DB Systemtechnik Develops Test Method for Active Hearing Protection in the Workplace

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Innovative acoustic research: Using a newly developed test method and our artificial head “Albert,” our experts are, for the first time, testing how well warning signals can be perceived through active hearing protection systems – for effective noise protection and greater safety on the tracks.

Noise is one of the most common health risks in the workplace. According to the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), around five million employees in Germany are exposed to noise levels that may damage hearing. Protecting employees’ hearing is therefore a key factor in occupational health and safety.

For staff working on or near railway tracks, it’s essential that they can still perceive warning signals from their surroundings clearly – even while wearing hearing protection. Available passive hearing protectors carry a special “s” marking, confirming that they provide sufficient protection without impairing the perception of crucial warning sounds.

Active hearing protection systems with integrated noise cancellation (Active Noise Cancelling, ANC) can offer major advantages: they can reduce disturbing background noise more effectively while maintaining the audibility of important warning signals. However, until now there has been no standardized method to verify or approve such systems for the “s” marking.

Acoustic Testing Method for Greater Safety on the Tracks

This is where DB Systemtechnik comes in. On behalf of DB Bahnbau Gruppe, our acoustics team has developed an innovative test method that, in addition to DIN EN ISO 7731, enables a practical assessment of how well warning signals can be perceived when using active hearing protection solutions.

At the heart of the new method is a highly precise artificial head – affectionately named “Albert.” Albert features anatomically shaped ears equipped with microphones, realistically replicating human auditory perception for binaural recordings. This allows for accurate reproduction and analysis of how a person perceives sounds and warning signals under real-world conditions – both with and without hearing protection.

The analysis methodology developed by DB Systemtechnik makes it possible to objectively evaluate active hearing protectors in accordance with the requirements of DIN EN ISO 7731.

And what's next for Albert?

He’s already geared up for many more acoustic adventures.

If you’re interested in our test method or potential collaboration opportunities, feel free to get in touch with us!

More information

Learn more about our acoustics expertise and our acoustics testing laboratory.