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Acoustics and Audition

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Space Physiology and Medicine

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Abstract

During space missions, the sense of hearing is critical for crewmember safety and health, as well as for mission success. Detection and recognitions of sounds are positive factors contributing to successful communication, situational awareness, and localization of sound source. However, sounds that create annoyance or produce health effects are considered noise. High levels of noise can result in fatigue (due to disrupted sleep), performance decrement, and shifts in hearing sensitivity. In an aerospace environment, noise also can interfere with communications, reduce alarm audibility, degrade habitability, and present a safety risk. This chapter covers the basics of sound generation in space craft, noise measurement, and acoustic environments experienced by astronauts during space flight. It also offers a synopsis of hearing function and assessment, and the fundamental characteristics of noise sources and noise propagation. Auditory and non-auditory health effects from noise are discussed. Specifically, the impacts of acoustic conditions on habitability, interference of communication, and detection of key caution and warning alarms are described. Currently accepted noise criteria levels, which must be met on board a space craft, together with the hearing conservation programs are discussed (i.e., use of engineering controls and hearing protection). Future perspective and programs are briefly described.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. JSC Acoustics Office, ISS Acoustics System, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA/Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Mail Code SF22, Houston, TX, 77058, USA

    Christopher S. Allen BS, MS

  2. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, NA-102, Houston, TX, 77030-3411, USA

    Richard W. Danielson PhD

  3. Crew Health and Safety, Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, NASA, 300 E Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20546-0001, USA

    John R. Allen PhD

Authors
  1. Christopher S. Allen BS, MS
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  2. Richard W. Danielson PhD
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  3. John R. Allen PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John R. Allen PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University, Arlington, Virginia, USA

    Arnauld E. Nicogossian

  2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, USA

    Richard S. Williams

  3. NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Barrington, Rhode Island, USA

    Carolyn L. Huntoon

  4. Department of Family and Community Medicine School of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Charles R. Doarn

  5. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, USA

    James D. Polk

  6. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, USA

    Victor S. Schneider

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Allen, C.S., Danielson, R.W., Allen, J.R. (2016). Acoustics and Audition. In: Nicogossian, A., Williams, R., Huntoon, C., Doarn, C., Polk, J., Schneider, V. (eds) Space Physiology and Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6652-3_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-6652-3_6

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