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Research Lab helps warfighters with communication and hearing protector system

  • Published
  • By Peter Meltzer, Jr.
  • Materials and Manufacturing Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Developmental testing involving two Air Force Research Lab technical directorates has helped the Army's Rapid Equipping Force equip and assess improved communication and hearing protection systems for deployed forces.

Known as QuietPro™, the lightweight technology protects against acoustic trauma -- injury to the hearing mechanisms within the inner ear caused by excessively loud noises (such as explosions). The system will enhance military operations and make hostile environments less dangerous for U.S. ground forces.

Technical evaluations and demonstrations coordinated by Capt. Brian R. Smith of AFRL's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, combined with performance and production quality assessments conducted by the Marine Corps, indicate the new system is a high quality product, comparable to high quality hearing aids and noise reduction headphones. Tests show the device can effectively safeguard troops from large acoustic events while improving field communications and ambient noise detection.

The Rapid Equipping Force identified QuietPro™ as an effective and promising technology solution. It leveraged AFRL Human Effectiveness Directorate developmental test and evaluation data for QuietPro™ and other competing systems. Testing included blast overpressure protection, noise reduction in a high noise environment, auditory direction perception accuracy, as well as planned future testing for the Marine Corps program. The Human Effectiveness Directorate also has the national standard facilities to measure speech intelligibility for communication systems. Some of the laboratory testing was completed under contract with AFRL.

The need for communication and hearing protection is tied to studies that indicate 35-54 percent of post-blast injuries result in permanent noise-induced hearing loss. Additionally, 23 percent of wounded-in-action primary injuries are to ears. Between 1977 and 2000, the U.S. government spent $3.9 billion on disability and treatment of hearing loss for veterans. An additional $3.9 billion was expended during 2001-2005 for combat environment related hearing problems.

Despite the statistics, qualitative data obtained from forward deployed personnel indicate troops on dismounted patrol choose not to wear hearing protection devices for fear they will lose the ability to pickup and distinguish surrounding sounds. QuietPro™ technology allows the user to increase or decrease the volume of these sounds; in other words, protect the user's hearing without sacrificing ambient noise detection. The volume can be manually turned up (similar to hearing aids) to detect faint clicks and foot steps, while providing automatic safety protection from loud noises.

"Identifying potential avenues to immediately equip and assess improved communication and hearing protection systems is the first step toward reducing the serious injuries and financial costs induced by acoustic trauma," said Captain Smith. "QuietPro™ technology provides active noise reduction, peak noise limits, blast protection, and improved field communications in one package."

The system comes with ear-plugs, a noise attenuation device with adjustable volume settings that can be easily attached to a soldier's vest, and connection cords that can interface with most military radios. The earplug is equipped with a miniaturized computer chip that sorts out and eliminates the damaging part of noise, reducing the risk of acoustic trauma. The plug also has a sensitive inner microphone that records the user's voice and transmits it via radio or wired systems, significantly improving field communications.

It is powered by replaceable or rechargeable batteries, allowing it to operate continuously on long marches. The system is compatible with helmets, protective masks, and other warfighting gear. Digital technology has been incorporated into the system for optimal sound during the mission.

The Marine Corps and Special Operations Command plan to purchase units based on the positive assessments and evaluations.