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Music

Isolate yourself in the ambience of reduced sound

Despite the best of intentions from earplug manufacturers, they’re doing it all wrong. Instead of products that block sound in a way that’s still enjoyable, they usually muffle sounds. While this might help with a significant other’s snoring (and then, not even by much), absorption like thi will result in distorted sound in the high and mid frequencies, and little to no reduction in bass frequencies. This imbalance is stressful and tiring.

patent-claimedAfter its first successful Kickstarter last year, Flare Audio set their eyes on what they say as an outdated piece of design. By replacing the traditional materials used for most earplugs (plastics, silicones, and foams) with a piece of aluminum or titanium, the company created the Isolate. The micro earplugs are tipped with a proprietary foam material that adjusts to a person’s ear canal for a snug fit, its metal core reaching deep within the canal. This allows the Isolate to block noise from entering the ears and attenuate all frequencies, essentially turning off the ears to direct noise.

Categories
Music

Plugfones Liberate blocks out noise, lets in favorite tunes

Noisy environments are usually a temporary nuisance — unless, of course, one has to work in them all day. In that case, noise cancelling ear plugs are necessary to properly protect one’s hearing. Unfortunately, that means no music or audiobooks to get through the workday with. Shaun Knudsen couldn’t deal with that limitation and created a set of noise-cancelling headphones called Plugfones. After a few years of success with his initial wired version, the product is on Kickstarter in its new, wireless iteration: Plugfones Liberate.

The noise-blocking headphones shed its 3.5mm port to make it easier for anyone to work without the hassle or potential danger of tangled wires. Beyond that, it’s pretty familiar territory as far as earbuds go. The Plugfones Liberate feature a noise-reducing mic for phone calls and controls for things like playback and volume. It’s recommended that the Plugfone Liberates’ variety of user-replaceable silicon and foam tips are replaced every few weeks to ensure a snug fit and maintain the benefits of its s Noise Reduction Rating of 26. Plugfones sells them direct from its Web site for $7.99.

Categories
Health and Wellness Wearables

QuietOn earplugs uses noise cancellation to tune out the world

Earplugs are handy devices to have when trying to catch some shut-eye while traveling — especially on a noisy airplane — or even while at home if somebody is making a racket in another room or snoring in the same bed. But not all earplugs are created equal. For starters, some are more comfortable than others and some block more noise than others.

patent-claimedQuietOn earplugs use the same kind of active noise cancellation technology found in many higher-end headphones, but does away with the wires. There’s also no buttons. The earplugs switch on automatically when removed from its small charging and carrying case. They work for up to 50 hours on one charge, so QuietOn can work for an entire flight regardless of the destination or most delays.