Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/739629
Hearing protections and noise canceling causes one problem – the better we protect it, the more we cancel the ambient sounds. That means ALL sounds, so both potentially hazardous, as well as those that we would rather want to hear Unfortunately, in the case of the cheapest solutions that we described in the previous part, that is a zero-one operation. When we use such products we protect our hearing but, at the same time, we almost cut off from the surrounding environemnt. Sometimes it is to our advantage, like e.g. during sport shooting competitions when the participant may focus more efficiently and avoid being distracted by sounds of the surroundings. However, in most cases it is better to connect protection and capability of voice communication. The problem is partially solved by semi-active hearing protection (like earplugs with adjustable hear-thru channels), but it is not a perfect solution. Still, that's a better than passive ones. Additionally, the opening of the channel in the earplugs causes, however, a (small but still) decrease of protection level. Another disadvantage of semi-active and passive protectors is the lack of compatibility with communication devices or significant difficulties in using such devices. That may be solved by active hearing protection, available both as earplugs, as well as "classic" protectors with ear cups and a headband (or a different system for mounting solution, just go on reading). Their operation is based on an electronic circuit with frequency filter. The filter allows achieving effects that in case of semi-active protectors is achieved thanks to physics of noise emission. Ambient sounds are gathered by directional microphones in ear cups or in earplugs and then filtered – impulse and harmful sounds that may damage hearing are cut off, while safe ones reach ear. However, it does not mean that you won't hear the shot – it is audible, but canceled or reduced to safe level. Safe-level sounds are processed through electronics without losses (in the simplest circuits) or may be amplified. Thanks to that feature, it is possible to talk with someone with the protectors on, as well as to locate the source of sound which is important for hunters, soldiers or policemen. Electronics need power supply – usually AA or AAA batteries and sometimes – CR123A. Some of the hearing protection headsets give the possibilities to connect an external devices – it may be phone or a radio. In the case of the simplest solutions, after you connect your mobile phone, you may hear your caller clearly, but you need to talk to the microphone of the phone. More advanced hearing protection solutions have an integrated microphone, so you don't have to hold the connected device near your mouth. www.fragoutmag.com