the PAR, as well as will be compared the PAR obtained pre and post interventions.