Improved Tactical Headset: The Effect of Noise Cancellation on Sound Localization

Abstract

Among other dangers, soldiers in combat often risk hearing damage. A new source of damage is an increase in crew compartment noise resulting from the addition of armored protection to Highly Mobile Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs, commonly known as “Humvee”). To protect soldiers, the US Army may replace the current Interim Headset (IH) with an Improved Tactical Headset (ITH), which uses noise cancellation technology. However, decision makers are concerned that the ITH may affect perception. In the current study, twenty-one soldiers were tested for accuracy of sound localization in an 8 times 2 mixed experimental design (Speaker Location x Headset Type). Results indicate soldiers wearing either headset experienced the front/back confusion typically found in the literature; but soldiers wearing the ITH localized sound more accurately when the sounds originated from their rear and right rear. These findings may support the ITH as the preferred intervention.