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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.
- Source :
-
International Journal of Audiology . Feb2012, Vol. 51, pS20-S30. 1p. 2 Diagrams, 1 Chart, 6 Graphs. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14992027
- Volume :
- 51
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- International Journal of Audiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 70480280
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2011.631591