Q. WHAT IS SNR?

 

SNR- Single Number Rating (Noise cancellation)

 

Q. WILL THE EARPLUGS CUT OUT ALL THE NOISE COMPLETELY? HOW IS SNR CALCULATED?

 

Our answer is unfortunately absolute silence is physically impossible. This is because our “cochlea”, the nerves that turn vibrations into sound, get effected not only by noise coming through our ears, but also any other sound wave hitting our head or even different parts of our body.

 

Then the question is how much noise do they cancel?

 

In order to end dispute over this subject, the EU council has come up with a standardized test, in which 20 individuals are placed in a “silent room” where they wear the product that is being tested. Then, a noise is played starting from 0 in amplitude, increasing ever so slightly every second. Once the user hears the noise, they press the button to indicate it to the computer.

 

This test is repeated a number of times and all the data is put through a complex algorithm to give us the Single Number Rating (SNR) value.

 

This number shows the approximate dB (decibels) value the earplugs reduce from the surrounding

environment.

 

When you look at the chart shown below you can see how much dB reduction it generates for different frequencies (Hz- hertz).

Tests are done according to EU Standard EN-352-2 (part 2:2002).

 

Regardless of the earplug, there is always more protection from higher frequencies (Hz) and less protection from lower frequencies (Hz). This is due to lower frequencies being larger in wave size and can therefore travel through objects more easily. For example if someone is playing loud music next door, you will most likely only hear the bass and not the treble.

 

Q. WHAT ARE GROMMETS?

 

Grommets are tiny plastic tubes inserted into a child’s ear drum to allow air into the space behind the ear drum (middle ear) which reduces the risk of fluid building up.

 

Q. CAN THE MOLDABLE AND PERSONAL EAR PLUGS BE WORN IF SOMEONE HAS EAR GROMMETS INSERTED INTO THEIR EAR CANAL?

 

Yes. Provided the user does not find it uncomfortable.

 

The important thing is to preferably use moldables for children under the age of 5 as their ear canals can be very short and additionally sensitive and therefore it is preferable to stay away from inserting anything inside the ear.

 

What is most important is visual confirmation of the seal by the parent/guardian regardless of the earplug used.

 

Q. CAN THE FLIER EARPLUGS BE USED DURING TAKE OFF/ LANDINGS?

 

Yes they can be used at all stages of the flight as the micro filter reacts to pressure changes.