Talk Through Noise and Dosimetry System for Carrier Deck Crews Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Topic No.: N05-095 Topic Title: Talk Through Noise and Dosimetry System for Carrier Deck Crews Proposal No.: N052-095-0079 Firm: Creare Inc. P.O. Box 71 Hanover, New Hampshire 03755 Contact: Anthony Dietz Phone: (603) 643-3800 Web Site: www.creare.com Abstract: Face-to-face communication between crew members launching and recovering aircraft on a carrier deck is impaired by the high-noise environment. High-noise levels also mask the various audio cues that provide situational awareness. Yet effective communication and good situational awareness are key to safe and efficient operations. Current attempts to communicate involve shouting, gesturing, and often lead crewmembers to compromise their hearing protection. Creare proposes a Talk Through Noise (TTN) system that will improve face-to-face communications between crew members wearing hearing protection in high-noise environments, while maintaining the audio cues necessary for situational awareness without degrading their hearing protection. The system also includes a module for speech enhancement that enables communication in very high noise (greater than 110 dB), and a dosimetry module that will allow crew chiefs to effectively manage the exposure of their crews. In Phase I, we will prove the feasibility of our approach through evaluations of potential system components, integration of selected components into a benchtop demonstration, and testing of this system with human subjects in a representative noise field. Prototype systems will then be fabricated and tested in Phase II of the project. Benefits: The proposed Talk Through Noise system will improve the cooperation and coordination of teams working in high noise environments, increasing the safety and productivity of these crews. The improved situational awareness provided by the system and the integrated dosimeter will further increase the safety of crew members operating in these environments. The technology will be valuable in any situation where team communication in high noise environments is required, including Army gun crews, car racing pit crews, and workers in construction and heavy manufacturing industries. Return