Abstract

The system is designed for the purpose of providing a means of conducting objective assessment of the actual or "real world" attenuation which is provided by insert-type hearing protection (IHP) devices. A device is constructed to serve as the input device to any commercially available noise dosimetry instrument or sound level measuring device. A miniature microphone is mounted on, or embedded in the proximal surface of the IHP which is to be inserted in the ear or upon the ear of the user. The miniature microphone is hard wired to a miniature jack which is mounted on, or embedded in, the distal surface of the IFP device. A cable connects to the jack on the outside of the IHP device and to the input of the noise dosimetry instrument or sound level measurement device. Thereby, when the IHP device containing the above is used, the dosimetry or sound level measurement instrument conducts assessments of actual sound levels to which the hearing mechanism is exposed when IHP devices are in use. In that manner, objective assessment of IHP device effectiveness is accomplished, allowing the ability to obtain experienced (real world) vs. non-experienced (laboratory) data. Furthermore, inter-subject and intra-subject variability as well as intra-IHP and inter-IHP variability data can be collected with the use of this device and method. This device and method also eliminate the need for any audiometric equipment necessary for the prior art assessment of the effectiveness of IHPs in general. In a preferred embodiment, the microphone and jack are mounted in a tube which is then inserted in the IHP. A similar tube, without the microphone and jack, can be used in IHPs actually worn for protection to replicate in field use conditions the field test conditions.