This Standard specifies a subjective method for measuring sound attenuation of hearing protectors at the threshold of hearing. This Standard is applicable to hearing protectors, including earplugs and earmuffs, that are commonly used to reduce the noise to which ear is exposed.
The method 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.