Sound Innovations Inc will develop a next-generation hearing protection and communication headset to be worn with existing military aviator helmets, particularly the HGU-84/P helmet, that provides protection against noise-induced hearing loss and deliver clear incoming communications. Phase I research will provide baseline evaluation of hearing protection and speech intelligibility in noise and will explore the apparent trade-off between passive and active attenuation. Additionally, design concepts for integration of the system will be developed. The Phase I prototype and design concepts will lead to a fieldable prototype in Phase II.
Benefit: Anticipated benefits include reduction of noise induced hearing loss, increased communication efficiency, and improved compliance with use requirements. Commercial applications include industrial hearing protection.
Keywords: communication, communication, noise-induced hearing loss, active noise reduction, speech intelligibility., Hearing Protection
