We are excited to have you join us for an amazing educational line up, check out the agenda below for the 2025 Conference. Please note that this agenda is subject to change.
Bose A20 headsets are commonplace in aviation; however, the new A30 headset is set to replace them. Aviation headsets serve as communication devices, while allowing for hearing protection. Real-Ear Attenuation at Threshold is a standard measure for determining the passive attenuation of hearing protectors and has strict room requirements for conducting measurements. Field Attenuation Estimation Systems are gaining interest to assess fit for hearing protectors in the operational community, but are limited by the inability to assess over-the-ear hearing protectors. A proposed method of utilizing the WAHTS audiometer with the headset positioned around the neck to conduct psychoacoustic measurements. This study compares standard REAT measurements to the proposed fit check method to assess the passive attenuation of the Bose A30. We will compare the frequency-specific attenuation and calculate the Personal Attenuation Rating for each method. Total attenuation will be reported as well for the Bose A30.
Data analyses will be complete prior to the conference. We anticipate findings of similar nature for REAT and fit testing methods to identify the passive attenuation level of the Bose A30. Outcomes will be used to validate a correction factor for the neck-based procedure due to the level difference between on-ear versus on-neck configurations.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify purpose of FAES and how it can be utilized with headphone HPDs. 2. Compare noise attenuation metrics with noise cancellation on to those with noise cancellation off. 3. Recognize the benefit of FAES when in aviation setting.
