Phonak Communications

Definitions

What is hearing protection?

Hearing protection refers to equipment and systems that protect hearing from dangerously loud noise. In the case of Phonak's products, both passive (static) and level-dependent dynamic ('active') hearing protection systems are available, either with or without built-in communication functionality.

What is attenuation (SNR, NRR)?

Attenuation is a general term that refers to any reduction in the strength of a signal. In the case of audio therefore, attenuation is the reducing (or dampening) of sound. The amount or degree of attenuation is most often expressed using units called decibels (dBs). As an example, Phonak's Serenity DPC protects the hearing of wearers by attenuating sounds that are above a safe volume level.

Hearing Issues

Why is hearing protection important?

Loud noise is dangerous and the impact it can have on a person’s hearing is irreversible. Exposing your ears to a 100 dB (decibel) noise – i.e. the noise levels of industrial equipment or an MP3 player at full volume - damages the inner ear, even if experienced for just 15 minutes. Working unprotected in loud environments for several hours at a time is even more risky.

The problem is simple: once destroyed, the microscopic hair cells of the inner ear do not grow back. Neither can these crucial tiny hairs be artificially recreated by any medical process.

The consequence is permanent hearing loss and a highly frustrating ringing in the ears (tinnitus). And the negative effects don’t stop there. In addition to reduced hearing capability, the consequences of exposure to noise include: stress and nervousness; reduced concentration and quality of sleep; degraded performance and productivity; increased risk of workplace accidents; difficulty to communicate; feeling of isolation; increased medical expenses.

What are the different types of hearing loss?

There are several degrees of hearing impairment:

Mild hearing loss
- Unable to hear soft sounds
- Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments

Moderate hearing loss
- Unable to hear soft and moderately loud sounds
- Considerable difficulty to understand speech, particularly in background noise

Severe hearing loss
- Some loud sounds are audible
- Communication without a hearing instrument is impossible.

How common is noise-induced hearing loss?

- An estimated 40 million European workers are exposed to noise for at least 50% of their working hours
- Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) accounts for about 1/3rd of all work-related diseases in Europe
- More than 7% of European workers already suffer from NIHL.
- One quarter of the 40 million cases of American hearing loss can be attributed to NIHL.

What is the difference between passive and active hearing protection?

So-called ‘passive’ hearing protection - like that provided by Phonak’s Serenity Classic and Serenity SP systems - provides a constant, unchanging level of sound dampening (‘attenuation’).

This makes passive protection systems a great fit for people who work or play in continual loud noise. Some passive attenuation systems, such as Serenity SPC, are also available with built-in radio communication.

In contrast, ‘active’ hearing protection systems (also referred to as intelligent or ‘dynamic’ systems), provide electronic level-dependent protection.

When an active system’s built-in miniature microphones detect noise levels reaching dangerous levels - including very short ‘impulse’ noises such as gun shots or crashes - these sounds are instantaneously dampened to a comfortable, safe level. However, when sound levels decrease to safe levels, active systems detect this too and instantly reduce the attenuation provided, even amplifying some quieter sounds, to give the user full environmental awareness and allow normal conversation (without the user them having to take off their protection, which risks hearing damage if sudden loud noises then occur).

Due to this intelligent capability, active hearing protection systems such as Phonak’s Serenity DP, Serenity DPC and primero DPC are the perfect choice for people who operate in environments where noise levels regularly fluctuate.

Serenity Hearing Protection

What material are Serenity eShells made from?

Serenity custom molded hearing protection features Phonak's eShells, which are manufactured from clinical nylon using a special selective laser sinthering process.

Clinical nylon is biocompatible, highly resistant to mechanical, chemical and thermal stresses, and extremely lightweight (weighing approximately one third of the weight of acrylic or silicone).

Clinical nylon is also used extensively in the medical device industry.

Can having a hard material such as nylon in the ear cause headaches and pressure build-up?

No, because each eShell mould is custom-made to fit the individual’s ear and manufactured with perfect accuracy. As a result, it feels and behaves in a completely natural way in the ear. 

How long can Serenity hearing protection devices be used before they must be replaced?

Serenity hearing protection devices are particularly resistant to mechanical and chemical stresses and can be used for between 3 and 5 years.

This life-span can even be extended through the scheduling of regular, individual attenuation (sound damping) performance measurements, using Phonak SafetyMeter.

How do I clean Serenity's eShells?

This form of custom molded hearing protection can be cleaned simply with soap and lukewarm water, or in the washing machine (maximum 60°C). After cleaning, just make sure you dry the ear moulds completely - either by leaving them overnight or by using a fan or compressed air (such as a hairdryer).

What is an ‘in-situ’ measurement?

A so-called 'in-situ' measurement is the evaluation of an individual's hearing protection’s attenuation using a product such as Phonak's SafetyMeter noise attenuation testing system.

This is an objective control of a system’s actual attenuation performance for an individual user. An advantage of this approach for employees, company doctors or professional organizations is that such performance results can be fully documented.

Do Serenity products guarantee constant attenuation?

Yes, for several reasons:
- Perfect shape accuracy due to Phonak’s custom-made eShells
- Unique and individual evaluation of in-the-ear attenuation via Phonak SafetyMeter
- Clinical nylon is resistant to mechanical, thermal and chemical exposure
- Filter characteristics are individually adaptable to the noise level at work.

How cost-effective are Serenity systems?

Cost-effectiveness is an important factor in determining which hearing protection equipment to invest in. Cheap solutions such as disposable ear protectors are not necessarily economical long-term.

The cost-effectiveness of Serenity products is guaranteed by:
- Their acceptance and effectiveness
- Lower rates of work absence and improved company efficiency due to minimized disturbances for those wearing the hearing protection (fewer headaches, inflammation of the ear etc.)
- A long life-span of 3 - 5 years thanks to the clinical nylon used
- Extendable product life via regular measurement of Serenity’s attenuation for each user
- No additional costs for special and expensive cleaning agents (Serenity ear shells are completely machine-washable)
- Cost-effective and fast replacement of eShells due to Phonak’s digital manufacturing process and user data recording

Is Serenity suitable for use in the food industry?

Yes, Serenity systems are highly suited to use in the food industry. Each eShell can be ordered with a small metal component built-in, which is easily detected by special metal detectors used in food processing factories.

How can I re-order Serenity eShells?

An identical copy of any Serenity eShell can be ordered by phone or e-mail from anywhere in the world. Either contact your eShell supplier or try our distributor page. All that’s required is an eShell's ID number; this is marked on the Serenity ear mould, its pocket and in the product documentation.

Do you have further questions?

Then please contact us direct, or alternatively click here to locate your local distributor.