Joan Besing and Richard Price
US Army Research Laboratory
At the USARL we have recently begun an investigation of the effects of airbag deployment on hearing sensitivity. The overall goal of this project is to determine the presence and the extent of permanent threshold shift resulting from exposure to the impulse noise generated by a deploying airbag. This is the first large-scale study designed to examine the effects of high levels of sound pressure on hearing sensitivity as a result of airbag deployment.
There is some evidence in the literature of hearing loss resulting from exposure to airbag deployment, but unequivocal results have not been forthcoming. Nonetheless, the results of limited clinical studies as well as the predictions from our model of the human ear indicate that some proportion of the individuals exposed to airbag deployment will experience permanen hearing loss. There are more than 250 million drivers in the United States, and 50 million airbags in use. Thus, even a 1% chance of an accident in any year for any individual would indicate that many thousands of accident victims will experience a permanent hearing loss in the coming year. Clearly, these conservative estimates support the need for investigating this issue!
The results of this study will enable us to make an epidemiologic statement regarding the impact of airbag deployment on hearing sensitivity. Furthermore, the results will be used to validate our current model of the ear with regard to the effects of high levels of impulse noise on the human auditory system. Finally, the data obtained in this study along with the model will provide information for the development of safer airbag designs.
In order to successfully complete this project, it is essential that we identify as many individuals as possible who have recently been involved in automobile accidents. Both pre- and post-accident audiograms are needed so that we can quantify the effects of airbag deployment on hearing sensitivity. Many of you have already received information about this project and have indicated your willingness to help. If you were inadvertently missed in our attempt to contact military personnel involved in hearing testing, we will provide you with complete information about the study and how to assist us in identifying potential subjects. For more information or if you have any questions please contact Joan Besing or (410) 278-2997, DSN: 298-2997.