E-A-R, Indianapolis, an Aearo Technologies brand, announced a free webinar discussing some of the most pressing topics in hearing protection, according to a recent company release. The two-part webinar led by hearing conservation expert Elliott Berger will discuss hearing protection performance ratings, overall effectiveness of hearing protection, the potential impact of changing NRR standards on the horizon, and communications in noise, the release said.

The sessions will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. EDT on consecutive Thursdays, June 19 and June 26, 2008.

Session I of Hot Topics on Hearing Protection, on Thursday, June 19, will addresses how attenuation is measured, understanding and computing NRRs and potential changes for the NRR system. Session II on July 26 will cover areas of interest such as improving communication in noisy settings; how to assign hearing protection devices (HPDs) based on noise exposure; and the proper fitting, use and care of HPDs.

Attendees can register to attend one or both of the Webinars at www.e-a-r.com/onlineclinic

Elliott Berger is an expert in the field of hearing protection, conservation and the effects of noise on hearing. In addition to chairing the ANSI working group S12/WG11 on hearing protectors, he is past a chairman of the American Industrial Hygiene Association's Committee on Noise, past president of the National Hearing Conservation Association, and a recipient of the National Hearing Conservation Association's Outstanding Hearing Conservationist Award. He served on a National Academy of Science committee evaluating hearing loss in the military and is an active member in a number of industry associations.