Communication and Localization with Hearing Protectors

Abstract

Hearing protectors are frequently used to preserve hearing when personnel are working in areas of high pulse and/or continuous noise. Speech communication and auditory localization are two important functions of the auditory system, which potentially are impeded when circumaural and/or insert hearing protectors are used. This paper describes the measured effects of hearing protectors on speech communication and auditory localization. The effects on auditory localization include interactions with the visual system and the resulting effects on locating potential objects which may pose a threat to the listener. Implications for military and civilian users of hearing protectors are discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADP010343

Entities

People

  • Richard L. McKinley

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Ambient Noise
  • Attenuation
  • Ear
  • Frequency
  • Hearing Protection
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Impulse Noise
  • Loudspeakers
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Research
  • Noise
  • Noise Reduction
  • Reaction Time

Readers

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