The Effect of Helicopter Noise on Communication and Hearing.

Abstract

STEM INTELLIGIBILITY ARE SERIOUS ONES. The effort described by this report is aimed at reducing the sound pressure levels at the aviator's ears while maintaining high intelligibility and quality in the communication system. The overall problem is first defined. The noise levels inside all areas of the CH-47 were found to exceed the hearing damage risk criteria set forth by the Surgeon General. Even with hearing protectors, the aviator is limited to the time he may fly without undue risk to his hearing. The electrical characteristics of the communication system were determined. Non-linear frequency responses of the microphone and earcup were detected. These resonances cause emphasis of those frequencies in which the ear is most sensitive. The poor noise cancelling ability of the M-87 microphone at high frequencies cause low signal to noise ratios in the communication system. An intelligibility vs. in-ear dBA level study was run to evaluate the potential success of an 'ideal' perfect noise cancelling microphone and other microphone modifications.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0767222

Entities

People

  • Gerard C. Keane
  • Thomas A. Giordano

Organizations

  • United States Army Communications-Electronics Command

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Communication Systems
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Response
  • Helicopters
  • Intelligibility
  • Microphones
  • Resonance
  • Sound Pressure

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Speech Processing/Speech Recognition.
  • Systems Analysis and Design