Custom Protect Ear Inc. blog

Why Custom Hearing Protection Beats Disposable Earplugs

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

You Can’t Beat Custom Hearing Protection, So Join Us!

Without the right tools, how can you do the best job? The reality is, you can’t, and neither can your team. When it comes to hearing protection, custom is best. While disposable foam earplugs are popular and convenient, they probably aren’t offering the protection that you think they are. The reason for this is not because disposable earplugs don’t work as well, but because they aren’t put in correctly and lose their effectiveness.

That’s why safety managers across the U.S. and Canada have come to rely on the comfort, cost, effectiveness and environmental benefits of custom hearing protection like dB Blockers.

Four Reasons to Try dB Blockers

Comfort

Any hearing protection device has to form a tight seal around or in the ear to be effective. When used correctly, foam earplugs form a deep seal within the ear canal, causing a constant feeling of pressure, or what some people describe as “plugged up.” While effective, this feeling is not particularly comfortable, especially when worn for hours at a time. Earplug users commonly complain about ear pain, headaches and fatigue.

To combat this, many workers frequently mess with their hearing protection or don’t wear it at all. While this can be more comfortable, it can actually lead to more hazardous noise levels in the ear, as poorly fit earplugs let in more noise and trap that sound against the inner ear, making the noise level under the earplugs higher than it is outside the ear. Even after receiving training on how to use earplugs correctly, most workers continue to use foam earplugs incorrectly, either for ease of use or comfort. Old habits die hard, after all!

dB Blockers are formed by a hearing protection specialist to the contours of the wearer’s ears. As custom earmolds are made from an impression of the ear, they fit perfectly in the ear with no sensation of pressure. Custom earplugs are also developed with soft, safe, medical-grade material that doesn’t shrink or change form depending on temperature or use.

A secure fit also means custom hearing protection has a break-in period. Think of it like a new pair of shoes! It takes a couple of wears, but pretty soon they’ll be your favorite pair. Here’s how it works. During the first uses, earmolds require a light application of lubricating gel, but after ten or so uses, the surface of the earmold will slide more easily over the skin of the ear and sit comfortably!

First-time users will find that putting on custom-fit earplugs requires a simple twist into place. We’ll show them how, and it will then be second nature.

Cost

At Protect Ear, we don’t shy away from talking about costs because it means we get to discuss how much you could be saving every year. Using our cost calculator, we can give you a personalized estimate to showcase the savings of custom hearing protection over disposable products.

It’s no secret that custom hearing protection is more expensive than foam earplugs… or so it seems. Unlike foam earplugs, dB Blockers are a long-term investment in your team’s hearing health. And, it’s an investment that pays for itself in only 6 to 9 months. With an average product life expectancy of 5 years, that leaves 4.5 years of essentially cost-free, custom hearing protection for your team, whereas foam earplugs can only be worn once and must be constantly replaced.

That doesn’t even factor in the potential savings custom hearing protection can bring from mitigated claims of disposable plugs worn incorrectly or not at all. Remember, when your team is protected, so is your business. All you have to ask now is what you could be saving by switching to custom hearing protection

Effectiveness

Not only are dB Blockers comfortable and affordable, but they are also more effective at blocking sound than traditional foam earplugs. Why? There are a couple of reasons.

First, foam earplugs are unable to adjust well to variations in ear size and shape. Custom earplugs are tailor-made for each individual; ear size and shape variations don’t get in the way of effectiveness.

Second, foam earplugs reduce all-around sound quality and produce a confined sensation instead of targeting just the harmful noise. More noise reduction than necessary makes users feel isolated from their environment and often results in workers removing their earplugs in order to hear co-workers or safety alerts — which kind of defeats the purpose, don’t you think?

Custom earplugs can be molded with special filters for a precise, even level of noise reduction, specifically tuned to your work environment. dB Blockers can be tuned to reduce volume only by the necessary amount and can filter certain kinds of sound more than others, preserving the quality of sounds you want to hear, like speech and music.

Environmental Impact

Disposable earplugs have been around for years, and given the materials they’re made of, they will continue to be around long after us. Foam earplugs are predominantly made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane, both fossil-based plastics.

According to the Center for Environmental Health, PVC is one of the most harmful plastics to both people and the planet. Not only during production, which emits many hazardous chemicals, but PVC is problematic after disposal, as well.

By investing in custom hearing protection, companies can limit the environmental impacts and health concerns of foam earplugs. With a 5-year life expectancy, fitting a team with dB Blockers prevents hundreds of thousands of earplugs from ending up in the landfill every year.

Why Choose Custom Hearing Protection?

When it comes to hearing protection, custom is best. While disposable foam earplugs are a popular and convenient choice, they don’t offer the protection that workers require in their workplace.

By investing in reusable hearing protection, companies can not only protect the long-term hearing health of their team but also improve the quality of their working environment and the comfort levels they feel all day.

Ready to switch to custom hearing protection? You can calculate the potential savings for your business using our easy-to-use online cost calculator. See how much dB Blockers could save you in no time!

Comfortable, Custom, Affordable Hearing Protection They’ll Really Wear

Tue, 06 May 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Why Choose Custom Hearing Protection?

There’s more to hearing protection than just reducing hazardous noise. While this is a goal of all hearing protection, custom products can offer you and your team more than generic PPE options.

While it’s true that off-the-shelf products like earplugs or earmuffs do reduce the volume of sound, they don’t do it as effectively, as comfortably or with as much variety as custom solutions, like dB Blockers by Protect Ear.

When it comes to long-term workers' health and happiness, the difference is in the details that custom hearing protection offers: comfort, customization and affordability.

dB Blockers Offer Comfort, Customization and Affordability

First, dB Blockers offer a custom-fit hearing solution to workers across any industry, including manufacturing, construction and transportation. The custom fit ensures maximum comfort and protection during long shifts.

Optional variations in the earmold, like filters or vents, allow dB Blockers to work for a larger number of real-world situations and positions. For example, roles requiring phone use, attention to alarms or warning sounds would benefit from a Classic Vented dB Blocker, which gives the wearer the same level of situational awareness, even in noisy environments.

Unlike disposable earplugs, which are not custom-fit and are only effective when worn properly, dB Blockers provide a personalized fit that reduces noise exposure without sacrificing communication. This not only boosts productivity but also makes workers safer by allowing clear conversations in loud environments.

Additionally, the durability and reusability of dB Blockers make them a cost-effective solution over single-use products like foam earplugs. Custom earmolds reduce waste and lower long-term hearing protection expenses. In fact, dB Blockers pay for themselves in just 6 months, on average. Compared to foam earplugs (assuming 4 pairs used per day at a cost of $0.21 per pair), dB Blockers can save an estimated $900 per person, per year.

(Curious how much dB Blockers could save your business? Try out our Cost Comparison Calculator.)

These calculations are in addition to the potential financial benefits from a reduction in workers' compensation claims, equipment damage, factory cleanup and costs for storing and shipping thousands of foam earplugs.

With savings like that, it's no wonder that more industrial facilities are making the switch to dB Blockers for their hearing conservation programs that focus on both safety and efficiency.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to make the switch to custom hearing protection and protect your team and your company with a custom product they will really wear? If so, we’ve got you covered.

How to Get Custom Hearing Protection For Your Team

At Protect Ear, we want more for your team than basic, bottom-tier protection. We want hearing protection that will go the distance, providing the precise noise reduction needed to keep your team safe no matter the conditions. With custom hearing protection, that is exactly what you’ll get.

To make trying our product even easier, you can order a free sample kit to feel the quality and durability of a pair of dB Blockers for yourself. Although the sample won’t be customized to the shape of your ear, the sample will give you a sense of what your employees will feel while wearing them throughout the day. After they pass your inspection, we can get started fitting the whole team with custom hearing protection they’ll actually want to wear.

Three Things Every Employee Wants From Their Hearing Protection

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Hearing Protection: What Your Employees Look For

From tackling paperwork to putting out fires and every other task on a manager’s growing to-do list, it can be hard to find the time to sit down with employees and discuss their needs and wants. However, this information is vital to ensuring workplace safety adherence and employee morale.

Throughout our 50 years of supporting industrial workers, Protect Ear has listened to thousands of employees to discern what they require from their hearing protection. So, what do your workers care about and what could they do without? When it comes to hearing protection, some things matter to them more than others, namely comfort, effectiveness and compatibility.

Three Things Employees Want From Their Hearing Protection

Comfort

Like most things, comfort is the name of the game. With long shifts, day in and day out, it’s no surprise that the main factor employees consider when looking for protective gear is comfort. If protective equipment hurts their ears after only a few minutes or works for an hour but not much longer, employees won’t wear it. Why would they?

Fortunately, there are a number of hearing protection options available that give employees the comfort they are looking for with the protection managers want to see. Custom earmolds are at the top of that list for a good reason. Unlike foam earplugs or earmuffs, which generally only come in one size, earmolds are produced from an exact impression of each individual’s ear and can be manufactured in a variety of hard and soft materials.

While foam is soft, this type of material is squeezed to fit into the ear canal, then released, building pressure. Unlike foam, dB Blockers aren’t constantly expanding in your ears, putting pressure from the inside out. They just fit! Custom-fit size and material mean custom comfort all day long!

Comfort

While comfort is essential, hearing protection has to actually protect employees while they are doing their work. How effective a product is depends on how it fits, what material it’s made of and how likely it will be worn correctly.

Disposable earplugs are regularly used in loud factories and on job sites. While they are generally considered easy to use, most don’t insert them properly, which can put workers at risk for hearing damage and threshold shifts. It’s important to teach employees proper ear protection techniques when using any type of earplugs.

Earmuffs are easier and safer to use correctly than earplugs, however, there are a few things to keep in mind. Those with glasses or hats (including roles where protective eyewear and hard hats are required) or facial hair and certain hairstyles might find earmuffs less effective as they create a gap between the cushion and the face. Always check for a tight seal that indicates effective protection.

The other benefit to custom earmolds comes from how effective they are at blocking hazardous noises. Because custom hearing protection, like the dB Blocker, is designed individually, it provides a precise fit in the ear, efficiently blocking noise and preventing faulty insertion from human error.

Comfort

The final factor employees consider important for hearing protection is compatibility. How easy is it to insert protective equipment with dirty hands? Will I be aware of my surroundings? Can I talk with coworkers without removing them? These are all questions that relate to how compatible protective equipment is with a given job.

As managers know, hearing protection looks different for each role. Positions that require a lot of teamwork will need protective equipment that allows for communication between employees. Similarly, different working environments call for different levels of noise protection and may only be required some of the time.

dB Blockers have an optional filter that enables you to hear conversations while blocking out noise. They can also connect directly to radios, enabling safe communication at a distance.

Choosing a type of hearing protector that is comfortable, effective and compatible for employees to use is the best way to ensure they will use it consistently and correctly. With custom hearing protection, managers can significantly reduce the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss, preserving workers' auditory health and preventing related health issues, like tinnitus and increased stress levels.

Give your employees what they want. Choose custom hearing protection from Protect Ear, trusted by 4,500+ companies in Canada and the U.S.!

Did You Know? The Most Common Workplace Injuries Are Hearing-Related

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Trends in North American Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries in the United States have declined in the last few years (down 8.4% in 2022-2023). Unfortunately, the same is not true for Canada. According to OHS Canada, Canadian workers generally have a significantly higher risk of workplace injury than American workers, with construction, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing making it into the top 5 industries with the most injuries.

Despite improvements, hearing loss remains a common workplace injury in both countries and in many industries. Each year, approximately 22 million and 11 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise in the US and Canada, respectively. In this article, we’ll explore why hearing loss is so common and the best ways managers can combat hearing loss in the workplace.

Why Are Workplace Hearing Injuries So Common?

Hearing injuries are common for three main reasons:

Almost all industries are noisy and have some level of hearing risk, with some having a much higher risk than others
Everyone has ears, and so it can affect workers of all ages
Many people with mild hearing damage may not know they have it

These three factors combined result in a workforce with a great risk for hearing-related injuries. Let’s break down each of these factors separately to understand the prevalence of hearing loss.

While noisy jobs like the ones listed above are widely labeled as “high-risk,” according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), no industry is exempt from possible damage to hearing health. Even in silent offices, it is common for employees to wear headphones seeking to drown out background noise.

Hearing loss is also a concern because it can affect anyone at any age. From young gardening crews to more experienced employees with 25-plus years at a manufacturing company, if noise is above 85 decibels, they are at risk. While older individuals are more likely to experience symptoms, hearing loss can start at any age.

Finally, even with educational awareness, early signs of hearing loss can be minimal and hard to detect. In a study from Health Canada, researchers asked participants to self-report hearing impairments. Of the group, only 8% of men and 5% of women reported experiencing hearing loss. After performing routine hearing tests, researchers found a measurable amount of hearing loss in 63% of those same men and 46% of the women.

As an “invisible” injury, proper testing is the only way to identify the degree of hearing loss an employee has and allow them to receive the treatment necessary to continue working.

The Best Way to Combat Workplace Hearing Loss

Occupational hearing loss is a permanent but entirely preventable condition. With today’s hearing conservation strategies and technology, managers are more equipped than ever to protect their employees.

So, what can employers do to combat workplace hearing loss?

Companies can:

Educate employees on hearing risk
Conduct regular hearing tests
Monitor and report noise levels
Design quiet workplaces
Implement comprehensive hearing protection programs

Offering employees workplace protection that is comfortable and effective doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. And, it’s one of the best ways to guarantee your workers are taken care of!

Custom hearing protection, like dB Blockers by Protect Ear, is created with your industry in mind. Whether your workers need vented earmolds that facilitate communication or are looking for easy insertion and removal with dirty hands, dB Blockers offer complete protection, all-day comfort and the ability to customize to meet your employees' needs.

Hearing loss is common, but with the right protective measures, it is completely preventable. By ordering a sample kit of our dB Blockers, you’re taking the best step to protect your workers. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of custom hearing protection with Protect Ear.

The Noisiest Jobs in North America (and How We Can Protect Their Hearing!)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

We Have a Noise Problem, and You Might Be At Risk

While it is difficult to categorize a whole continent as being “too noisy,” the U.S. and Canada certainly have a noise problem. From regular road noise to emergency sirens, construction sites, blaring music in your headphones and more, there is a continual hum of activity reaching our ears — some more noticeable than others!

But everyday sounds are nothing compared to the 22 million Americans and over 11 million Canadians who are exposed to hazardous levels of noise at work.

Those 33 million people occupy roles we need and rely on to keep our society operating day in and day out. Because of that, employees are not just at risk for occasional exposure to hazardous noise levels. They exist in loud environments for hours at a time every day. So, who are the people risking their hearing health each time they clock in? Here is a list of the top 5 industries with a high risk for hearing loss.

Top 5 Noisiest Jobs in North America

1. Construction

At levels that can reach 120-130dB, construction sites are among the noisiest environments to be in. In fact, every activity in construction is known for being loud: hammering, drilling, sawing. You name it, it’s loud. With power tools and big machinery commonly used, construction workers regularly rely on protective measures to keep their hearing safe.

2. Manufacturing

While manufacturing jobs have been declining over the last 40 years in the U.S., both the US and Canada still continue to produce more with less. A wide range of products, including fabricated metals and machinery, electrical products and apparel and textiles, means industry workers are utilizing a variety of machines at once, often at large scales. Even small factories can be at risk for big noise problems!

3. Transportation and Warehouse Work

Transportation and warehouse workers are at high risk for dangerous levels of noise exposure. Despite this, a large percentage of transportation workers frequently report not wearing hearing protection on the job. With dB levels regularly reaching over 85 (the threshold for potential hearing damage after prolonged exposure), it’s imperative that workers in these fields wear protective gear. Managers can encourage proper protective wear usage by providing gear that is comfortable and effective, for hours at a time.

4. Military

Hearing loss is extremely common among veterans and military members. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that over 1.3 million veterans receive compensation for hearing loss alone. Similarly, The Canadian Forces Health Services Group reported spending around $1.1 million annually on health costs related to hearing loss.

As researchers continue to find more ways to prevent, diagnose and treat hearing loss and related issues, those who work in at-risk jobs can take steps to protect themselves as early as possible.

For example, due to a 2006 study at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) indicating flight personnel frequently inserted foam ear plugs incorrectly, the Navy now recommends custom-fit earplugs that ensure a greater level of protection for service members!

5. First Responders

While on the job, firefighters, police officers and other first responders are exposed to extensive hazardous noise. Despite this, a 2023 study found that most employees in these fields were unaware of the hearing risk they faced and, therefore, didn’t participate in hearing protection practices. Ensuring teams are aware of company policy and how to get assistance is a key part of protective measures.

How We Can Protect Our Workers

Both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Canadian Centre For Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) have a Hierarchy of Hearing Loss Control (simply Hierarchy of Controls in Canada), which details preventative steps employers can take to reduce hazardous noise exposure as part of a hearing conservation program.

The first level of preventative control is Personal Protective Equipment, or as it’s more commonly known: PPE. There are varying levels of hearing protection that fall under PPE. Disposable earplugs and earmuffs are quick, affordable options that have been around forever.

With modern advancements in hearing care technology, there are better options on the market that provide users with increased protection and comfort for long-term use. Instead of buying endless packs of foam earplugs, more people are opting for custom hearing protection that significantly reduces the harmful effects of working in loud environments.

While PPE is vital for occupational safety, employers should take additional steps to protect their workers (and their company). Administrative controls and engineering controls, including maintaining equipment, adjusting operation schedules and modifying noise sources, should be regular preventative actions.

The most effective forms of hearing loss control are elimination and substitution. This means removing hearing hazards, purchasing quiet equipment and designing processes to be as quiet as possible. By following these steps, we can prevent noise-induced hearing loss and increase worker retention and satisfaction in these industries.

Providing custom hearing protection for your team has never been easier. Get started by ordering a sample kit of our flagship product, dB Blockers, from Protect Ear today!

How Hearing Protection Can Reduce Your Worker's Comp Claims

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Keeping Your Workforce Healthy and Safe

An increasing number of employees suffer work-related injuries every year. In 2023, 2.6 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses were reported in the United States alone, resulting in millions paid by businesses in worker’s comp. This includes hearing-related concerns like noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) both require hearing protection by law. From a compliance perspective, as well as from an occupational health perspective, providing protection for employees is essential.

Let’s be clear: An injured workforce is not beneficial to anyone. Not the employee hurt, their family or your company's bottom line. Making sure you have the proper protective equipment to keep team members safe is the best way to avoid workplace injury and worker’s comp claims.

For 50 years, Protect Ear has helped thousands of businesses do exactly that. The three areas proven to result in most effectively reducing hearing-related injuries are prevention, detection and intervention. Let’s break each of these measures down to explore why they are important and how they can work for your team.

How to Implement A Hearing Protection Program With Your Team

Prevention

As with any serious injury, the goal is to prevent hearing loss from occurring altogether. Protective measures are effective at achieving this goal. First, limit workers’ exposure to loud noises. This looks like adjusting operation schedules, allowing breaks and designing equipment and spaces that are as quiet as possible.

When sounds can’t be managed with engineered controls, it's critical for workers to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when exposed to harmful noise. Keep in mind that not all PPE is designed for industrial use. At decibels regularly found in demanding environments like construction sites and warehouses, more robust protection is needed.

Custom hearing protection, like dB Blockers, matches the protection to the noise level. Tailored to each individual’s ear, they ensure maximum protection and long-term wearability that standard ear plugs and ear muffs can’t match.

Detection

Along with prevention, detection plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ hearing. Audiologists recommended annual hearing screening and employee assessments to catch signs of hearing loss, including humming or ringing in ears and needing to shout when addressing someone in close range.

Undetected hearing loss can put employees and employers alike at risk by leading to workplace accidents, injuries and a breakdown in communication between team members. Remember to monitor for noise levels on-site as well as the individual hearing of employees. Tracking the average noise levels in a given area can indicate when extra precautions need to be taken.

Intervention

Over the course of a worker’s career, hearing loss can become more prevalent. Once detected, early interventions should be taken. Simply put, don’t wait until hearing loss gets worse before taking action! In some cases, follow-up appointments are necessary to diagnose and treat hearing loss and should be scheduled as soon as possible.

Prevention, detection and early intervention not only protect employees’ health but can also reduce potential liability and costs associated with hearing loss claims. It’s never too early (or too late) to put these protective practices in place.

Protect Your Employees & Your Business With Custom Fit Hearing Protection

Protect Ear has the tools and experience to implement hearing protection in your workplace. As North America’s largest manufacturer of custom industrial hearing protection, safeguarding hearing is our sole mission.

By focusing exclusively on advancing hearing conservation technology, we’ve developed cutting-edge solutions that offer unparalleled hearing protection. Contact a representative to see how custom hearing protection can work for your company.

Looking for proven ways to keep your workforce healthy and safe? Protect Ear has the solutions! Reach out today.

Vented vs. Non-Vented dB Blockers: Which One is Right for You?

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Vented vs. Non-Vented dB Blockers: Which One is Right for You?

At Custom Protect Ear, we know that your ears are as unique as your fingerprints. That is why every pair of dB Blockers® is custom-fit to ensure all-day comfort and unparalleled hearing protection. Our commitment to quality begins with an on-site fitting process carried out by trained and certified Fit Techs, allowing us to control the process from start to finish. The result? Hearing protectors provide a perfect fit, optimum performance, and exceptional reliability.

One of the most important decisions when choosing your dB Blockers is deciding between vented and non-vented dB Blocker formats. Here’s everything you need to know about both options to make an informed choice.

Vented dB Blockers®: A Perfect Balance of Protection and Awareness

Vented dB Blockers are engineered to combine effective hearing protection with enhanced situational awareness. They feature a small vent equipped with a priority FT Filter, allowing certain frequencies to pass through while reducing harmful noise levels.

Benefits of Vented dB Blockers:

Enhanced Communication: The FT Filter facilitates clearer communication in noisy environments, whether over the phone or in person.
Situational Awareness: The vent lets users hear warning sounds, alarms, and other critical signals without compromising protection.
Comfortable for Long-Term Use: With SkinSoft™ hypoallergenic, non-flammable silicone, vented dB Blockers are comfortable even during extended wear.
Ideal For: Environments where communication and awareness are crucial, such as construction sites, manufacturing floors, and event venues.

Non-Vented dB Blockers®: Maximum Protection for High-Noise Environments

Non-vented dB Blockers provide the ultimate noise reduction by fully sealing the ear canal. Unlike their vented counterparts, these blockers do not include the FT Filter, offering maximum protection against continuous high-decibel environments.

Benefits of Non-Vented dB Blockers:

Superior Noise Reduction: Ideal for environments with consistently high noise levels, such as heavy machinery operations, mining, and oil rigs.
Durable and Reliable: Custom-fit to eliminate gaps or pressure points, ensuring a secure fit that won’t degrade over time.
Comfortable Fit: Crafted with SkinSoft™ hypoallergenic material for all-day use without irritation.
Ideal For: Workers in extreme noise environments where communication is less critical.

What are FT Filters

FT Filters work to block out background noise while honing in on the frequent range of the human voice as a result workers can hear each other more than without dB Blockers.

We carry a few different filter options:

Green is the most common filter. It is the standard used in the majority of the protectors and excellent for sound levels 90-110+ dBA.
Yellow is used in situations where more sound pressure in the speech frequencies is desired either due to hearing loss or a lower level of ambient noise, this filter enhances speech in noisy environments even more.
White - This filter is used where noise levels are below 90 dBA and in earpieces used in conjunction with radio connections like the dB Com Communicate Ear, we use the white filter. If the noise level is above 95 dB we use the Yellow filter
Red - The red filter provides a full block similar to an unvented protector

Learn more about dB Blockers

Custom Protect Ear is proud to now offer the SHOKZ OpenComm2 Bluetooth-connected, headset.

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Custom Protect Ear (CPE) announces the launch of the SHOKZ OpenComm2, the latest addition to its dB Com® product line.

The SHOKZ OpenComm2 is a Bluetooth-connected, bone-conduction communication system designed for high-noise work environments, seamlessly integrated with dB Blockers® custom-fit hearing protection. Engineered for clear communication in high-noise environments, this advanced headset delivers two-way communication while enhancing safety and comfort for workers in demanding settings.

dB Blockers custom fit hearing protection seals the ear canal, meaningfully decreasing the sound waves that reach the eardrum. SHOKZ OpenComm 2 uses bone conduction technology to stimulate the cochlea and comes with a microphone designed for noisy workplaces. When paired together, the effect of harmful sound waves on the eardrum is reduced while maintaining the ability to hear and communicate.

“Safety managers are always looking for something to prevent noise-induced hearing loss while enabling their teams to communicate. SHOKZ and dB Blockers offer exactly that, and the combination is something you must experience for yourself” says Dan McCoy, CEO of Custom Protect Ear.

SHOKZ OpenComm2 Key Features:

Clear Communication. Clear Protected: dB Blockers prevent harmful noise from reaching the eardrum while SHOKZ bypasses it entirely using bone conduction technology.
Bluetooth Connected: Connect to nearly any Bluetooth device with Bluetooth 5.1
High-Noise Communication: Filter out ambient noise with a noise-cancelling microphone, DSP technology, and an adjustable boom mic.
Rugged, Ergonomic Design: Lightweight titanium build and IP55 water-resistant, the OpenComm2 is built for secure, all-day wear in tough conditions.
Extended 16-hour Battery Life: Offers up to 16 hours of talk time on a single charge, supporting long shifts without interruptions; Fast charging in 1 hour; Five minutes delivers two hours of talk time.

The SHOKZ OpenComm2 with dB Blockers is a breakthrough for industries that rely on reliable, clear communication in noisy settings. Please talk with a territory sales rep to try them for yourself. Shokz - Open Comm2

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About Custom Protect Ear: Everything Else is Just Noise

Custom Protect Ear has been an industry leader in custom hearing protection for over 40 years, providing hearing solutions that are both effective and comfortable. Through its flagship product, dB Blockers, the company has helped countless professionals protect their hearing in a range of demanding work environments across North America.

About SHOKZ

Shokz is dedicated to advancing bone conduction technology and creating open-ear audio products that enhance the lives of users. With a focus on innovation, quality, and user experience, Shokz continues to lead the market, providing cutting-edge solutions for sports enthusiasts and beyond. Learn more about the brand that inspires users to #beopen at www.shokz.com.

For more information, please visit www.protectear.com

Marketing Contact:
Sharmila Singh
Marketing | Custom Protect Ear
[email protected]

Custom Protect Ear Launches a New Website to Enhance User Experience and Accessibility

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 08:00:00 GMT

Surrey BC, Canada – Custom Protect Ear, a leading provider of innovative hearing protection solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its’ new website, www.protectear.com.

The website is designed to help people learn about the challenge of noise-induced hearing loss and how to protect your hearing while still being able to communicate at work, life and play. Visitors will find an intuitive layout, in-depth information on hearing loss, dB Blockers® and other custom hearing solutions, and resources highlighting industry applications and safety practices.

“We are thrilled to launch a website that will help environmental health and safety managers learn about and protect their employees hearing,” said Dan McCoy, CEO of Custom Protect Ear. “Our new site is designed to make finding information and taking action easy and engaging, and it’s an important step in enhancing the overall customer experience.”

The new website can be accessed at www.protectear.com

About Custom Protect Ear: Everything Else is Just Noise

Custom Protect Ear has been an industry leader in custom hearing protection for over 40 years, providing hearing solutions that are both effective and comfortable. Through its flagship product, dB Blockers®, the company has helped countless professionals protect their hearing in a range of demanding work environments across North America.

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For more information, please visit www.protectear.com

Marketing Contact:
Sharmila Singh
Marketing | Custom Protect Ear
[email protected]

Custom Protect Ear Leverages AI To Improve Quality and Speed

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Custom Protect Ear (CPE), leading manufacturers of custom fit hearing protection and communication devices in North America, recently reached a new milestone by fully automating their 3D modeling processes with AI CAD technology.

CPE has deployed AutoDesign, state-of-the-art cloud-based AI technology from H3D, replacing the traditional process of using manual CAD software to design earmolds and hearing aids. This has massively shortened customer lead times and introduced new levels of scalability to their business.

“Alongside our recent ERP upgrade that allows customers to track their orders online, utilizing AI to fully automate this part of our production gives us a big edge in scaling our business with customers “, says Dan McCoy, CEO of Custom Protect Ear, “We were especially impressed with the simple transition process and great service to upgrade to H3D’s AI technology”.

Production of custom fit hearing protection and hearing aids was revolutionized back in early 2000’s with the introduction of the digital workflow, where 3D scanners, CAD software and 3D printing replaced the manual workflow. However, since then there has been limited innovation around CAD software, which has been the bottleneck for labs and manufacturers to make their production more efficient. H3D revolutionized this back in 2021 with the launch of AutoDesign, a cloud-based technology which automates the CAD process using parallel AI processing.

“Westone and CPE’s drive to reinvent their digital workflow has resulted in a truly fast and efficient manufacturing process, “says Mykola Yakymchuk, Audio Business Unit Director at H3D, “We have been particularly impressed with their detail on product quality and focus on customer-centric values, which H3D needed to meet during their transition to a fully automated workflow”