The Introduction of Custom Earplugs Aboard LCS-1

Abstract

NSMRL was responsible for providing custom-molded hearing-protective devices (HPDs) and conducting advanced hearing-conservation efforts with the crew of USS FREEDOM (LCS-1) as part of a longitudinal study on the effectiveness of a hearing-conservation program. This report documents our relevant experience with LCS-1 crewmembers, discusses related reports on the use of foam and custom HPDs, and provides interim recommendations. Custom-molded HPDs were judged by users to be superior in comfort, and able to be worn for longer periods of time than other devices (foam). Based on data from LCS and other related studies, the performance, acceptance, and cost of the custom-molded product are comparable, or better, than foam HPDs. The interim recommendation is to provide multiple types of HPDs, including custom earplugs, to service members.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 10, 2016
Accession Number
AD1010659

Entities

People

  • Heather Huebner
  • Jennifer Mccluskey
  • Lynne Marshall
  • Paul Weathersby

Organizations

  • Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acclimatization
  • Aircraft Carriers
  • Attenuation
  • Biomedical Research
  • Department Of Defense
  • Ear
  • Environment
  • Governments
  • Hearing Protection
  • Inspection
  • Littoral Combat Ships
  • Medical Personnel
  • Naval Vessels
  • Navy
  • Training
  • United States Government
  • Visual Inspection

Readers

  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.