FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Updated v1.0

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1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Updated v1.0 VeriPRO Helpdesk 877.VERIPRO [ ] For questions or additional VeriPRO support, please contact our Technical Helpdesk, available between 7.00 am and 4.00 pm Pacific Standard Time [PST]. LICENSE AGREEMENT 1. Can data from several VeriPRO units be pooled into one central computer? 2. Can a user with multiple locations have multiple installations of the software on more than one computer? PREFERENCES + SETTINGS 1. Can I use VeriPRO for a 12-hour Time Weighted Average [TWA]? 2. Can I use VeriPRO in regions where a 3 db exchange rate is used? 3. In Preferences, I m asked to select the Output File Directory. Is this where the Individual Attenuation Reports are stored? 4. Which fields are required to enter in a User Profile? 5. Why do I need to register my VeriPRO unit online? TEST METHOD + LOUDNESS BALANCE 1. Is VeriPRO a subjective test? 2. Since VeriPRO is a subjective test, does this mean it is less reliable than an objective test? 3. How comparable is the VeriPRO test to the Noise Reduction Rating [NRR] test protocol? 4. How does VeriPRO handle workers with existing hearing loss? 5. Can VeriPRO be used with workers who have severe hearing loss? 6. Am I seeing left ear results that are consistently better than right ear results? TEST PROTOCOL 1. Can a user go back over one or two previous screens during a Complete or Quick Check test to repeat them? 2. Does the slider bar change scale with each screen? 3. If there is a lot of background noise, can I still perform a VeriPRO test? 4. Why is it necessary to choose an earplug? Can t VeriPRO just test with any earplug? 5. What happens in each of the Cannot Match scenarios? 6. Why would a user click Too Loud/Stop Tones? TEST MODE QUICK CHECK 1. Why is 500 Hz tested for the Quick Check? 2. Why do some people get better results in Quick Check? TEST MODE COMPLETE CHECK 1. What is the allowed variability in Test/Retest? 2. What are the differences between Quick Check and Complete Check? 3. When I fail the reliability retest, or get a low attenuation warning, there is an extremely loud warning sound through the headphones. Is this normal?

2 CALIBRATION 1. Is calibration of the VeriPRO system required? RESULTS + REPORTING 1. Is it possible to get attenuation results by frequency? 2. What is Protected Exposure Level, and how is it calculated? 3. I saw the Individual Attenuation Report, but are Group Reports available in VeriPRO? 4. Can I pull up the Results Thermometer page for previous VeriPRO tests? 5. If a user obtains a PAR of 40 db, does this mean that his Safe Exposure Level [SEL] will be 120 db? IMPLEMENTATION 1. Most of our linemen are exposed to intermittent noise, with TWAs in the low 80s. Would VeriPRO be appropriate for them? TROUBLESHOOTING 1. As VeriPRO evolves, will the VeriPRO clients get free updates? 2. When I click on the Fit Training tab, a warning box pops up and I cannot access the training videos. LICENSE AGREEMENT 1. Can data from several VeriPRO units be pooled into one central computer? The basic VeriPRO system does not allow data pooling from multiple VeriPRO units. However, users can transport test result documents with one of two methods: There are two short-term answers: 1. Save each results page as a PDF. 2. Extract the data from the.txt output files. You can then enter the data manually into a spreadsheet or utilize a macro to automate that process. The best long-term solution is to have Sperian Hearing Protection create a custom data-pooling program for your needs. If this is desired, we meet with you to identify your Hearing Conservation Program s special data handling requirements, and quote a price for a custom application to be hosted on your server or a data-pooling program to be hosted on a central computer. 2. Can a user with multiple locations have multiple installations of the software on more than one computer? No. Like most commercial software, it is against the End-User Licensing Agreement [EULA] to install VeriPRO on multiple computers. The EULA allows the purchaser to install and use one copy of VeriPRO software on a single computer only [back-up copies and re-installations on a replacement computer are permitted]. Users who wish to run VeriPRO at multiple sites or on multiple computers should contact VeriPRO Technical Support for a quote on an Enterprise [multi-user license] installation of VeriPRO. PREFERENCES + SETTINGS 1. Can I use VeriPRO for a 12-hour Time Weighted Average [TWA]? The exposure entered into the User Profile assumes an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average [TWA] exposure. However, this does not affect the calculation of the Personal Attenuation Rating [PAR]; it only affects the Safe Exposure Level calculation. If your workers are routintely exposed to 10- or 12-hour exposures, the Safe Noise Criterion should be adjusted to a lower setting [82 or 80 db instead of 85 db] to accommodate the longer exposure duration. This can be done in the Preferences screen of the Toolbox.

3 2. Can I use VeriPRO in regions where a 3 db exchange rate is used? Exchange rates are not used anywhere in VeriPRO software. We are testing real-ear attenuation only, so no attempt at exposure assessment is included. In the worker's profile [entered under "Manage Users"], the administrator can enter the noise exposure of the worker using whatever exchange rate and criterion level is relevant to them. 3. In Preferences, I m asked to select the Output File Directory. Is this where the Individual Attenuation Reports are stored? No. This is where the raw data output.txt files are stored. The Individual Attenuation Reports are not automatically stored on a VeriPRO administrator s hard drive. Instead, you must Save as a PDF whenever an Individual Report is generated. You will select the Save option and identify the location whenever that process occurs. We recommend that you set up a VeriPRO Individual Attenuation Reports folder on your computer, in an easy-to-locate place. We recommend that you set up a VeriPRO Individual Attenuation Reports folder on your computer, in an easy-to-locate place, and that you save each Individual Attenuation Report immediately following each test. This will provide you with the Noise Thermometer for each test that employees takes, and can be used for visually comparing results. 4. Which fields are required to enter in a User Profile? All fields marked with an asterisk [*] are required. 5. Why do I need to register my VeriPRO unit online? All registered VeriPRO clients will gain access to specific information related to VeriPRO, including the latest research, additional training materials [presentations, webinars, audio/video demonstrations] and any critical news regarding your VeriPRO system. Registration for all VeriPRO clients is free. A username and password have been issued to you and was included in your VeriPRO system shipment. TEST METHOD + LOUDNESS BALANCE 1. Is VeriPRO a subjective test? VeriPRO uses a subjective test method, just like every rating method used in regulations throughout the world NRR, SNR, SLC and NRRsf all use subjective test methods. In fact, regulatory agencies such as OSHA do not allow a manufacturer to rate their earplugs using objective measures [in place of the NRR] on their packaging. A subjective test like VeriPRO causes some inherent variability, however there are some definite advantages: VeriPRO can use unmodified earplugs and can compare to NRR without corrections.

4 By definition, attenuation is a subjective measure: an objective method such as the Microphone in Real Ear {MIRE] Method means you cannot measure attenuation you have to measure a MIRE response, then relate that back to numerous lab tests you have performed to see the correlation. This is why users of the MIRE method may apply the words "Predicted PAR" [P-PAR] to their attenuation predictions. 2. Since VeriPRO is a subjective test, does this mean it is less reliable than an objective test? The variability in a subjective test like this is about 3 db retest reliability, which is very favorable. In comparison, the standard deviation published on any box of hearing protectors shows an average of 3 db in variability among lab subjects. 3. How comparable is the VeriPRO test to the Noise Reduction Rating [NRR] test protocol? In methodology, both tests are Real-Ear Attenuation tests performed on subjects. The biggest difference is that the NRR lab test is performed in a quiet test booth at hearing threshold levels, while VeriPRO overcomes that requirement by using a loudness balance procedure above threshold. The NRR calculation has several corrections and cushions built into its formula [including subtracting two standard deviations based on 10 test subjects], while the VeriPRO test does not require those kind of statistical corrections [since we are just measuring one individual's protection]. 4. How does VeriPRO handle workers with existing hearing loss? The VeriPRO test consists of three parts: Part 1 is administered without earplugs --- in this part, VeriPRO measures the relative asymmetry between the two ears and establishes a baseline of existing hearing loss. The software then takes that correction and applies it to Parts 2 & 3 of the test [earplug in right ear and earplug in both ears]. In this manner, a worker with mild or even moderate hearing loss can still be tested with VeriPRO with no effect on the results. 5. Can VeriPRO be used with workers who have severe hearing loss? Yes, though it depends upon the severity of the loss. In Complete Check mode, VeriPRO tests five frequencies: 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz. If the user has a severe hearing loss at 4000 Hz [which is not uncommon in noise-exposed populations], VeriPRO ignores that frequency, and proceeds just with the first four frequencies. If the user has a severe hearing loss at 2000 Hz [severe enough that the 65 db reference tone cannot be heard], then the Complete Check simply cannot be administered. In these cases, the Quick Check [500 Hz only] can be used to give a snapshot of attenuation for workers with severe hearing loss. 6. Am I seeing left ear results that are consistently better than right ear results? In the validation studies behind VeriPRO, we found an ear bias with small groups. But when we looked at large groups [that is, when we start to get a big sample of 100 or more workers], then the bias disappears. Statistically, we don't see any inherent bias for one ear or the other. Our validation studies did not show any significant learning effect from Test 1 to Test 2.

5 TEST PROTOCOL 1. Can a user go back over one or two previous screens during a Complete or Quick Check test to repeat them? No. As the VeriPRO test sequence builds upon itself, a test frame cannot be repeated. If a user makes a mistake and needs to go back, the best solution is to start a new test. 2. Does the slider bar change scale with each screen? Yes. As a quality control measure, the slider bar arbitrarily changes scale with each new screen. This helps prevent users from pegging their loudness balance visually, rather than audibly. 3. If there is a lot of background noise, can I still perform a VeriPRO test? We have defined the theoretical worst-case scenario of VeriPRO setting as 73 db of noise. For background noise above this level, one option is to open the Toolbox > Preferences, and change the presentation level of the unoccluded tones from 65 to 70 or 75. However, the higher this initial reference level is set, the more likely it will be that users will max out the slider bar without achieving loudness balance in their occluded tests. 4. Why is it necessary to choose an earplug? Can t VeriPRO just test with any earplug? There are two reasons: 1. Low Attenuation Check VeriPRO has stored the official attenuation values for each of the Howard Leight earplugs shown. During the test, VeriPRO checks the attenuation being achieved by the user against the official attenuation levels for the chosen earplug. If a user is not within a reasonable tolerance level, then user is warned that attenuation is too low, and the test at 500 Hz is repeated. After two warnings/repeats, the loudness balance test continues. 2. Stored Record By selecting an earplug, the record is stored in the reports showing attenuation results for that particular earplug. By having selected earplug stored reports, users can determine patters of better protection among certain models of earplugs. 5. What happens in each of the Cannot Match scenarios? It may be necessary for a user to to raise or lower the slider bar beyond the upper and lower limits shown on the screen. When this happens, the user should click on Cannot Match, which brings up a dialogue box with five choices: CANNOT MATCH I couldn t hear the sound in my left ear. I couldn t hear the sound in my right ear. I couldn t hear the sound in either ear. Sound in left ear is softer than my right ear. Sound in left ear is louder than my right ear. DESCRIPTION Clicking on this choice adjusts the slider bar range 10 db higher in the left ear. Clicking on this choice aborts the test, since the subject cannot hear even the reference tone. To correct this, the system operator would need to adjust the Reference Ear Level in the Both Ears Unoccluded section of parameter set-up. Test aborts, similar to I couldn t hear the sound in my right ear. Re-adjusts scale on slider bar 10 db higher. Re-adjusts scale on slider bar 10 db lower.

6 6. Why would a user click Stop Tones? There are four scenarios in which a user would activate this button: 1. The user has the headphones backwards [red earcup should be on right ear] 2. The user is not wearing earplugs when instructed. 3. The user has fit the earplugs so poorly that they offer little attenuation. 4. The system operator has not disabled computer-generated sounds in the Control Panel TEST MODE QUICK CHECK 1. Why is 500 Hz tested for the Quick Check? For hearing protector performance, 250 Hz and 500 Hz are the key indicators. It is quite easy to generate "false positive" results at 1000 Hz or higher that is, a poorly-fit hearing protector still provides decent protection at 1000 Hz, but 500 Hz has been shown in several studies to be the best "Pass/Fail" indicator frequency for proper HPD fit. 2. Why do some people get better results in Quick Check? Accuracy The Complete Check is definitely more accurate, since Quick Check only tests 500 Hz, and really serves just as a Pass/Fail indicator of fit. Built-in Correction There is a 5 db correction built into the Complete Check formula, as recommended in the calculation of ANSI S12.6 data. In other words, the Complete Check PAR is not just the mathematical average of attenuations at each of the five test frequencies. Instead, they are log-added, then a 5 db correction is subtracted. So if we were to test an earplug with the Quick Check mode, and then retest it again with the exact same fit using Complete Check, it is normal to have some small variation in the results. We estimate the variation to be about 3 db from test to test. TEST MODE COMPLETE CHECK 1. What is the allowed variability in Test/Retest? The maximum allowed variability in VeriPRO is 6 db. This is the same allowable variability used in laboratory hearing protector testing [ANSI S12.6]. 2. What are the differences between Quick Check and Complete Check? # Frequencies QUICK CHECK 1 frequency [500 Hz] COMPLETE CHECK 5 frequencies [250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz] Test Time 2-3 minutes 8-10 minutes Test Results Raw attenuation result Personal Attenuation Rating [PAR] Reliability Recheck None Re-test at 500 Hz Warnings None Low Attenuation warning whenever user is achieving less than half of the earplug s rated attenuation

7 3. When I fail the reliability retest, or get a low attenuation warning, there is an extremely loud warning sound through the headphones. Is this normal? No. When this happens, Windows is generating warning signals that are being amplified by the high-output VeriPRO headphones. The user should disable the computer-generated sounds, as described in the Quick Reference Guide. CALIBRATION 1. Is calibration of the VeriPRO system required? There are no regulatory requirements to calibrate the VeriPRO system. However, as manufacturers, we recommend an annual output check of the headphones. The VeriPRO headphones and audio processors are shipped from the factory already calibrated, with calibration stickers showing the Due Date of the next calibration check. We will provide the means for Sperian Territory Sales Managers and other Sperian personnel to perform these calibration checks in the field [or alternately, a VeriPRO user may send the unit back to Sperian Hearing Protection in San Diego, CA, for annual calibration check]. RESULTS + REPORTING 1. Is it possible to get attenuation results by frequency? Yes, but not in the Individual Report. A VeriPRO administrator can go into the output files [.TXT files] and retrieve this attenuation by frequency in each ear. 2. What is Protected Exposure Level, and how is it calculated? If a worker's estimated noise exposure is entered into the VeriPRO data, then the software will calculate the Protected Exposure Level at the conclusion of the VeriPRO test. Protected Exposure Level simply means: how much noise is reaching the eardrum of the user when he/she is in noise and wearing earplugs just the way they are now fit. It is calculated by taking the entered noise exposure for that worker, and subtracting the worst-ear attenuation of the earplugs. Example: TWA Exposure Level 92 db Lower PAR 20 db Protected Exposure Level 72 db The employee s Protected Exposure Level with that fit of that earplug is 72 db. This is a good safe exposure, even if the published attenuation on the package of that earplug states 30 db. VeriPRO essentially makes the published NRR somewhat irrelevent, since the NRR is a population average based on lab testing, and VeriPRO measures real attenuation for a specific worker. 3. I like the Individual Attenuation Reports for training and recordkeeping. Are Group Reports available in VeriPRO? No, the basic version of VeriPRO includes only individual reports, not group reports. Our software programming services can assist in building custom reports for you we can visit with you to find out your specific reporting needs, provide a price quote of programming time to build those custom reports, and deliver a software program with just the reports that would be most helpful to your Hearing Conservation Program.

8 4. Can I pull up the Results Thermometer page for previous VeriPRO tests? No. The "Results Thermometer" can only be accessed for an employee's most recent test. Prior VeriPRO Complete and Quick Check results for a selected employee can be accessed on Page 2 of the report, listed under the Historical Report section. 5. If a user obtains a PAR of 40 db, does this mean that his Safe Exposure Level [SEL] will be 120 db? The Safe Exposure Level is capped at 115 db. This is in accordance with OSHA regulation. VeriPRO should not display a Safe Exposure Level above 115 db, even though the measured attenuation may justify higher SEL. IMPLEMENTATION 1. Most of our employees are exposed to intermittent noise, with TWAs in the low 80s. Would VeriPRO be appropriate for them? Hearing Conservation Programs might prioritize their employees for VeriPRO testing as follows: New-hire employees Employees who have exhibited a Standard Threshold Shift [STS] in their hearing Employees who have exhibited a Temporary Threshold Shift [TTS] on their annual audiogram Employees who have exhibited a near shift or early warning change in hearing Employees selecting earplugs or who have complaints about their current earplugs Employees exposed to 100 db or higher Then as time allows, other employees could be tested TROUBLESHOOTING 1. As VeriPRO evolves, will the VeriPRO clients get free updates? Some quick updates or patches will be made available to VeriPRO clients at no cost. Major software upgrades or new versions which have significant features will be available at an additional cost. We will contact you when such updates are available. 2. When I click on the Fit Training tab, a warning box pops up and I cannot access the training videos. Please ensure Microsoft DirectX 9 is installed on your computer. You may link to download it here: 9b6652cd92a3&displaylang=en