Air- and Bone-Conducted Noise Reduction System (ABCNRS)

SYTRONICS proposes the Air- and Bone-Conducted Noise ReductionSystem (ABCNRS) which combines both active and passive noisereduction to reduce the hearing threat from both sources of noisein the cochlea. Although the methods of measuring and cancelingairborne noise are well understood, SYTRONICS hopes to extendthis approach to air-cancellation of bone-conducted noise. Thiswill involve developing methods for measuring bone-conductednoise in the cochlea, cancellation of bone-conducted noise withan air-conducted signal, combining air- and bone-conductedcanceling signals as well as communications signals in a non-interfering fashion. SYTRONICS will package the ABCNRSelectronics in a compact, survivable, easily manufactured, andcomfortable production system design. When embedded incomplimentary passive protection measures, ABCNRS will providethe Navy with OSHA-acceptable hearing protection for its carrierdeck, aircrews, and other sailors during extended exposure tohigh-intensity noise.BENEFITS: Successful deployment of ABCNRS will significantly reduce the hearing losses being experienced by carrier deck hands and Government contractors working shipboard. Additionally, ABCNRS can improve communications on thecarrier deck as well as for aircrews in certain high-noise exposure maneuvers. The potential savings in mission effectiveness and reduced disability claims will pay for the system very quickly.