Acoustic trauma is prevalent in military populations, often resulting in sensory neural hearing loss from damage to the cochlea or neural structures of the inner ear. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears, are currently the two largest disability categories for compensation, and related claims continue to increase.
Performance issues associated with communications are degraded in high-noise environments, which can compromise mission effectiveness. Advances in hearing protection and restoration span a wide range of current technologies, including but not limited to, engineering solutions to quiet noise at the source, materials solutions to improve personal protective equipment and sound dampening effects, and scientific and medical breakthroughs.
The Office of Naval Research Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Program is working on specific technologies—including short-term solutions (applied research) and long-term initiatives (basic research)—that span training and education, noise mitigation and protection and medical technologies.
Prevention and treatment of noise-induced hearing loss will ensure that warfighters have enhanced readiness and mission capability, and an improved quality of life.