Exposure to noise and vibration in military vehicles is still an unsolved problem. High noise levels have been known to cause hearing loss and difficulties in using intercommunication systems. Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a frequently reported source of annoyance that has been linked to incidences of back pain, but effects on performance are not well documented. For military personnel, clear communication and sharp situational awareness are essential for effective performance and, ultimately, survival. In order to gain a better understanding of how to optimize the performance of personnel operating military vehicles, it is important to consider the effects of realistic levels of noise and vibration. This paper presents an overview of previous studies of communication and cognitive performance in noise and vibration, and gives suggestions for future research on the combined effects of noise and vibration with regard to crew performance in military vehicles.
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