Why Hearing Protection Is So Important
Hearing loss happens for many reasons, one of the most common being exposure to loud noise (noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL). Permanent hearing loss can occur in as little as 15 minutes with exposure to certain sounds according to research. Repeated exposure to sound levels above 85 decibels (the sound of an idling bulldozer) can cause permanent, irreparable hearing loss. To give you perspective, hearing professionals consider exposure to loud music, either live or through headphones, to be particularly dangerous with sound intensity sometimes reaching 100 to 115 decibels (dB). This is where hearing protection, like earplugs, comes in.
While hearing loss is irreversible, that doesn’t mean it’s not preventable. Knowledge, hearing protection, and prevention can help keep your hearing healthy and you happy!
Custom Hearing Protection Products
For Riders, Rockers, Shooters, and Everyone in Between
NIHL happens in all situations from concerts to recreational sports, from your work environment to your personal life. You can permanently lose hearing almost instantly with unprotected exposure to sounds generated from firearms, loud music and certain power tools.
Hunters often have the hardest time with hearing loss. Any noise louder than 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss, and most firearms hit between 130-180 decibels. Musicians are also at a higher risk for hearing loss, with most rock concerts weighing in at 120 decibels. Researchers say that people should only with stand that high of sound for 7 seconds!
While noise induced hearing loss is permanent, it is preventable.
The best kind of hearing protection plan for you will depend on your lifestyle. There are different styles of hearing protection depending on what you need. We offer protection for:
- Musicians
- Hunters and shooters
- Motorcyclists
- Concert and sporting event enthusiasts
- Listening to music through your personal player
Custom vs. Generic Products
Custom-molded earplugs offer a degree of comfort and sound protection that you will not find in generic earplugs.
Benefits of custom protection:
- A custom mold helps ensure your hearing protection stays in place and offers a secure fit.
- They are designed to retain accurate frequency response, so you’ll hear the full range of sounds — just at a reduced volume.
- They are vented to allow sound to pass both ways, which means the sound of your voice won’t reverberate inside of your ears like it does with most earplugs.
- You get specific, measurable protection with precision-engineered filters that offer the most natural sound available, clear and unmuffled.
- Custom molded from medical-grade silicone, these plugs can be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort.
- Several models offer replaceable sound filters so that you can select the level of sound protection you need for the situation with 10, 15, 17, 20, 26, or 27 dB sound reduction.
Make an appointment with us to learn how our comfortable, effective hearing protection can not only help safeguard your hearing but can also enhance your auditory experience.
Ear Protection Options
There are different options when choosing the right ear protection for your lifestyle:
- Disposable Earplugs – These are made out of foam and are effective for single usage. While they are comfortable, they do not offer the best protection in very noisy environments.
- Reusable Earplugs – These are pre-formed for the ear canal, washable, and made for multiple uses. While as effective as the disposable plugs, they do cost more, and they will have to be replaced after a certain number of uses.
- Earmuffs (non-electronic) – These go completely over the ears. They can be more comfortable if you don’t like having something inside your ear canal. They can fit everyone, but one major downside is that they may have a lower Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) because they don’t seal your ear canal.
- Electronic Earmuffs – Electronic microphones, circuitry, and receivers perform active noise reduction, also known as noise-cancelling, in which a signal that is 180-degrees out-of-phase of the noise is presented, which in theory cancels the noise. Some provide hearing protection from high-level sounds while allowing transmission of other sounds like speech.
- Digital Earplugs – Most of these products do everything Electronic Earmuffs can do, but most people say they are more comfortable to wear. Hunters usually prefer these due to the fact that earmuffs can get in the way of a hunting rifle. They also come in water resistant and even waterproof as well.
We can all agree that we would love to keep our sense of hearing our entire life and by purchasing hearing protection from Chenal Hearing, we can help with that!
About SoundGear Hearing Protection
Whether you’re in the woods, at the range or on the job site, hearing clearly is key to your safety and success. SoundGear solves the challenge of protecting your hearing from the damaging sounds of gun blasts, power tools and industrial machines with a selection of products. SoundGear products feature advanced digital technology capable of enhancing sound 8 times over the traditional hearing protection products. At the same time, it uses seamless sound activated compression to trigger instant and automatic suppression of loud impulse and continuous noises.
SoundGear is Engineered for:
Hunters & Shooters
Industrial Workers
Military Personnel & Police Officers
SoundGear Features:
- Dynamic digital protection for your ears
- High-definition sound reproduction
- Up to 8 times sound enhancement over traditional hearing protection products
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) between 24dB and 26dB depending on model
- Seamless sound-activated compression automatically suppresses noises
- Recreational model – over 95dB
- Industrial model – over 80dB
- All-day, easy-to-wear comfort
SoundGear Electronic Custom Fit
Custom Electronic Hearing Protection – Platinum
SoundGear Custom Molded Platinum devices have 4 distinct memory modes to toggle through. Normal mode delivers amplification equally across all frequencies. High-Frequency Boost & Max Wind Management mode boosts higher frequency sounds like the whistling wings of ducks overhead and has algorithm that will detect wind noise and send a counter signal to drastically reduce it. This will help people who have an existing high-frequency hearing loss hear better, but also work well for clarity of sound on those windy days in the field. Telecoil mode helps you effectively communicate on a telephone. Mute mode is used to mute or turn off your device. Each pair of SoundGear custom devices also comes standard with a removable lanyard system.
SoundGear Custom Molded specs:
- Suppresses noise at 95dB
- 30dB of Amplification
- 24-26dB NRR
- 1-millisecond attack and release time
- Hear Clear Wax Protection System
- Surface™ Nanoshield moisture and wax repellent
- #13 Zinc Air battery
- 1 year warranty on fit
- 1-year Worry-Free repair warranty against manufacturer defects
Platinum Technology Level:
- Helix Microphone
- Volume control
- Memory button
- 4 digital listening modes (Normal, High-Frequency
- Boost/Max Wind Management, Telecoil, Mute)
- Removable Lanyard System
Each Kit Includes:
- Zipper carrying case
- 1 pair of SoundGear electronic hearing protection devices
- Black removable lanyard system
- 2 packs of batteries (Size 13)
- 1 cleaning brush
- 2 packs of HearClear wax protection
- 1-year Worry-Free repair warranty
- 30-day, risk-free trial*
Custom Electronic Hearing Protection – Silver
Our SoundGear Custom Molded Silver products are our classic model of custom electronic hearing protection. As helpful as it may be, electronic hearing protection can sometimes be too expensive to those who don’t shoot as often as the professional hunter or shooter. For this reason, we offer the SoundGear Silver technology level. The SoundGear Silver product is just as effective and has the same technology as the Platinum model, but without multiple memory modes to choose from. Each pair of SoundGear custom devices also comes standard with a removable lanyard system.
SoundGear Custom Molded specs:
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- Suppresses noise at 95dB
- 30dB of Amplification
- 24-26dB NRR
- 1-millisecond attack and release time
- HearClear Wax Protection System
- Surface™ Nanoshield moisture and wax repellent
- Size #13 Battery
- 1 year warranty on fit
- 1-year Worry-Free repair warranty against manufacturer defects
Silver technology level:
-
-
- Helix Microphone
- Volume Control
- 1 digital listening mode
- Removable Lanyard System
-
SoundGear Phantom
Introducing SoundGear Phantom, the preferred solution for sound protection for hunting and shooting sports.
SoundGear Phantom provides the most advanced Noise Reduction technology to help those with normal to moderate hearing loss. Phantom is the world’s first custom, Bluetooth® compatible and rechargeable hearing aid and protection device. Phantom offers an unrivaled custom fit and Bluetooth capabilities. It’ll allow you to hear environmental sounds and conversations more clearly while offering protection from both sudden and continuous sound.
SoundGear Phantom specs:
- Pre-programmed to the most common hearing loss range (Normal to Moderate)
- Up to 30 dB of Gain/Amplification (based on hearing needs)
- 22 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
- For Phantom IPIL data see the Hearing Protection Guide
- 2.4 GHz technology for audio streaming
- Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and custom charger — included!
- 23 hours of battery life including 4 hours of streaming
- Uses: Hunting, Tactical Shooting, USPSA, 3-Gun, Sporting Clays, Trap, Industry and Skeet
Features:
- Apple® and Android™ Connectivity
- 4 Preprogrammed Digital memories for different listening environments
- Omni-Directional Microphones
- Advantage Wind Noise Management
- Power Save (Auto On/Off)
- Adaptive Feedback Canceller
- Volume Control Wheel
- Hear Clear Wax Protection System
- Surface Nanoshield moisture and wax repellent
- SoundGear Zipper Case with carabiner clip
- Removable Lanyard System
- 1 Year Worry-Free repair warranty
- 1 year warranty on fit
SoundGear Electronic Instant-Fit In-The-Canal
Instant Fit – Shooter & Hunter Model
Our SoundGear Instant Fit product is the smallest and lightest dynamic electronic hearing protection and enhancement product on the market. Ready to wear right out of the box, it rests discreetly inside your ear to reduce wind noise and digitally enhance environmental sounds like sticks breaking or wings beating while simultaneously protecting your hearing from the harmful noise of a gunshot.
SoundGear Instant Fit specs:
- Suppresses noise at 93dB
- 25dB NRR
- 15dB of Amplification
- Uses: Hunting, Tactical Shooting, USPSA, 3-Gun, Sporting Clays, Trap and Skeet
Each Kit Includes:
- Zipper carrying case
- 1 pair of SoundGear electronic hearing protection devices
- 2 pairs of orange silicone sleeves – 1 small, 1 large
- 2 pairs of black silicone sleeves – 1 small, 1 large
- 2 packs of batteries (Size 10)
- 1 cleaning brush
- 1-year Worry-Free repair warranty
- 30-day, risk-free trial*
Custom Electronic Hearing Protection – Silver
Our SoundGear Instant Fit product is the smallest and lightest dynamic electronic hearing protection and enhancement product on the market. Ready to wear right out of the box, it rests discreetly inside your ear to reduce wind noise and digitally enhance environmental sounds like sticks breaking or wings beating while simultaneously protecting your hearing from the harmful noise of a gunshot.
SoundGear Instant Fit specs:
- Suppresses noise at 80dB
- 25dB NRR
- 8dB of Amplification
- Uses: Hunting, Industry, Tactical Shooting, USPSA, 3-Gun, Sporting Clays, Trap and Skeet
SoundGear Custom Earplug Solutions (Non-Electronic)
SoundGear Filtered Earplugs
Commonly referred to as musician or industrial earplugs, these custom fit devices are made with medical grade high-strength silicone material that attenuate across all frequencies rather than just low-and mid-range frequencies. By attenuating across all frequencies, these plugs allow music and environmental sounds to be heard much clearer and more naturally. We have made these available with multiple filter options (interchangeable) including a 10dB, 17dB, 26dB, impulse or solid filter.
Tech Specs:
- Canal Style or Full Shell
- Come standard with removable lanyard system
- Come standard with removal handle
- Conversation can be heard at a reduced level
- Filter Options:
- 10dB Filter, 17dB Filter, 26dB Filter
- Reduce noise across all frequencies
- Musicians, dentists, concerts
- Impulse Filter
- IPIL rating of 33.1dB
- Designed for impulse noises like gunshots or artillery fire
- Conversation can be heard at a reduced level
SoundGear High Frequency Noise Filters
Commonly referred to as “Hocks Noise Breakers”, these custom fit devices are made with medical grade high-strength silicone material. These devices contain a patented acoustical chamber and filter that will attenuate sound to appropriate levels in the work place or on the range.
Tech Specs:
- 19-22dB NRR
- Come standard with removable lanyard system
- Come standard with removal handle
- Patented acoustical chamber that attenuates sound to appropriate levels
- Uses: Noisy work environments, hunting and shooting
SoundGear Solid Earplugs
Custom fit solid earplugs are made with super soft, medical grade high-strength silicone and provide outstanding noise protection in a variety of recreational and occupational environments.
Tech Specs:
- 27-29dB NRR
- Soft High Strength Silicone
- Come standard with removable lanyard system
- Come standard with removal handle
- Variety of colors
- Uses: Any environment where high levels of noise are present
SoundGear Electronic Behind-The-Ear
Behind-The-Ear – Platinum
SoundGear Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Platinum devices have 4 distinct memory modes to toggle through. The first memory (Normal) delivers amplification equally across all frequencies. The second (High-Frequency Boost) boosts higher frequency sounds like the whistling wings of ducks overhead, leaves rustling, sticks breaking, etc. This will help people who have an existing high-frequency hearing loss hear better. The third Memory (Telecoil) helps you effectively communicate on a telephone and the fourth memory (Mute) is used to mute or turn off your device.
SoundGear BTE Platinum specs:
- Suppresses noise at 95dB
- 26dB NRR
- 30dB of Amplification
- Volume Control
- 4 Digital Listening Modes (Normal, High-Frequency Boost, Telecoil, Mute)
- Uses: Hunting, Tactical Shooting, USPSA, 3-Gun, Sporting Clays, Trap and Skeet
Each Kit Includes:
- Two (2) SoundGear BTE electronic hearing protection devices
- Six (6) foam tips (2 Large, 2 Medium, 2 Small) and two (2) threaded sound tubes
- Two (2) packs of batteries (Size 13)
- One (1) cleaning brush
- 1-year Worry-Free repair warranty
- 30-day, risk-free trial*
Behind-The-Ear – Silver
SoundGear Behind-The-Ear Silver products are our classic model of electronic hearing protection. As helpful as it may be, electronic hearing protection can sometimes be too expensive to those who don’t shoot as often as the professional hunter or shooter. For this reason, we offer the SoundGear Silver technology level. The SoundGear Silver product is just as effective and has the same technology as the Platinum model, but without multiple memory modes to choose from.
SoundGear BTE Sliver specs:
- Suppresses noise at 95dB
- 26dB NRR
- 30dB of Amplification
- Volume Control
- 2 Digital Listening Modes (Mute, Normal)
- Uses: Hunting, Tactical Shooting, USPSA, 3-Gun, Sporting Clays, Trap and Skeet
Would you like to learn more about the SoundGear Tunz?
Contact us today for an appointment!
*30-day, risk-free trial starts from receipt date