Document Detail


Azimuthal auditory localization of gunshots in a realistic field environment: Effects of open-ear versus hearing protection-enhancement devices (HPEDs), military vehicle noise, and hearing impairment.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22264060     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Abstract Objective: A controlled field experiment was conducted to evaluate localization of suprathreshold gunshot reports (from blank cartridges) with four hearing protection-enhancement devices (HPEDs) in comparison to the open ear with ambient outdoor noise and in 82 dBA diesel military heavy truck noise. Design: Five measures of localization accuracy and response time for eight shooter positions in azimuth were measured. Study sample: Nine normal-hearing and four impaired-hearing participants were tested. Results: Statistical analysis showed worse accuracy and response time performance with the electronic earmuffs (Peltor Com-Tac II™ in full gain position) than with the other tested HPEDs (Etymotic EB 1 and EB 15 High-Fidelity Electronic BlastPLG™ electronic earplugs, both set to Lo gain positions; and 3M Single-Ended Combat Arms™ passive earplug in level-dependent, "open" position). Performance with all HPEDs was worse than that with the open ear, except on right-left confusions, in which the earmuff stood alone as worst, and in response time, for which the EB 1 was equivalent to the open ear. There was no significant main effect of noise on performance. Hearing impairment increased right-left confusions. Subjective ratings related to localization generally corroborated objective localization performance. Conclusions: None of the tested HPEDs preserved "normal" localization performance.
Authors:
Kristen A Talcott; John G Casali; John P Keady; Mead C Killion
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  International journal of audiology     Volume:  51 Suppl 1     ISSN:  1708-8186     ISO Abbreviation:  Int J Audiol     Publication Date:  2012 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-01-23     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101140017     Medline TA:  Int J Audiol     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  S20-30     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
* Auditory Systems Laboratory, Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, Virginia , USA.
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