A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of
an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual
microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical
performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device
inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A
clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source
permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow
on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation
rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal
test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a
protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted
exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The
apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field
evaluation tests.