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Signal detection and speech perception with level-dependent hearing protectors
S M Abel1, E M Krever, C Giguere
1Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Otolaryngology
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Level-dependent hearing protectors minimally impacted signal detection but affected speech perception. The BILSOM 2390 showed varied effects on consonant and word recognition in quiet and noise conditions.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Occupational Health
- Acoustics
Background:
- Hearing protection devices (HPDs) are crucial for preventing noise-induced hearing loss.
- Level-dependent HPDs offer adjustable sound attenuation based on noise levels.
- Understanding their impact on auditory tasks is essential for effective use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of level-dependent hearing protectors.
- To assess their effects on signal detection and speech perception in noise.
- To compare level-dependent HPDs with conventional models.
Main Methods:
- Twenty normal-hearing adults participated.
- Tested signal detection (noise bands), consonant discrimination, and word recognition.
- Evaluated performance in quiet and 75 dB SPL noise with four HPDs (E-A-R 9000, BILSOM 2390, E-A-R 3000, BILSOM 2315).
Main Results:
- Signal detection in noise was unchanged or slightly improved with HPDs.
- No difference in consonant discrimination in quiet; BILSOM 2390 decreased intelligibility in noise.
- BILSOM 2390 improved word recognition in quiet but impaired it in noise.
Conclusions:
- Level-dependent hearing protectors had minimal impact on signal detection.
- Speech perception varied, with the BILSOM 2390 showing specific decrements in noise.
- Results suggest careful selection of HPDs based on auditory task demands is necessary.