Performance Evaluation of Aviation Headset in Indian Army

Kumar Vyonkesh Mani; Neeru Kapoor; Devasharma Nayak; Bhuvnesh Kumar

doi:10.14429/dlsj.3.12911

Kumar Vyonkesh Mani
Neeru Kapoor
Devasharma Nayak
Bhuvnesh Kumar

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dlsj.3.12911

Keywords: Active Noise Reduction, Temporary Threshold Shift, Insertion Loss, Speech Intelligibility, Noise Dose

Abstract

Passive hearing protective devices, referred also as ear defenders, work by obstructing noise propagation through the ear canal of the receiver. These gadgets are a popular choice as they offer high attenuation over a broad frequency range, though at times inadequately, especially in the low frequency region, as per International Standards of occupational exposure to noise. Upward masking of speech signal by low frequency noise also degrades the intelligibility of speech in noise that may lead to decrement in performance and hamper the safety of individuals
working in noisy occupational environments. Active noise reducing hearing protective devices lend the possibility of avoiding these problems particularly where the major acoustic energy is centered at low frequencies, rendering these active contraptions a powerful tool in preventing noise induced hearing loss without hampering speech/oral
communication. Accordingly, the present study was undertaken to investigate the potential of Telex Stratus 30 Headset in providing protection against noise induced hearing loss and to evaluate its efficacy in improving the speech intelligibility of our Armed forces personnel working in different noise spectral environments

Author Biographies

Kumar Vyonkesh Mani

Mr Kumar Vyonkesh Mani did his MSc (Physics) from
University of Delhi, Delhi. He is working as a Scientist D
in Occupational Health Group at DRDO-Defence Institute of
Physiology and Allied Sciences, Delhi. His research includes:
Assessment of occupational noise and RF exposure to defence
personnel and development of suitable protective devices

Neeru Kapoor

Dr Neeru Kapoor obtained her PhD from Panjab University,
Chandigarh. Presently Heading the Occupational Health
Division at DRDO-Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied
Sciences, Delhi. She has spearheaded research on hazards and
ameliorating processes impacting human health and performance
in noisy occupational environments and successfully pioneered
indigenous design and development of efficacious interventions
for safeguarding the hearing and optimise performance of our
troops/soldiers.

Devasharma Nayak

Mr Devasharma Nayak did his BSc (Zoology) from Sambalpur
University from Orissa and Diploma (Medical Laboratory
Technology) from IPH&H, New Delhi. Currently, he is working
as a STA ‘B’ in Occupational Health Group at DRDO-Defence
Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Delhi

Bhuvnesh Kumar

Dr Bhuvnesh Kumar, obtained his PhD (Veterinary Medicine)
from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology,
Pantnagar (Uttarakhand). Presently working as Scientist ‘G’
and Director, DRDO-Defence Institute of Physiology and
Allied Sciences, Delhi. Earlier he was Project Director of Low
Intensity Conflicts to Counter Terrorism and Insurgency, and
the Director, Project Monitoring at Directorate of General Life
Sciences, DRDO HQrs, and Director, DIHAR.