Novel Communications and Hearing Protection for Helmet Systems: Communications Earplug.
Abstract
Communications and hearing protection are usually necessary for personnel involved in Army operations. Aircraft and ground vehicles produce noise levels in excess of the limits defined in current hearing conservation standards. Hearing protection and communications elements of most helmets constitute a significant portion of the weight of standard helmets. Further, performance of most helmets is marginal with respect to speech intelligibility and hearing protection. Some noise environments require that earplugs be worn in combination with the helmet protector in order to achieve adequate protection. The communications earplug (CEP) consists of a high quality earphone coupled with an earplug protector. Results of laboratory and field tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of this device. Speech intelligibility of the CEP in high noise environments is as good or better than any other available communications/protector. Improvements in sound attenuation when worn in combination with the earcup allow for maximum time within any Army noise environment. The CEP is comfortable over a period of several hours and, in its current configuration, is considered highly acceptable by seasoned Army aviators and crewmembers. The CEP demonstrates significant improvements in speech intelligibility for the hearing impaired as well as normal hearing individuals. The weight of the system is less than 15 grams.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA342903
Entities
People
- Barbara A. Murphy
- Ben T. Mozo
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab