According to data from the Institut de la Statistique du Québec (ISQ) for the year 2019, approximately 518,000 Quebec workers, or nearly 20% of the province’s workforce, are exposed to noise levels potentially harmful to their auditory health.
To protect workers’ hearing and ensure optimal safety, several methods can be adapted, such as reducing noise at the source, using insulating or absorbing materials, or using hearing protection devices like earmuffs and earplugs. However, inadequate adjustment of these devices can lead to discomfort and pain due to significant discomfort related to the mechanical pressure applied in the ear. Moreover, the absence of a pressure measurement device complicates the classification and design of comfortable earplugs.
This document describes the development of a flexible cylindrical capacitive pressure sensor designed to simulate the human ear. This sensor allows for measuring and visualizing the distribution of pressure exerted by different types of earplugs in a simplified ear canal. This device was designed to address the lack of a direct method for measuring the pressure exerted by earplugs in an ear canal.
The project unfolds in several stages. Initially, a flat configuration is used to test various sensor components and characterize its static response, with the goal of selecting the most optimal design for the sensor. Next, the development and design of the cylindrical sensor are carried out. Finally, the sensor is calibrated, and the distribution of pressure is visualized after inserting various earplugs.
This research can evaluate the static mechanical pressure exerted by earplugs and significantly contribute to the improvement of safety and comfort of hearing protection devices.
Heni, R. (Author),
Roberge (Supervisor) &
Doutres (Co-supervisor),
15 Nov 2024Student thesis: Master's thesis › Master in Engineering: Engineering