# A Wireless Audiometric Headset that Integrates Hearing Testing, Education, and Personalized Hearing Protection Fitting

> **NIH ALLCDC R44** · CREARE, LLC · 2021 · $361,112

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Although the solution to occupational noise-induced hearing loss seems easy—train and provide hearing
protectors to employees in high noise environments—hearing loss continues to be one of the most common
work-related illnesses. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, about 17% of all
workers are exposed to hazardous noise (about 22 million workers). Yet, despite the implementation of
industrial hearing conservation programs following OSHA’s 1983 Hearing Conservation Amendment, the
prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss decreased less than 1% over the last 30 years (1981–2010). Like
most other personal protective equipment, hearing protection, especially earplugs, must be used properly to do
their job. Proper use of earplugs requires two steps: (1) training proper insertion of earplugs, and (2) testing
after self-insertion of the earplug to ensure the training was effective (and to reinforce training over time).
Research has shown that providing actual feedback on how well individuals don their hearing protectors has a
significant impact on their ability to reliably achieve adequate protection. This technique is referred to as
“fit-testing.” Although systems have been developed to perform “fit-testing,” they require a trained administrator
to perform the measurement.
Creare, in collaboration with its clinical and research partners, proposes to develop a mobile low-cost fit testing
device, with integrated audiometer, to help noise-exposed workers confirm they are adequately protected and
lower their daily exposure. Such an approach has the potential for high impact at very low cost because it
requires minimal effort on the part of the employers and workers to greatly improve the existing hearing
conservation programs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10367463
- **Project number:** 5R44OH011714-03
- **Recipient organization:** CREARE, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** ODILE H CLAVIER
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** ALLCDC
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $361,112
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10367463

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10367463, A Wireless Audiometric Headset that Integrates Hearing Testing, Education, and Personalized Hearing Protection Fitting (5R44OH011714-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10367463. Licensed CC0.

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