Hearing loss mitigation through applied acoustics

Hearing loss in the Navy and Marine Corps has been accelerating for decades, reducing combat effectiveness and creating hazardous conditions. This paper will discuss applied acoustics in current and future programs and its related challenges. Source noise reduction limits the amount of energy transmitted to the structure or into the environment. Acoustic modeling, insulation/isolation, and personal hearing protection are vital tools in this process, but often adding weight and complexity. Source noise solutions such as isotropic superfinishing treatment of gears increases transmitted power and reduces fuel consumption and lubricant temperatures while increasing gear life and maintenance intervals. Great strides are also currently being made in the arena of personal hearing protection to reduce hearing loss rates in environments where reducing source noise is not a viable option, such as the aircraft carrier flight deck. Technological advances in insulation and isolation and possible operational changes will also be discussed, adding to the tools required to approach this issue from an integrated systems approach. In conclusion, a systems integration approach to incorporating noise reduction into the design of vessels, vehicles, and platforms from the start of the design process will reduce life cycle costs, benefiting the Navy and Marine Corps.