BS EN ISO 4869-1:2018

What is ISO 4869‑1- Subjective method for the measurement of sound attenuation for hearing protectors about?

ISO 4869‑1 discusses hearing protectors. ISO 4869‑1 is an international standard that provides a subjective method for the measurement of sound attenuation for hearing protectors to ensure protection against hazardous noise at the workplace.

ISO 4869‑1 is the first part of a multi-part series that specifies a subjective method for measuring sound attenuation of hearing protectors at the threshold of hearing.

The method specified by ISO 4869‑1 is a laboratory method designed to yield reproducible values under controlled measurement conditions. The values reflect the attenuating characteristics of the hearing protector only to the extent that users wear the device in the same manner as did the test subjects.

Note: Due to masking from physiological noise in the occluded ear tests, sound attenuations below 500 Hz can be overestimated by a few decibels.

Who is ISO 4869‑1- Subjective method for the measurement of sound attenuation for hearing protectors for?

ISO 4869‑1 on  subjective method for the measurement of sound attenuation for hearing protector is useful for:

• Manufacturers of hearing protectors
• Health and safety departments
• Acoustic engineers
• Testing laboratories/test persons of hearing protectors

Why should you use ISO 4869‑1- Subjective method for the measurement of sound attenuation for hearing protectors?

Hearing protectors are commonly used to reduce the noise to which the ear is exposed. Hearing protectors are manufactured as earplugs, earmuffs, or helmets.

ISO 4869‑1 provides you with the test methods to measure the sound attenuation of hearing protectors to prevent harmful effects from noise and other loud acoustic stimuli.

By using the test methods and measurements provided by ISO 4869‑1 the user can improvise the performance of the hearing protectors and ensure protection to the wearer from the impact of noise at workplaces.

What is changed since the last update?

BS EN ISO 4869‑1:2018 supersedes ISO 4869‑1:1990. BS EN ISO 4869‑1:2018 has made some technical changes. These include:

• Changes of the sound field requirements, specification of test equipment, test procedures and instructions to the test subjects, and uncertainty of the measurements. The sound field requirements are based on published and unpublished laboratory experience, especially [10] and [11] in the Bibliography