Defence Business: Hear the difference | ADM May 2009

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has elected noise in the workplace the world's largest occupational health problem.

Studies by Defense Research and Development Canada indicate that noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is clearly evident after three to five years of continued or repeated exposures to levels in excess of 85 dBA.

Australian company Sensear has come up with a brand new solution to this life-impacting ailment, officially launching its award-winning hearing devices into the aviation industry at the Avalon Air Show in March.

Sensear takes a different approach to traditional hearing protection devices, which simply block out all sound, so are frequently removed by the wearer to enable work-related interaction.

The Sensear Earmuff and Earplugs with SENS® (Speech Enhancing Noise Suppression) technology work by suppressing dangerous levels of noise while simultaneously isolating and elevating speech, allowing normal conversation.

This means that the ear protection can be worn regardless of the communication medium used thanks to built in features that allow for interoperability with a wide range of technologies.

"Rather than eliminate background noise, our technology suppresses it down to a safe 82 decibels - below the legislated maximum level of 85 decibels - so the user is still aware of their working environment, which is critical in the aviation industry," explains Justin Miller, CEO, Sensear.

"Most importantly, it allows for face-to-face conversation, mobile phone and two-way radio, none of which are possible when wearing traditional hearing protection or no protection at all.

"Many people are still unaware just how vital hearing protection is - NIHL is 100 per cent preventable but once acquired, it's permanent and irreversible!"

Even with F-111 roaring by the Avalon flightline, the ADM editor was able to have a 360 degree conversation with the team around her thanks to the multidirectional nature of the product.

Originally a concept from the university research sector, Sensear has taken the project from the prototype stage through to commercial production in less than five years.

Qantas and Boeing have already adopted the technology, with other opportunities on the horizon for the WA-based SME.