Today we are going to focus on an organ that is too often put to the test by defense professionals and in general by all those who work in noisy environments: the ear, and especially its internal components.
In the first part we will take the time to detail what makes us listen, the possible attacks and their consequences. We will then see what means of protection the TAC-STORE team offers you. This article will help you choose the right noise canceling headphones.
Part 1: How do we hear
Admittedly, our hearing passes through what we commonly call the ear (the pavilion).
But most of the “work” happens inside thanks to the eardrum.
What is the eardrum?
It is a thin semi-transparent membrane.
It separates the external auditory canal from the components of the inner ear
Its function is to transmit the vibrations of the sound wave to the chain of ossicles (the latter will then transmit the movement to the cochlea which in turn transforms the information into a nervous message for the brain)
Aggressions
Everyone should be aware that the ear remains a fragile organ.
You should also be aware that exposure to excessive and brutal sound, or loud noises over a long period of time, will cause sometimes irreversible damage.
What is sound trauma? It is the destruction of the sensory cells of the ear.
These sensory cells called “ciliated cells”, once destroyed, do not regenerate. The damage suffered then causes a loss of hearing. Fall which may prove to be permanent.
For the record: In the most serious cases we will speak of sudden deafness (loss of at least 30 decibels on 3 consecutive frequencies).
The ear has its own means of defence: it can contract one of its muscles, it is the stapedius reflex. This ear muscle will contract and prevent sound waves from being amplified. It thus protects the internal components of the ear against excessive noise.
But this protection can be taken in default. Especially in the case of a noise that occurs suddenly. The sensory cells die, with the consequence that certain sounds are no longer processed, and de facto are no longer transmitted to the brain.
Possible injuries
There are generally 2 types of sound trauma:
- Acute trauma: It will appear after exposure to an excessive sound level (firecrackers, gunshots, explosions, etc.). This results in immediate and deep lesions (perforation of the eardrum). In some cases it will cause permanent hearing loss. But under certain conditions the hearing loss will only be temporary. Hence the imperative need to consult a doctor in extreme urgency.
- Behavioral or chronic trauma: Unlike acute trauma, it will be caused by prolonged and repeated exposure over time. It is “sneaky” because it will appear gradually and insidiously. It results from regular listening to music at excessive sound levels (headphones, discos, concert halls), or from exposure to repeated noises (professional setting).
What are the symptoms for hearing loss?
For acute trauma:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Sounds perceived in a distorted way
- Sensation of having the ear blocked
- Headache that may be accompanied by nausea
- Dizziness sometimes accompanied by loss of balance
- Tinnitus with varying intensities depending on the damage suffered (hissing / buzzing)
- Oversensitivity to noise
- Pain in the case of a perforated eardrum
Symptoms of chronic trauma are:
- Temporary hearing loss. This decrease in hearing may disappear after a period of calming down
- Irreversible hearing loss
Caution: The phenomenon can develop over several years!
Ear muffs: hearing protection for the military and security forces
For its extraordinary know-how, Tac Store has selected helmets and hearing protection from MSA SORDIN.
Depending on your needs, Tac-Store offers you 3 levels of technology in its range of Military / Law enforcement noise canceling headphones:
“Level 1” protection
The passive helmet. Noise attenuation is achieved through layers of internal sound insulation
“LEFT/RIGHT” series helmet (Low / Medium / High):
The “LEFT / RIGHT” series offers comfortable models that have individual ear cups offering more space for the outer ear.
The design aims to improve comfort and protection, increasing the attenuation range and the level of hearing protection.
The LOW: For a quiet environment such as the pharmaceutical industry, outdoor maintenance.
MEDIUM: For exposure to medium noise such as the oil industry, forestry and agricultural work.
HIGHs: For very noisy environments such as heavy industry, airports.
“Level 2” protection
The active helmet: the helmet has on-board electronics.
If the noise exceeds 82 decibels the sound is muted. The ear is thus protected.
. The “Supreme Basic”:
The Supreme Basic headset is an entry-level electronic headset.
Its on-board electronics offer maximum sound reproduction of 1:1 (no bass amplification).
Supreme Pro Helmet
The “Supreme Pro” electronic noise canceling headphones protect against harmful noise while allowing the listening of ambient sounds.
The sounds are detected thanks to 2 microphones positioned on each of the shells. They are reproduced by loudspeakers placed inside the shells.
Harmful noises are compressed to a safe level.
With the “Supreme Pro”, it is possible to talk face to face with another person, without removing the helmet, even when other shooters are firing.
The “Supreme Pro” is available with green hulls.
Its “headband” type headband is foldable.
Out of the box it offers foam sealing cushions.
Supreme Pro X Helmet
(in head or neck version compatible with wearing a combat helmet):
The “Supreme Pro-X” noise-canceling headphones have all the features of the “Supreme Pro” but add to them: high sound amplification, an auxiliary input for connecting an external device, and a waterproof slot for the batteries.
Available in green or black.
Supreme Pro X Helmet Led
The “Supreme Pro-X LED” noise-canceling headphones take up all the characteristics of the “Supreme Pro X” but add on-board lighting, immediately available thanks to an LED light.
It is distributed with RealTree orange background, camouflaged or green shells, and only in the foldable headband version.
It is equipped as standard with very comfortable gel cushions.
“Level 3” Protection
It is an active helmet to which is added a radio system.
It is the “ne plus ultra” of professional helmets.
In addition to noise protection, it allows radio transmission/reception functions.
Depending on the model, it is possible to be in “single communication”, or in “double communication”.
MIL CC Supreme Helmet
Dependent headsets at the “Supreme Pro” level feature a noise-cancelling boom microphone and heavy-duty drop cable.
Slim design while offering a very high level of noise reduction.
With a “Supreme MIL CC”, it is possible to communicate effectively and in perfect safety, but also to hear orders and instructions without having to remove the hearing protection. And this even in the context of an engagement with exchanges of fire.
As always, the whole team is at your disposal and will do everything possible to advise you as best as possible and guide you to the equipment that will meet all your requirements.