Universal In-Ear Warfighter Monitoring System (1002-062)

Job related hearing loss is a growing issue with active and retired military personnel. Ear protection is critical to prevent such injury, but personnel in variable pressure environments, such as pilots, often cannot use the best hearing protection due to pressure changes risking barotrauma. Current physiological monitoring systems can measure in-ear pressure levels, but require customized ear pieces. The proposed solution will use recent developments in pressure sensing and small, wireless near field communication electronics to provide a simple, universal system that can be used to measure the in-ear pressure of any subject wearing any earplug. The Triton In-Ear Warfighter Monitoring System will measure in-ear pressure levels of subjects wearing their own personal hearing protection in simulated pressure scenarios, ensuring that personnel are not exposed to a dangerous level of pressure while affording them the best hearing protection possible.