3M E-A-Rfit User manual

User Instructions
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System User Instruction
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System User Instructions
Warnings and Cautions
WARNING
!
To avoid the risk of electric shock, which if not avoided could result in serious injury or death:
WARNING
!
• Do not immerse the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System in any liquid.
• Use indoors only.
• Disconnect power cord before cleaning.
• Clean the exterior surface of the speaker with a clean anti-static cloth.
• Do not attempt to clean the interior components.
• There are no serviceable parts.
• The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System must be returned to the manufacturer for repair.
• To avoid possible environmental contamination, dispose of the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System according
to applicable governmental regulations.
• Substitution of components may impair the accuracy of the instrument. Repairs should be performed by authorized
service personnel only.
• Read the User Guide before operation.
Introduction
This system is comprised of hardware and software that enables the operator to test and record the personal attenuation
rating (PAR) of many 3M hearing protection products. (See Appendix B, “Model, Parts and Accessories” for details.) Software
versions 5.9.1 and higher are compliant with ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018 American National Standard Performance Criteria for
Systems that Estimate the Attenuation of Passive Hearing Protectors for Individual Users.
Getting Started
This product contains the components illustrated below. Please follow the illustrated quick set-up guide in the lid of the case
to assemble your hardware.

Table of Contents
Installing the Software 2
Hardware Setup: Speaker and Cable Connection 2
Software Start-up 4
Home Screen 5
Microphone Verification 7
Test Overview 7
How it Works 8
Test Procedure 8
Test Results 10
Visual Status Indicators 10
Action Button Key 11
Quick View 12
Safety Guide 13
Fitting Gauge 13
Attenuation Graph 14
Detail View 14
Reports 15
Employee Report 15
Company Report 16
Data Manager 17
Company 17
Adding or Editing a Company 18
Delete a Company 19
Employee 19
Add or Edit an Employee 20
Importing Employee Data 21
Operator 22
Add an Operator 22
Edit an Operator 23
Export 23
Octave Band Data 23
Employees Due for Testing 24
Employee Session Duration 25
Export Data 26
Hearing Protector Assignment 27
Import E-A-Rfit 4 Data 28
Settings 29
Database 29
Service URL 29
Software Updates 29
User Support 30
Resources 31

Request Technical Assistance 32
Check for Updates 32
Appendix A 33
Standards/Directives 33
References 33
United States Patents 33
Measurements Computed 34
Mechanical Specifications 34
Power Supply and Operating Conditions 34
Environmental Operating Conditions 34
User Interface Requirements 34
System Requirements 35
Performance Statement 35
Appendix B 36
Kit Components 36
Probed Test Hearing Protector Accessories 36
Contact 3M 36
Within the United States 36
Outside the United States 37
Legal and Regulatory Information 37
FCC/IC 37
Calibration 38
Warranty 38
Responsibility for Data Privacy and Security 38
Limitation of Liability 38

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Installing the Software
1) Insert the provided flash drive into your computer or download the latest version from the 3M website by visiting
EARfit.3M.com.
2) Navigate to the software folder in your File Explorer window.
3) Run the Setup.exe file.
4) Follow the prompts in the application setup wizard.
Hardware Setup: Speaker Stand and Cable Connection
1) After removing the items from the case, lay the speaker down on a table and screw the stand post into the bottom of
the speaker.
2) Attach the stand base to the stand post by screwing it in clockwise.

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3) Set the unit on a table upright
4) Plug the power cord into the top socket on the back of the unit.
5) Plug the power adapter into a wall out. A green light will illuminate on the unit.
6) Insert the microphone assembly into the middle socket on the back of the unit. Take care to ensure the plug is properly
aligned into the socket.
7) Hang both microphones by the integrated clips to the clip on the front of the unit.
8) Attach the USB cord to the bottom socket on the back of the unit.
9) Insert the free end of the USB cord into a USB port on your computer.

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IMPORTANT NOTE
i
A device driver message may appear on your computer task bar. That is okay.
A red light will flash once the speaker has successfully connected.
Software Start-up
The start-up process includes the selection of the language, operator, and company. It may also be used to begin testing,
review hearing protection fit-tests, and access the data manager (see following sections for details).
IMPORTANT NOTE
i
Clicking the Home icon or the E-A-Rfit™ logo will return you to the home screen.

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Home Screen
1) Open the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System software.

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2) Select your language by clicking on the drop-down language menu.
3) Select the Operator, which is the person conducting the test.
To add an Operator:
a) Click the Add button next to the Operator field.
b) Fill out the dialogue box that appears.
To edit an Operator:
a) Click the Edit button next to the Operator field.
b) Edit the dialogue box as needed.
4) Select your company. For more information on adding or editing a company, see .
5) Click on Begin Testing to start the testing process.
IMPORTANT NOTE
i
See the and sections for information on these functions.

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Microphone Verification
Microphone verification is necessary to assure the microphones and speaker are operating properly. A microphone
verification is required each time the software is started. Re-verification is required after four (4) hours of use or after fifty (50)
fit-test sessions, whichever comes first.
1) Slide the right (red) and left (blue) microphones into the speaker clips as illustrated on the software screen.
2) Click the Start Verification button.
– If the microphones are functioning correctly, a green check mark will appear. Click Continue to Testing to
proceed.
– If verification does not pass, a red X will appear. Disconnect and reconnect the microphones and press Try Again.
Test Overview

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How it Works
The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System encompasses a specially designed loudspeaker that allows for an accurate
presentation of the test signal and real-time communication between the microphones, speaker and software. The
dual-element microphones make it possible to measure the sound level simultaneously inside and outside the hearing
protector.
The reference microphone measures the level of the test signal outside the ear. The measurement microphone is connected
to one of the specially modified 3M probed test earplugs or earmuff cushions to allow measurement of the sound level inside
the wearer’s ear canal while the hearing protector is worn. The difference between the outside and inside microphone levels
is used to calculate the personal attenuation rating (PAR) for each employee: the amount of noise reduction in decibels
obtained by that individual with the specific model and size of hearing protector being worn. The PAR is an indication as to
whether or not the standard version of that model of hearing protector, without the test probe attached, will provide sufficient
attenuation for the noise exposure in the workplace.
The 3M™ probed test earplugs and earmuff cushions are designed to be equivalent to the performance of the actual hearing
protectors they represent. Attenuation differences between the probed and the non-probed products are accounted for in
the PAR calculation by applying compensation factors which are derived from laboratory studies.
IMPORTANT NOTE
i
The use of fit testing cannot be assumed to meet all regulatory requirements. Follow all applicable regulations for determining
hearing protector noise attenuation.
Test Procedure
1) Welcome the employee (test subject) to sit in a chair in front of the speaker. Explain the fit test process and select the
appropriate model of probed test plugs or probed test earmuff cushions.
2) In the software, select the employee. You may type the employee name or select by using the drop-down menu. For
information on adding an employee, see Add or Edit an Employee.
3) Click Select Product or Change Product to add or change a product for the employee being tested.

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IMPORTANT NOTE
i
To determine which model of probed test plug should be used for the selected hearing protector, click on the icon with
the probed plugs. A complete crossover guide for probed hearing protectors is also available in the resources tab within
the software.
4) Have the test subject fit the test plugs or earmuffs themself using the insertion method specified by the User Instructions
and/or Fitting Instructions provided with the hearing protector.
IMPORTANT NOTE
i
The presence of the probe tube may interfere with pressing on the end of the probed test plug stem. Instruct subjects
who use this technique to pinch the probe tube and the end of the stem to achieve the same fit. See the image below.
If for any reason the test subject is unable to achieve normal insertion depth due to interference with the probe tube, be aware
that the PAR test result may under-estimate the attenuation of the regular hearing protector when inserted to the correct
depth.
5) After the test subject has inserted both probed test plugs or fitted the probed test earmuff, attach the microphones to
each by inserting the metal probe tube on the microphone fully into the probe tube on the test plug. Then hang the
microphones on the eyewear temple bars with the reference microphone pointing up. If the test subject does not wear
eyewear, have the test subject put on the safety glasses provided with the product kit and hang the microphones as
described.
6) With the employee positioned about twelve (12) inches away from the speaker, click Run Test. The speaker will produce
a short test signal.
7) Once the test ends, the results will display the measured attenuation.
8) Once complete, click End Session.
The session timer will start and stop during the following events:
– A different employee is selected

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– The session is ended by the operator
– The software is closed
The results can be used to retrain the worker to wear hearing protection more effectively. If you have unexpected results,
reference the process diagram below.
Test Results
The hearing protection fit-test results are displayed on the tabs entitled Quick View, Protection, Attenuation Graph, and Detail
View. The indicator and action buttons are repeated in each tab and are identified in the tables below.
Visual Status Indicators
The following visual indicators are us throughout the Test Results section of the software.
Indicator Symbol Description
Green Checkmark The measurement passed, denoting the employee’s
binaural PAR minus the uncertainty is equal or above the
target minimum attenuation (TMA). TMA is the
employee’s exposure minus the company exposure limit.
For example, if the employee’s exposure is 95 dBA and
the company exposure limit is 80 dBA, then the TMA is 15
dB. The operator may mark the measurement that pass as
a baseline and assign the hearing protector if desired.

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Action Button Key
Throughout the Test Results section, there are various action buttons and checkboxes. See the table below for more
information on these options.
Red “X” The binaural PAR minus uncertainty failed to meet the
target minimum attenuation. A failed measurement can
be set as a baseline, but you will not be able to assign a
hearing protector that has failed. Uncertainty is displayed
in the Detail View Tab.
Yellow Caution Three conditions trigger this warning and the software
will alert the operator. The first condition is when the
attenuation value is less than 10 dB at 125 Hz. The second
condition is when there is a 15 dB or more difference
between the left and right PAR measurements. The third
condition occurs when octave-band attenuation values or
PAR value exceed defined limits, which may indicate a
blocked probe tube. In these cases, the pop-up will
suggest that the hearing protector be retested after
adjusting how it is worn or inspecting and possibly
replacing the test probe. You may mark a cautioned
measurement as a baseline, but you will not be able to
assign a hearing protector when a caution symbol is
present.
Grey Ellipses (dots) The employee record does not have a noise exposure
level included. Without an employee exposure value,
protection sufficiency cannot be determined. You may
mark a grey measurement as a baseline, but you will not
be able to assign a hearing protector where protection
sufficiency cannot be determined.
Button/Checkbox Description
End Session Session Duration is the total test time for each employee
including each fit-tested hearing protector (if more than
one is tested). The session timer will start and stop when
a different employee is selected, or the session is ended
by the operator, and/or when the software is closed.
Retest Product Immediately run a new test of the same product
Test Another Product Opens the product selector to allow testing of another
product
Baseline Will set a benchmark when the employee is first tested.
Once checked, the baseline will be stored in the history
column.
Assigned When employee achieves adequate hearing protection
and a tested product is assigned to employee for use
while working in noise. Once checked, assigned products
will appear in the history column and be stored in the
database as the primary hearing protector.
Indicator Symbol Description

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Quick View
The Quick View tab details personal attenuation rating (PAR) results from the fit test, the values in the left and right ear, the
type of hearing protector, Baseline and Assigned check boxes, the Session Duration, and the Test History column.
When on this tab, the Baseline and Assigned checkboxes may be assigned or selected. The Baseline is typically used to denote
that it was the first measurement taken on a given protector for a given employee. It may be used as a benchmark or target
of the measurement. The Assigned checkbox may be used when the employee achieves adequate hearing protection, and
the operator recommends wearing this hearing protector while working in a noise environment. If these are assigned, this
information will appear in the test history column with the hearing protection product, the PAR value, and the date and time
of the test. It will also appear on the company and employee reports.
Personal Attenuation Rating
Create Report Allows the creation of an Employee Report and Company
Report.
Delete (trashcan icon) Used to delete a fit-test when it is selected in the test
history column
Change/Edit Employee (two buttons next to Employee
field)
Change/Edit Employee (two buttons next to Employee
field)
Notes The note field allows an operator to enter any notes
related to the employee displayed. Notes will be
displayed on Company Reports and stored in the
software.
Button/Checkbox Description

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The personal attenuation rating (PAR) is displayed for both the left and right ears as well as a binaural value. The values have
the uncertainty subtracted and displayed on this tab. The binaural PAR is calculated using the lowest attenuation value per
octave band for each ear.
IMPORTANT NOTE
i
3M™ uses PAR minus the uncertainty value to calculate user protection. Calculated uncertainty includes user fitting variability,
variability in the user’s noise spectrum, and the measurement of variability itself.
Left and Right Values
The left and right values are the computed results from the fit test for each ear with the uncertainty value subtracted. See for
additional details.
Protection
The Protection tab shows the employee's protected exposure in a similar manner to the guidance in the European guidance
document EN 458 and the Canadian hearing protection standard CSA Z94.2. The protected exposure is calculated by
subtracting the binaural PAR (minus the uncertainty) from the employee's exposure.
Safety Guide
The Safety Guide indicates where the employee fit-test results are located on a risk spectrum.
Fitting Gauge
The Fitting Gauge is an estimate of where the employee PAR value compares to what can be achieved with the hearing
protector tested.

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IMPORTANT NOTE
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Hover your mouse over the Fitting Gauge needle to see how the PAR results compare to others who were tested on the same
model. You may also hover your mouse over Your Fit to see the PAR value.
Attenuation Graph
The Attenuation Graph tab plots the attenuation at each of the seven octave bands for the left ear (blue) and the right ear (red).
The PAR values for left, right, and binaural are values carried over from the Quick View tab. This information allows the
operator to analyze the shape of the curve and look for abnormalities.
IMPORTANT NOTE
i
Low attenuation values in the lower frequencies might indicate a poor seal.
Detail View
In the Detail View Tab Results, the full value of the PARs are displayed for left, right, and binaural along with associated
uncertainty values.
In the middle of the screen, the formula for the protected exposure is displayed and calculated providing the results for the
recommended user protected exposure.

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Reports
This product offers two different report options. Reports can be viewed in the program, saved as a file, or printed.
Employee Report
The employee report provides a basic personalized fit-test report.

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Company Report
The company report provides additional fit test detail desired for company record-keeping. A signature line is available for
companies who wish to have employees sign after they have been tested.

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Data Manager
The data manager is used as a support portal to manage the company, employee, and operator data without having to have
hardware connected. Additionally, reports can be generated, fit-test data can be exported, and data from the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™
Dual-Ear Validation System 4 database files can be imported.
Company
The Company tab may be used to modify, add, or delete company data or records. The required fields are noted by an asterisk
which include the name, country and company exposure limit.
The company exposure limit is a required value and is used to compute the target minimum attenuation, the protected
exposure and protection maximum value.

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IMPORTANT NOTE
i
Purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all privacy and security-related laws and regulations applicable to the
collection, storage, use, import and export of all data (personally-identifiable or otherwise) entered into, or generated by, the
3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System. Access to the 3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear System is not password-controlled.
Purchaser should implement all necessary administrative, physical and technical safeguards it determines are necessary to
ensure the integrity, confidentiality and security of the data against both internal (e.g., access by unauthorized personnel,
misuse of data) and external threats (e.g., "hacking").
Adding or Editing a Company
In the Company screen, there are three optional Label fields which allow you to customize the name that appears in the
software and in the reports. The fields include the Employee ID, Employee Section, and the Employee Function. For example,
if the company you are working with has “Departments” instead of “Sections”, you may add the alternative name, and it will
appear in the Employee records and in the reports.
Company Exposure Limit pertains to the maximum sound level an employee may be exposed to as a time-weighted average
over their work shift. This may be a regulatory limit or a lower limit established by the employer. Input the appropriate exposure
limit within the range of 80 to 90 dBA.
IMPORTANT NOTE
i
Label fields will appear in the software screens and in generated reports.
To add a company record:
1) Click the Add button next to the Company field.
2) Enter in the company information as needed. Any field with an asterisk is required.