Comparison of Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) Scores Using Three Different Transducers
Abstract
Army aircrew in hostile listening environments rely on hearing for crew coordination--a critical component of rotary-wing aviation. New technologies may require aviators to have the ability to not only hear in noise but also to localize warning and other signals. The Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) evaluates functional hearing in noise but has only been normalized using supra-aural headphones. Method: Sixty normal hearing students from Utah State University were equally partitioned into three groups. Each group was administered the HINT in four test conditions with one of three transducers: (a) THD-39 supra-aural, (b) ER-3A foam insert, or (c) the Communications Earplug (CEP). Results: Data analysis revealed no significant differences between scores obtained using the three transducers in any of the three noise conditions. There was a difference between the THD-39P results and those obtained from the other two insert earphones in the quiet condition that was likely due to a calibration issue. Conclusion: Insert-type earphones should be considered for administration of the HINT once a correction factor has been established.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA462841
Entities
People
- John Ribera
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab