TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Space Platforms, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: F-35 - Joint Strike Fighter, ACAT I; PMA-202 Aircrew Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop an accurate, efficient, robust capability to digitally capture ear canal geometries and to share, archive, access, and manipulate those digital databases to provide custom earplug designs with a minimized logistical burden.

DESCRIPTION: Custom earplugs are being pursued for military aviation crews as a way to motivate earplug use and to ensure a level of noise attenuation that wearers can easily and reliably achieve (since custom earplugs only fit in the ear canal one, correct way). However, the process to shape and build custom earplugs is limited and lacks logistical efficiency, particularly in the context of deployed aircraft carriers. Currently, ear canal impressions are taken in a manner similar to that used for hearing aids. A foam stopper is positioned a safe distance from the eardrum and the ear canal is filed with silicone that hardens to become an impression. These impressions are sent to a manufacturer who then uses them to build custom earplugs. Storage and subsequent retrieval of individual impressions are at the vendors' discretion.

An innovative solution is sought that will eliminate the need for acquiring physical ear canal impressions and offers the ability to digitally scan in-office digital ear impressions efficiently and accurately. The innovation should include a means for a digital media management system for custom earplugs. Implementing these improvements will save the costs associated with physical ear canal impressions (material, shipping, handling, etc.). Further, the digital format for ear canal shapes will facilitate ongoing advancements in custom earplug designs (e.g., comfort versus noise attenuation, communication, in-ear active noise reduction) and population research studies of ear canal geometry (e.g. determine percent of population not suited for custom earplug use due to constructive ear canal geometry). Ear canal geometry should consider the need for (1) density imagery to map out underlying tissue, cartilage, and bone, and (2) modeling to predict where earplug girth would need to be changed to balance conflicting design goals of comfort, noise attenuation, and earplug retention in the ear canal. The proposed system should take into account: accuracy of ear canal measurements, ear mold manufacturing requirements, prototype cost, and practical feasibility of widespread dissemination of this capability to hearing health professionals.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of digitally scanning and recording ear canal shapes for custom earplug recipients.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype of the proposed system design including the software, hardware, and logistic components. Include estimates of the total cost of manufacturing the custom equipment.

PHASE III: Transition the technology to a DoD platform such as the Joint Strike Fighter.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Digital ear canal geometry impression scanning and digital file media management will be extremely beneficial to the hearing aid and industrial noise control industries.

REFERENCES:
1. Chester Pirzanski C, Berge B., "Ear Impressions Art or Science?" Audiology Online. March 18, 2002. http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/article_detail.asp?article_id=336.

2. Cortez, R, Dinulescu N, Skafte K, Olson B, Keenan D, Kuk F., "Changing with the Times: Applying Digital Technology to Hearing Aid Shell Manufacturing" The Hearing Review. March 2004; 11(3):30-38.

3. Ingrao, B., "E-Business: Connecting Hearing Care Professionals and Their Suppliers." The Hearing Review. August 2005; 12(9):18-22.

4. ANSI S12.6-1997, "Methods for measuring the Real-Ear Attenuation of Hearing Protectors".

5. "Bibliography on Hearing Protection, Hearing Conservation, and Aural Care, Hygiene and Physiology. 1831-1999," E-A-R 82-6/HP, E.H. Berger, M.S., January 25, 1999.

6. Kryter, K. "The Handbook of Hearing and the Effects of Noise" Academic Press, Inc.; 1994.

7. Berger, EG; Royster, LH; Royster, JD; Driscoll, DP; Layne, M. "The Noise Manual" Fifth Edition. American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2000.

KEYWORDS: Hearing; Conservation; Prevention; Scanning; Custom; Earplug.

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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