The Effect of Using an Active Earmuff on High Frequency Hearing in United States Marine Corps Weapons Instructors.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the change in hearing and perceived comfort over 1 year related to using an active hearing protection device (HPD) among United States Marine Corps (USMC) personnel routinely exposed to hazardous noise. METHODS: USMC Weapons Instructors (n = 127) were issued an active earmuff that met military standards and was compatible with other protective equipment. These participants completed pre- and post-hearing tests and comfort surveys. A control cohort (n = 94) was also included to compare individual changes in high-frequency pure tone average (HF-PTA) over 1 year. RESULTS: The control group's HF-PTA was 3 dB worse than the intervention group after only 1 year. Survey responses revealed perceived improvements in the ability to hear and understand, situational awareness, and safety. CONCLUSIONS: Active HPDs can reduce hearing loss and improve hearing-related occupational tasks.