Active Noise Reduction Headphones for In-Situ Audiometry Testing

Active noise reduction (ANR) headsets have found a market niche in the hearing protection industry, thereby validating the technology of active noise control for personal applications. This Phase I project will seek to extend the application of personal ANR systems to include specialized headphones which can successfully evaluate hearing acuity in typical clinical environments. To ensure a successful conclusion, the proposed technical approach will seek to: eliminate ANR "hiss" created by component electronic noise, improve ANR performance, and identify optimal compensators which isolate the audiometric test stimulus and operator voice command signals from the ANR system. A unique team has been assembled which includes specialists in personal ANR design, personal ANR component fabrication, evaluation methods for ANR headset technologies, and audiometric testing procedures. This R&D team has already identified audiometry test headphones. The Phase I effort will deliver two bench-level prototypes and an assessment of their performance against conventional audiometry test methods using NIST-accredited facilities.