Abstract
This work compares the results of laboratory experiments with numerical modelling using the finite element method in order to assess the attenuation of hearing protectors under conditions of high amplitude impulse noise. Comparative data for the finite element simulation was provided from a series of experiments using a shock tube, acoustic test fixture, ear canal simulator and partial head form. The numerical model comprised a finite element mesh of fluid and porous materials in order to model the earmuff hearing protector coupled to the auditory canal. The results show that a simple 2-D finite element model is capable of making a reasonable prediction of the attenuation of an earmuff provided that headband force is also included in the model.