Nittany Acoustics, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: DHA221-002

Description

This project involves the development of an Android-based hearing protective device fit-testing system. The system will employ FitCheck Solo on the Android to measure attenuation provided by insert-type hearing protectors. FitCheck Solo is a well-known, popular field measurement system that has been in use since 2013. FitCheck Solo has a significant presence in both the military and commercial sectors. The FitCheck Solo-based system will be scalable to allow testing on any number of individuals. The proposed system will also be capable of performing F-MIRE (Field-Microphone in Real Ear) hearing protector attenuation measurements on a single test subject. The F-MIRE measurements can be made on any type or combination of hearing protection, such as earmuffs, helmets, double protection and even active noise control devices. Thus, the proposed system can measure the protection provided by any type of hearing protection. Finally, the system will be capable of making ambient noise measurements in octave bands. This combination will be very valuable for the hearing conservationist, allowing comparisons of attenuation afforded an individual and exposure levels to determine protected exposure levels. The protected exposure level is the only metric directly related to the potential of noise-induced hearing loss.