CHICAGO, IL – Sensaphonics published an independent scientific study depicting the broadband isolation achieved with its proprietary soft silicone earpieces.
More details from Sensaphonics (www.sensaphonics.com):
Sensaphonics, the in-ear technology and hearing health leader, is the first and only IEM manufacturer to document its isolation claims. The company has published an independent scientific study showing the broadband isolation achieved with its proprietary soft silicone earpieces, with attenuation averaging 34 dB. This is a critical factor in the effectiveness of any in-ear monitor, especially in terms of hearing health.
The 2017 isolation study was conducted by Michael & Associates, an independent psychoacoustics laboratory in State College, PA. Isolation was measured by documenting attenuation across nine key frequencies, from 125 Hz to 8 kHz. All study participants wore custom-fitted Sensaphonics earpieces for three separate live listening tests. Notable results include attenuation as high as 45.5 dB at 8 kHz, and documented isolation of 29.6 dB or greater in the difficult-to-block low frequencies. All tests were done in accordance with American National Standards Institute specifications (ANSI S3.19-1974).
“Isolation is the key to being able to monitor clearly at safer levels with IEMs. Without it, any promise of hearing health benefits is meaningless. Until now, no IEM company has documented the science, if any, behind their isolation specs,” notes Dr. Michael Santucci, Sensaphonics founder and president. “This independent scientific study proves what our customers have known for years: that our proprietary soft silicone formula provides the most isolating – and most comfortable – in-ear monitors on the market.”
Details within the Michael & Associates study were revealing. As expected, low frequencies were the most difficult to block, with isolation of 29.6 to 33.0 dB in the range from 125 Hz to 1 kHz. Higher frequencies showed dramatically more isolation, from 37.3 at 2 kHz to 45.5 dB at 8 kHz. The overall broadband average was 34 dB of attenuation. This is validated by the small measurement variance despite variations in individual subjects’ fit and insertion technique.
The reason isolation is so important is basic science: By blocking outside sound, the noise floor is reduced, thus improving the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. This allows the user to hear the actual IEM monitor mix more clearly at lower, safer listening levels.
Sensaphonics IEMs create a quieter listening environment that allows the accuracy of the audio to shine. All their custom-fit IEMs, including the 3D AARO, 3MAX, 2MAX, and 2X-S, feature proprietary medical grade, soft silicone earpieces. With easy flex and deep fit in the ear canal, these IEMs maintain a full seal (and thus, full bass response), and are significantly more comfortable than hard acrylic shells.
This focus on hearing-friendly design and innovation is Sensaphonics’ signature contribution to the music industry. By applying scientific knowledge of hearing loss prevention techniques and consulting with top touring musicians and sound engineers, Sensaphonics products address their monitoring needs without the hearing health risks inherent in massively multi-driver designs.
“Sensaphonics is committed to hearing wellness in the music industry. We do that with science,” says Dr. Santucci. “Our soft silicone IEMs have always been the most isolating, but that fact has gotten lost in a sea of undocumented claims. This independent study is the proof of how we create an in-ear experience that no other company can match.”
