Hear the Difference
Please take a moment to read the following description BEFORE listening and watching the video “Hear the Difference”.

The sound waves in the graphic above depict how a continuous stream of verbal communication (voice) is overpowered by the sound wave created by a series of gunshots. For all practical purposes, the only words that would be understood would be those spoken in-between the gun shots.

The graphic above is a depiction of the sound wave penetrating a typical pair of passive hearing protectors. Notice the relative decrease in the amplitude of both the gun shot and the voice. While both sound waves are reduced to a safer decibel level, the ability of the wearer to understand the voice communication is no better than the person who is not wearing hearing protection. A higher NRR ear muff will reduce the amplitude of both the gunshot and voice sound wave.

Active clipping is the predominant technology employed by manufacturers of electronic hearing protectors. This technology shuts off the electronics for a period of time after sensing an impulse sound wave above a certain level. The period of time the system takes to shut down and restart is called the Attack and Recovery time. Ear muffs using this system are generally effective at reducing dangerous decibel levels but make intelligible conversation difficult depending on the frequency of the impulse sounds encountered. The graphic above demonstrates the resulting “on-off” impact on understanding the voice communication.

Pro Ears are the only electronic hearing protectors with DLSC technology. This technology compresses the impulse sound to a safer level, as opposed to shutting down the system. While compressing the impulse sound wave the system also amplifies the lower level sounds such as voice allowing for continuous operation. A person wearing Pro Ears will remain aware of their environment, hearing range commands or other verbal instructions as they were intended. We believe this provides for a safer, more enjoyable experience.

Please listen to the video “Hear the Difference” to see for yourself the quality sound of Pro Ears Hearing protectors.

How It Works

QUALITY SOUND
Due to the sophisticated, audiophile components extreme linear characteristics, wide 80 dB dynamic range and surface mount technology, Pro Ears provide the clearest, most natural sound quality ever found in hearing products. Every sound comes in crisp and clear, so natural its like you are wearing nothing at all, only better, as you hear low decibel sounds you can not hear with the naked ear.

ATTACK TIME
To truly protect ones hearing it is vital that the hearing protection not only react quickly when high noise levels are perceived, but also recover just as quickly once the noise level drops to a safe level. We are proud to say Pro Ears Gold Series offer the fastest 'Attack Time' in the industry at an unprecedented 1.5 milliseconds (the Pro Series attack time is 5.5 milliseconds). The shorter the attack time the more natural the sound. Longer attack times result in choppy or rising and lowering sound. These sound imperfections can lead to missed communications, and after extended wear, headaches as the brain struggles to adapt to uneven sounds levels.

AMPLIFICATION
Amplification increases the ability to hear clearly and at great distances. With the advanced technology of Pro Ears you will have the adjustable range to increase hearing up to 8 Times normal. For those who have a limited range of hearing or for those, such as hunters, wildlife observers, law enforcement officers, etc, the ability to hear distant sounds is vital. In addition, Pro Ears offers the only programmable units that allow the user to change gain sensitivity so you can adjust your Pro Ears model to fit your specific needs.

INDEPENDENT ELECTRONICS
Since Pro Ears offers complete electronics in each cup there is no need for connecting wires that can snag on branches or increase power consumption and reduce battery life. Due to this design the wearer also has independent volume controls on each cup to compensate for disparate hearing or for unique situations that call for one ear to be more or less sensitive. And because each cup features it's own electronics every Pro Ears provides true stereo for directional sound detection.

COMFORT PLUS
Comfort is a priority with Pro Ears and every model is designed to be worn for long periods of time comfortably. It begins with the adjustable, padded headband that is quickly adjusted to fit your head. We use a special formula foam for your replaceable Sealing Rings. These special Rings not only conform to the wearer but are soft and pliable for wear with glasses. These also help alleviate bone transmitted sound vibrations to further protect the wearer from loud noise levels. The weight of the earmuffs will also impact comfort and Pro-Ears are among the lightest in the industry. We design every part of our hearing protectors to eliminate weight and increase comfort. Even our battery was selected to minimize weight.

CONVENIENCE
Each model Pro Ears features a modular, fold up design for easy carry and convenient storage. Nothing aggravates more than to have batteries fail so we use commonly found 'N' size 1 1/2 volt batteries that will provide the industries longest, minimum 200 hours of use. Batteries are also included with each new Pro Ears model.

ADVANCED CIRCUITRY
The Dual Layer, Printed Circuit Boards with extensive ground planes make Pro Ears immune to interference caused by Radios, TV, Ham stations and other sources. The All-Surface Mount Design uses the highest quality parts available and is based on five, low power Integrated Circuits allowing the unit to consume less than 4 Ma allowing for longer battery life. No other electronic hearing protector can make these claims – we’ve checked.

COMMUNICATIONS/ENTERTAINMENT
All Pro Ears Gold Series feature Receiver/Input capabilities for:Apple iPods and other mp3 devices AM/FM Radio, Cassette Tape, Stereo, CD, Scanners and other electronic Communication/Entertainment Receiving Devices so you can listen to communications or relax with your own music, educational material or on the job media.

CERTIFICATIONS
Not only do Pro-Ears feature the most advanced, sophisticated electronics in the industry, we have also proven ourselves in the Industrial arena. When thoroughly evaluated by independent testing laboratories, Pro-Ears Electronic Hearing Protection / Sound Amplification products excelled and were Certified MSHA 2G-4108 and ANSI / UL 913 for Class I, II and III, Div. 1, Group A, B, C and D Hazardous Locations. These prestigious findings further prove the unmatched proficiency, reliability and technological advances found only in Pro-Ears products. When the environmental conditions require the ultimate in hearing protection as well as the necessity to communicate, there is only one choice, Pro-Ears.

PRO EARS® Advanced Hearing Protection Technology

Dynamic Level Sound Compression™
Only Pro Ears models of electronic hearing protection/amplification muffs feature 'DLSC™' Dynamic Level Sound Compression Technology. This superior technology allows the wearer to hear every sound even during high volume noise spikes. While other brands say they have 'compression' technology, they do not. What they do have is outdated technology, either 'Peak Clipping' or 'Automatic Level Control'. 'Peak Clipping' turns the amplification system off when noise levels reach a preset decibel leaving the wearer with passive muffs. 'ALC' simply reacts to high noise levels by lowering the unit's volume so the louder sounds still drown out softer sounds. In both technologies loud noise levels compromise the ability to hear quieter sounds. Only Ridgeline's 'DLSC' technology protects hearing while at the same time allowing the wearer to hear lower volume sounds such as normal conversation. 'DLSC' works by instantly 'compressing' all noises over the 70 dB threshold by 50% to a safe level while amplifying all sounds below that to 70 dB. The result is the wearer will hear everything, including conversation, while simultaneously being protected from dangerous, high volume sounds.