Product category:
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News Release from: Hothouse Product Development Partners | Subject: Earband
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 13 May 2004
Plugging noise with new hearing
protection
The Earband, designed by Hothouse Product Development Partners, is targeted at personnel working in plants and factories who need to remove and refit their hearing protection on a regular basis
A new hearing protector is about to be launched, just in time for Noise Action Day on May 27, 2004 The Earband, designed by Hothouse Product Development Partners, is targeted at personnel working in plants and factories who need to remove and refit their hearing protection on a regular basis
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 19 Jan 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Developed for hearing protection manufacturer E.A.R., the Earband is designed to be both appealing and convenient to wear, even with other forms of eyewear or headwear, so that industrial workers are protected against hazardous noise.
This is a very serious issue, as research published by the Health and Safety Executive estimates that 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Hothouse carried out extensive ergonomic research in order to develop semi-aurals (ear plugs retained by a neck strap) that would offer more than those currently on the market.
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It investigated user preferences to hearing protection and discovered inadequacies in existing approaches.
Its research continued and different shaped and sized heads and ears were carefully considered.
The design team also explored the impact of other equipment for the head, such as hard hats.
Development of Earband began with trials using wire-based mock ups in order to create the right shape.
Further effort was then paid to ergonomics and angles to account for the depth and width of heads, clearance round the back of heads, ear size and position and ability to adjust the Earband.
A range of styles was explored, and from this initial concept work, a preferred design direction was chosen.
Prototypes were developed using stereo laser sintering in combination with advanced CAD.
This led Hothouse to design a semi-aural that would go over the top of the ear while offering optimum hearing protection and flexibility.
The final design of the Earband fits neatly over the ears and runs along the back of the head, bridging any glasses or eye protection that may be worn.
A rib in the back of the Earband gives the flexible plastic an appropriate amount of stiffness, while ensuring springiness across the front.
Small teeth were also positioned where the disposable ear inserts are fixed so that anti-clockwise rotation allows easy adjustment.
When not in use it can be safely and comfortably worn around the neck, and when placed on a surface the band, not the ear inserts, touches the surface, ensuring the inserts do not pick up any dirt.
The translucent blue band with its swooping shape was designed to relate to hi-fi products rather than less stylish hearing protection products.
The band also incorporates a logo area for alternative branding opportunities.
E.A.R Technology was keen to work with Hothouse following its previous success with the One-Touch earplug dispenser.
The new Earband design solution created for EAR by Hothouse gives advantages over and above those currently offered by the market.
Brand manager at E.A.R, Nicola Whitehouse, explains: "One-touch was very successful so it was ideal to use the design expertise of Hothouse again.
We work very well with them and the Earband should be, commercially, very beneficial.".
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