Accession Number:

ADA557842

Title:

Noise Attenuation Loss Due to Wearing APEL Eye Protection with Ear-Muff Style Headset Systems

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.

Corporate Author:

ARMY AEROMEDICAL RESEARCH LAB FORT RUCKER AL

Personal Author(s):

• Reeves, Efrem
• Gordon, Elmaree
• Nomura, Summer

Report Date:

2012-02-14

Pagination or Media Count:

38.0

Abstract:

This report describes a baseline study to determine the level of acoustic leakage that can be expected when donning APEL eye protection while using earmuff type communication headsets. For the first phase of this study, three headsets, two helmets, nine pair of APEL eyewear, and four pair of non-APEL eyewear were tested using an ATF to determine the amount of attenuation loss due to eyewear. For the second phase of the study three headsets, three helmets, three pair of APEL eyewear, with and without prescription inserts, and two additional pair of eyewear were tested using an ATF to determine the amount of attenuation loss due to eyewear. Both phases measurements were done following the insertion loss measurement procedure outlined in ANSI S12.42-2010. The results show that wearing APEL spectacles with headset style communication systems is detrimental to the amount of noise attenuation provided by the headset. However, some spectacles produce smaller leaks than others, resulting in a smaller amount of attenuation loss. It is very important, however, to strike a balance so one sense organ will not be protected at the expense of another.

Descriptors:

• *ARMY EQUIPMENT
• *EAR PROTECTORS
• *EYE SAFETY
• *PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• ACOUSTIC ATTENUATION
• BASE LINES
• EARPHONES
• EYEGLASSES
• HELMETS
• SENSE ORGANS
• WOUNDS AND INJURIES

Subject Categories:

• Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies
• Protective Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE