Abstract
The spectral and temporal response characteristics of five models of electroacoustic earmuffs (Bilsom 707 Impact II, Peltor Tactical 6s, Howard Leight Lightning and Thunder w/ProEars, and Silencio Electronic Low Pro hearing protectors) were measured with noise created by small arms fire from a 0.223 caliber rifle and a 9 mm handgun. Each hearing protector was tested in the fully-amplified (active) and no amplification (passive) conditions. The protectors were measured on an acoustic test fixture designed for high-level noise measurements. The protected and unprotected signals were recorded to digital audio tape and analyzed off-line. The reduction of peak sound pressure levels ranged between 16 and 32 dB for both the active and passive conditions. The time-averaged acoustic waveforms underneath the protectors exhibited little difference between active and passive conditions. The active electroacoustic performance approaches the passive attenuation performance. Auditory damage units were calculated for the unprotected and protected responses using the AHAAH cochlear model [Price and Kalb, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 90, 219–227 (1991)].
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.