Hearing Protection
SNR
SNR is signal-to-noise ratio in the simplest terms (for hearing protection) compares the level of hearing protection in relation to the amount of background noise.
Why is SNR important? the type of filter used can be dependant on the environmental situation the hearing protection is going to be used in. As an example, working in a DJ Booth or being in a loud concert the noise levels will be quite high, therefore a high value filter (i.e. -20db) would be preferred. It is not just the noise level that is a factor but also the length of time within that situation, the SNR is an important factor in this.
Due to many different environmental situations, it is not an exact science on which is the best the filter, as a guide the following should help.
- Noise levels around : 85db look for a filter around 15db
- Noise levels around: 95db look for a filter around 20db
- Noise levels above: 95db look for an attenuation around 25db
To slightly complicate things, the attenuation (protection) offered by our filters are not linear, this means that our filters have been designed to offer a higher attenuation at the most damaging frequencies.
SNR example calculation.
- Noise level: 90db
- Filter value (SNR): 20db
- Subtract SNR from noise: 70db
- Add 4db for real world use: 74db
- The 74db using Cosmic HP is ideal and good protection for your ears.
The Cosmic Ears R&D team have developed a range of Custom fit Hearing Protection (CHP) to suit everyone. Musicians of all genres and backgrounds, event-goers, athletes, industrial workers and more can benefit from our Custom-fit Hearing Protection.
Like our industry renowned custom in ear monitors, our CHP is made from medical grade hypoallergenic acrylic. The material is exceptionally durable and can be inserted in the ear(s) without requiring a lubricant.
Modelled by Cosmic Ears skilled and experienced technicians to provide the most perfect and comfortable fit.
Why Custom Hearing Protection?
People's ears are unique in size and shape, just like a fingerprint. A filter in hearing protection is not the only the factor for protecting your ears properly; the fit of the hearing protection is vital. If there is a poor fit, sound will leak in and render the hearing protection useless.
The shape of an ear canal is very rarely uniform circular, they are almost always different shapes, as pictured on the right.
Generic hearing protection are almost always circular and the way the fit is attempted is by the silicone of the ear tip expanding to fit the ear canal. This is not ideal as:
- There is no guarantee of it fitting perfectly.
- The client may think the fit is correct but there is a chance it isn't resulting in reduced protection.
- The silicone has to use pressure to achieve the fit resulting in fatigue with prolonged use.
As our CHP is custom fit, these issues are minimised substantially, making for a much more comfortable, secure, and effective experience.
Standard
The CHP STANDARD range offers high levels of attenuation and is best suited for general hearing protection at music events and in loud environments.
Cosmic Ears Custom Hearing Protection requirements
In order to create your Cosmic Ears Custom Hearing Protection, we will need your ear impressions. For optimum fit, we recommend these are no older than 12 months, and we can accept the following:
- Digital STL files
- Physical impressions taken by most audiologists (including Boots / Specsavers) – if you are sending physical impressions to us, please ensure you clearly state your name, email address and telephone number. If you have already placed an order for your CHP, please include the order number too.
If you have sent us your physical impressions in the last 12 months for Custom In-Ear Monitors, we may have already ‘detailed’ (cut down) your original impressions, so cannot guarantee a 100% fit for your CHP. Please contact us to discuss your options.