The Effect of Hearing Protection Devices with and without Communications on Speech Intelligibility in Operationally Relevant Noise
Abstract
Hearing protection devices with communications capabilities (HPD-Cs) have great potential to generally improve HPD user compliance and particular use in hazardous occupational noise environments where radio communications are essential. Although it is hypothesized that use of an HPD-C will improve speech in noise performance, little information is known on how these advanced technologies affect speech intelligibility (SI) and user response time. Twenty adults provided informed consent and completed speech in noise testing using five active HPD-Cs (experimental) and two passive HPD (control) configurations SI was measured using the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT) in four continuous noise conditions representative of military occupational settings (quiet, 60, 90, and 110 decibels sound pressure level). MRT subject response time, attenuation of the device, and input/output loudness levels were also measured for each device. Results indicated a statistically significant improvement in SI accuracy in all noise conditions and decrease in response time with use of HPD-Cs versus with the control HPD configurations in all noise conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 11, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1212599
Entities
People
- Devon M. Kulinski
- Jeremy Federman
- Stephanie J. Karch
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory