Objectives: Usability is an important but often overlooked aspect of personal protective equipment
technology. As part of a worksite intervention trial of a new technology for prevention of
noise-induced hearing loss that allows workers to monitor their noise exposure inside of hearing
protection on a daily basis, we studied the usability of the daily noise exposuremonitoring device.
Methods: We conducted surveys and focus groups for workers enrolled in an intervention
trial of daily use of a noise dosimeter with a microphone fitted inside of an individual’s hearing
protector (QuietDose). Volunteers completed a baseline and annual survey that included questions
about perceived usability of the QuietDose device. Responses to usability questions on the
annual survey were abstracted and compared to whether the individual was still using the
device. Finally, 16 in-depth focus groups were conducted with subjects to qualitatively explore
common themes regarding the usability of the technology.
Results: Reported problems downloading data or starting and stopping the monitoring
device and/or ear discomfort were associated with whether individuals chose to continue monitoring
and downloading their noise exposure data. Perceived benefits of the technology
included the perception that it could help preserve hearing.
Conclusions: A novel technology that allows workers to record noise exposures inside of
hearing protectors on a daily basis has been developed. Current users of the device report
positive perception about how the device is helping them prevent noise-induced hearing
loss. However, in its current version, users reported a number of usability barriers that
are associated with stopping use of the device. These barriers to use should be addressed
as the technology progresses.