Active Noise Reduction Headphones for In-Situ Audiometry Testing

Completed Project
US Air Force SBIR

Abstract

Active noise reduction (ANR) headsets have found a market niche in the hearing protection industry, thereby validating the technology of active noise control for personal applications. This Phase I project will seek to extend the application of personal ANR systems to include specialized headphones which can successfully evaluate hearing acuity in typical clinical environments. To ensure a successful conclusion the proposed technical approach will seek to: eliminate ANR “hiss” created by component electronic noise, improve ANR performance, and identify optimal compensators which isolate the audiometric test stimulus and operator voice command signals from the ANR system. A unique team has been assembled which includes specialists in personal ANR design personal ANR component fabrication, evaluation methods for ANR headset technologies, and audiometric testing procedures. This R&D team has already identified candidate system architectures and assessed the likely roadblocks for in-situ ANR audiometry test headphones. The Phase I effort will deliver two bench-level prototypes and an assessment of their performance against conventional audiometry test methods using NIST-accredited facilities. The benefits of this Phase I effort include (1) a significant opportunity to demonstrate improved performance of persona ANR systems, and (2) a unique audiometry test product so compact, and potentially inexpensive, that it will lead to widespread dissemination among hearing conservation specialists.

This successful Phase I effort resulted in prototype ANR audiometric headphones that were proven to outperform standard audiometric headphones in moderate noise fields such as those encountered in public school systems and office space. ATI has been awarded 3 patents for this technology, and has a fourth pending.