Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Shepard, a resident audiologist at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), highlighted the prevalence of hearing damage among Navy personnel, stating, "There is no other injury more reported than hearing damage." Shepard emphasized the impact of noise-induced hearing loss on military readiness, with at least 10 percent of service members being affected by this issue.
Shepard pointed out the limitations of the current standard hearing protection in the Navy, stating that foam earplugs and earmuffs are often uncomfortable and ineffective. He advocated for custom hearing protection, noting that it is essential for sailors to have protection that is comfortable, fits well, and is suitable for their operating environment.
The modernization efforts at NAWCAD involve the use of digital scanners and 3D printers to streamline the process of creating custom hearing protection. Shepard explained that this new approach offers a faster, safer, and more comfortable fitting experience for sailors compared to the traditional method of silicone impressions.
By implementing digital scanning technology, Shepard and his team at NAWCAD have received positive feedback from sailors who appreciated the improved fitting experience and were more inclined to use their custom earplugs regularly. The success of this initiative has garnered interest from partner services such as the Army and Air Force in scaling custom hearing protection.
Furthermore, the military's adoption of 3D printing presents another opportunity for producing custom hearing protection efficiently. Shepard encouraged Navy commands to leverage existing 3D printing capabilities to provide custom earplugs to their personnel, similar to the practice of printing prosthetics by naval dentists.
In conclusion, Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Shepard and the team at NAWCAD are prepared to assist commands interested in implementing custom hearing protection for their service members. Shepard urged commands with the greatest need to reach out and collaborate in expanding the availability of this vital protection for Navy personnel.
