The advantages of using FM radio hearing protectors

In a study performed at a Volvo factory the effects of providing the employees with new hearing protectors integrated with FM radio receivers were evaluated. This study was instigated based on the results of an earlier study at the same factory, concerning the evidence of noise induced hearing loss even though hearing protection products were in use.

The major reasons given for this low acceptance where;
- The protector is uncomfortable,
- I cannot hear the external radio,
- I cannot hear what my colleagues say,
- I feel” isolated”.

The factory manager in cooperation with the trade union delegate decided to start a project with the aim to increase the usage and wear time of hearing protectors. One part in this project was to evaluate the relatively new protectors with fully integrated FM radio receivers. After a 6-month period the results were analyzed.