Impulse Assessment of the 3M(trademark) Combat Arms(trademark) Generation 4.0 Earplug
Abstract
The impulse peak insertion loss (IPIL) is the standard measure of attenuation provided by hearing protection devices (HPDs) in response to an impulsive noise. This technical memorandum describes the IPIL testing conducted and the calculated mean IPIL values for the 3M Combat Arms Generation 4.0 Earplug (CAE Gen. 4.0; Model: 6515-01-576-8861). Testing included two test modes: open (i.e., unfiltered) and closed (i.e., filtered). Testing was completed in accordance with the ANSI standard S12.42-2010. All device samples were tested at the nominal levels of 150, 160, and 170 decibel peak (dBP, re: 20 Pa). A total of five samples were fitted to an acoustic test fixture two times each for a total of 10 trials per test level in both the open and closed modes. Results of the testing revealed overall higher mean IPIL values when the CAE Gen. 4.0 was in the closed mode compared to the open mode at all nominal test levels. These results suggest that, when properly fit and functional, the CAE Gen. 4.0 can adequately protect (i.e., reduce exposure to less than 140 dBP) against impulses below 175.2 dBP in the open mode, and 179.0 dBP in the closed mode.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 24, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1157450
Entities
People
- Alexa H. Kolias
- Derek W. Schwaller
- Jeremy S. Federman
- Stephanie J. Karch
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory