Measurement of the pressure exerted by earmuffs and its relationship to perceived comfort

Abstract One commonly accepted method (BS 6344; Part 1) of calculating the average pressure exerted by earmuff cushions against the head is analyzed and discussed. The inaccuracies of the method are illustrated by using it to determine the pressure for two different types of foam-cushion earmuffs. The published literature concerning the relationship between subjective assessments of earmuff comfort and objectively measurable quantities is also reviewed. Those data also indicate that the standard method of calculating cushion pressure does not generate results that bear a strong enough relationship to earmuff comfort to provide a useful method of evaluation. It is concluded that limiting acceptable calculated pressure to an arbitrary value, such as 4000 Pa, is not substantiated by the available data. Suggestions are provided for future research.