Advanced Finite Element Model Development for Characterization and Mitigation of Bone Conducted Sound Transmission in High Noise Environments

Improved characterization of the dominant paths of bone conducted sound transmission caused by external acoustic excitation for a person wearing a plug/earmuff combination is urgently needed for development of effective hearing protection in extremely high noise fields. This two phase program will achieve this ambitious goal through the extensive use of computer simulation techniques which are supported by bioacoustic and psychoacoustic experimental validation. The proposed research will develop an advanced finite element (FE) model of a human head with the important internal components necessary for simulating bone conduction, including the auditory system. An experienced team of experts in bone conduction, auditory mechanics, and finite element modeling has been assembled, including the Oto-Biomechanics group from Stanford University. The group’s expertise in the modeling of auditory systems will be combined with the modeling of hearing protection systems offered by ATI. Phase I research will focus on the development and validation of FE models for the middle ear and the skull which are considered to be the critical components in bone conduction mechanics. These component models will be integrated into a whole head FE model during the Phase II research effort.