Advanced Audio Technologies for Extreme Hearing Protection Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Topic No.: N05-095 Topic Title: Advanced Audio Technologies for Extreme Hearing Protection Proposal No.: N052-095-0471 Firm: Adaptive Technologies, Inc. 2020 Kraft Drive Suite 3040 Blacksburg, Virginia 24060 Contact: Kenji Homma Phone: (540) 951-1284 Web Site: www.adaptivetechinc.com Abstract: High noise environments increase the difficulty of face-to-face communication, with or without the use of hearing protection. Further, understanding the sound signals that are available in the environment for maintaining situational awareness becomes more difficult as background noise level increases. It is imperative to provide high-performing hearing protection devices for use in these high levels of noise. Therefore, methods are needed such that face-to-face communications and situational awareness can be restored to the user without causing further increases in the sound power reaching the outer ear. The proposed Phase I program relies on certain features of newly designed hearing protection devices that are reaching final stages of development. Transducers that are capable of offering high speech-to-noise ratios will be used to develop effective means for face-to-face communication between HPD users who are not equipped with radio communications. Specific hardware and algorithm approaches will be selected such that it is possible to monitor safe levels of voice communications and sound source localization delivered inside the HPD. The Phase I program will leverage existing ATI products that already incorporate means for logic decisions and advanced signal processing algorithms. Benefits: The benefits of the proposed advancements in HPD communication and sound source localization methods are twofold. First, all users will benefit from a means for face-to-face communications in tactical situations. Second, recovering any degree of situational awareness when wearing very effective hearing protectors will improve safety for all personnel who must work in the extreme noise environments. Return