Noise Attenuation Loss Due to Wearing APEL Eye Protection with Ear-Muff Style Headset Systems
Abstract
This report describes a baseline study to determine the level of acoustic leakage that can be expected when donning APEL eye protection while using earmuff type communication headsets. For the first phase of this study, three headsets, two helmets, nine pair of APEL eyewear, and four pair of non-APEL eyewear were tested using an ATF to determine the amount of attenuation loss due to eyewear. For the second phase of the study three headsets, three helmets, three pair of APEL eyewear, with and without prescription inserts, and two additional pair of eyewear were tested using an ATF to determine the amount of attenuation loss due to eyewear. Both phases measurements were done following the insertion loss measurement procedure outlined in ANSI S12.42-2010. The results show that wearing APEL spectacles with headset style communication systems is detrimental to the amount of noise attenuation provided by the headset. However, some spectacles produce smaller leaks than others, resulting in a smaller amount of attenuation loss. It is very important, however, to strike a balance so one sense organ will not be protected at the expense of another.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA557842
Entities
People
- Efrem Reeves
- Elmaree Gordon
- Summer Nomura
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab