Hearing Armro - Next Generation Passive Hearing Protection

The Hearing Armor, LLC non-linear earplugs, without moving parts or electronics, can protect a Marines hearing while permitting the Marine to hear spoken commands and retain situational awareness in combat and non-combat settings. Through SBIR Topic N123-154 Phase I the Hearing Armor technology exceeded the steady-state and impact noise attenuation specifications of 30 dB. The objectives of Hearing Armor, LLCs Phase II proposal are (1) Refinement of the Hearing Armor technology to support a small earplug while achieving an NRR of 12 or less and retaining superior loud sound attenuation; (2) Production of the Hearing Armor earplug in small, medium and large to permit proper fit for the majority of Marines as defined by SBIR N123-154; (3) Independent laboratory testing of all three sizes of the Hearing Armor earplug to confirm continued compliance the SBIR N123-154 specifications; and (4) development of a Universal-Fit foam version of the Hearing Armor earplug that meets the SBIR specifications for use in non-combat settings as demonstrated by independent laboratory testing. Hearing Armor, LLC is proposing an option for field testing of both the combat version and the non-combat version of the Hearing Armor earplug with the Marine Corps to demonstrate the earplugs efficacy and utility. Hearing Armor, LLC will achieve these objectives through research and development using rapid prototyping and agile development techniques.