Wearable Integrated Speakerless Sound Protection using Electrostimulative Resonance (WISSPER)

Effective teamwork and communication are essential to military operational success and soldier survivability. While currently deployed noise cancellation systems work well at cancelling harmful sound, they lack a continuous communication feature during variable high noise situations, leading to inconsistent use. This is especially true of active duty personnel in combat theatres where long-term comfort, loss of situational awareness, and difficulty in persistent communications across different noise environments lead to non-use during these time periods. Vivonics, Inc. and Mayo Clinic auditory researchers propose to deliver both the desired hearing protection and face-to-face communication capabilities during such variable noise situations through the combination of proven, currently deployed hearing protection systems and a novel device that selectively and non-invasively communicates around this protection. This non-ear, 2-way communication employs a speech-selective microphone, secure short range communication, and directional listener surround sound for improved tactical group awareness. In Phase I, the feasibility of this novel device will be demonstrated using a table top audiometer and a benchtop prototype, reserving full device design and validation for Phase II. Soldiers should not have to make the choice between long-term hearing health and immediate physical safety; the proposed device aims to make it a non-question.