Impulse Assessment of the Moldex (Registered Trademark) Battleplugs (Registered Trademark) Impulse Protection 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 Moldex Battleplugs Impulse Protection Earplug. Testing included two test modes: cap open (i.e., unfiltered) and cap 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 micro 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 cap open and cap closed modes. Results of the testing revealed overall higher mean IPIL values when the Battleplugs earplug 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 Battleplugs can adequately protect (i.e., reduce exposure to less than 140 dBP) against impulses below 173.6 dBP in the cap open mode, and 178.3 dBP in the cap closed mode.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 18, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1160480
Entities
People
- Alexa H. Kolias
- Derek W. Schwaller
- Jacob J. See
- Jeremy S. Federman
- Stephanie J. Karch
Organizations
- Leidos
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory