Review of instant-fit electronic ear protection for 2004
Garry G. Gordon, M.S. Audiologist, E.A.R. Inc.

Because of the high incidence of hearing loss seen in recreational sports such as shooting, hunting, motorcycling, music, etc. there has been a surge of new electronic products that fit in the ear, behind-the- ear or over-the-head that amplify quiet sounds while reducing loud sounds. Circuits include both ANALOG or DIGITAL with digital supposedly affording the clearest amplification. To help clarify these differences we have provided the following responses to questions that arrive at our office on a daily basis.

We are seeing several products appear in the market place that say "ONE- SIZE-FITS-ALL." Is this possible or realistic?

Electronic ear plugs that are manufactured and marketed with the description "ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL" can be very misleading since it is very well known every ear is different. Stock molds using "one-size- fits-all" technology can be made to accommodate many different sizes and shapes of ears, however, when the fit is not accurate "FEEDBACK" or whistling sounds will occur. There is also a serious risk the item is not providing adequate protection for loud sounds such as gunfire or impact sound. Our research discovered that when this designed was marketed in the NRA magazine as a hearing aid or ear protector the ads did not reappear after 2 insertions. Secondly, when we tried this design 15–20 years ago the returns were too high to be profitable. Thirdly, there was too much clinical evidence that suggested exceptional care need to be taken when assigning such a device for gunfire.

Bottom line is… ears come in different sizes and shapes and "ONE-SIZE FITS-ALL" is not a valid concept unless it is custom fit or comes with adjustable tips.

Some people are advertising their products as producing CD quality or DIGITAL sound quality. Are these units using digital circuits?
Generally NOT and it is very misleading to the consumers. If manufacturers are being honest about their dialogue they would inform the client that they are receiving an ANALOG circuit that has been programmed in the lab with DIGITAL software. They are NOT DIGITAL! The other problem is most of the ANALOG units we have seen are NOT digitally programmed. Misleading comments like these have appeared in court with the hearing aid industry. We think it is critical each manufacterer and reseller of such products keep their dialogue accurate and avoid misleading the consumer.

What type/s of problems do you see with the BEHIND THE EAR designs?
These can be made to work well for a consumer, however if they are not designed properly they will be problematic with wind noise, hair, glasses and/or shooting caps. The work best with custom molds, not foam tips. Again… foam tips do not fit everyone. To avoid or lessen wind noise problems the EAR HOOK or portion attached to the unit should cover the microphone port. Most units we see advertised do not… therefore WIND NOISE is a problem. It has also been noted some manufacturing companies report NRR numbers of 29–30dB… the same that is seen on the box for solid foam plugs. According to Dr. Elliott Berger from Aearo this is not true for a foam plug that has a hole in it to accommodate tubing. Depending on the tubing there is a 3–4 dB decrease or the 50% reduction in sound suppression. Again… it is critical to describe product lines carefully. Lab data to support claims is seriously important.

Another problems with behind the ear units is moisture which can short circuit the device from working. We have designed a waterproof unit that minimizes the risk of moisture related problems.

In conclusion, we think the market provides a great deal of opportunity for all manufacturing outlets. However it is critical that both consumers and retailers understand these items before using them. Should you have any additional questions feel free to contact our office at 303-447-2619 or E-mail info@earinc.com.