Improving hearing protection compliance by optimizing user Mission Effectiveness

Abstract

Traditionally intra-aural (ear plugs) and Circum-aural (muff) style HPD’s are provided in elevated noise environments to provide additional noise protection. With proper training around insertion and wearing, these devices are used to provide compliance with safety standards for hearing exposure. It is well understood that the wearer’s ACTUAL protection, in their work/mission roles, are regularly eroded by misuse due to user isolation from “wanted” or “needed” sounds: Situational awareness for safety or mission needs, and Ambient and/or needed communications Alternative technologies can be applied to enhance the users Mission Effectiveness. With that, they “want to” wear devices. These can be customized/personalized to fit their mission while provide appropriate protection. While the overall protection might not reach the levels “possible” with a clinical HPD application, users wear the devices properly, gaining significant and consistent overall protection. This paper will explore additional technologies available, to incorporate into Muff-type HPD’s, that will enhance user productivity while also improving hearing protection: Active noise reduction (FB and FF), Active/personalized audio compensation and HPD effectiveness testing, Noise dosing information, and Customized alerts for preset thresholds covering hearing and environmental hazards.