Evaluation of V-51R and EAR (trademark) Earplugs for Use in Flight.

Abstract

This study evaluated the test plugs for short-term comfort, ease of use, and their ability to allow pressure equalization in the external auditory canal during both ascent and descent. This study did not attempt to evaluate attenuation features of either earplug. Approximately half the test subjects thought the V-51R earplugs were more comfortable than the EAR (trademark) plugs. All 30 test subjects indicated that the EAR (trademark) plugs were more difficult to use than the V-51R plugs. All subjects completed the altitude flight series without ear pain or discomfort due to the changing barometric pressure. This study suggests that the majority of our aircrews could wear either earplug in flight without difficulty, thus providing increased protection against the hazardous noise environments in which the aircrews must perform. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA038414

Entities

People

  • Donald C. Gasaway
  • Roger L. Stork

Organizations

  • United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Altitude
  • Altitude Chambers
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Chambers
  • Classification
  • Confidence Limits
  • Ear
  • Equalization
  • Flight Helmets
  • Governments
  • Ground Level
  • Security
  • Statistical Analysis

Readers

  • Acoustics.
  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.
  • Systems Analysis and Design