Preliminary Investigation of Perceived Sound Quality for High-Fidelity Premolded Hearing Protection Devices

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Psychoacoustics
• Hearing protection devices

Background:

• High-fidelity premolded earplugs (HiFi HPDs) aim for consistent sound attenuation across frequencies.
• Understanding the relationship between sound attenuation and perceived sound quality is crucial for user satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the correlation between the acoustic attenuation of HiFi HPDs and users' perception of music sound quality.
• To identify specific attenuation characteristics preferred by listeners at recreational music events.

Main Methods:

• 16 adult participants evaluated commercial HiFi HPDs during recreational music listening.
• Acoustic attenuation measurements were taken across various frequencies.
• Participants completed surveys on perceived sound quality and music quality ratings.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in perceived sound quality were found across different HiFi HPD brands.
• Higher music quality ratings correlated weakly with decreased average attenuation at 3, 4, and 6 kHz.
• Increased uniformity of attenuation across frequencies showed a weak positive correlation with music quality ratings.

Conclusions:

• Listeners may prefer HiFi HPDs with more uniform attenuation from 0.25 to 4 kHz.
• Reduced attenuation in the 3 to 6 kHz range might be associated with better perceived music quality.
• Moderate, uniform attenuation in HiFi HPDs could enhance music listening experiences.