Evolving the S12.71 standard for newer hearing protector fit-testing technologies

Since the release of the ASA/ANSI S12.71 standard in 2018, the science of hearing protector fit testing has continued to evolve. New fit-testing systems have been developed, some using technologies or techniques that did not exist as the initial version of S12.71 was being drafted. For example, some fit-testing systems perform objective measurements using the ambient noise environment around a hearing protection user, and they may continuously or automatically monitor the fit of the hearing protector. This presentation reviews selected criteria for fit-testing systems outlined in the S12.71 standard and proposes updates that should be considered for a potential revision of the standard in light of newer fit-testing techniques.