Mar 15, 2018 | By Benedict
Loop, a Belgian startup specializing in ear protection technology, has developed a pair of 3D printed earplugs that can help fight tinnitus and ringing ears. Loop says its 3D printed devices can prevent hearing loss without looking “dorky.”
3D printing is now frequently used to make audio products like 3D printed earbuds and 3D printed speakers. But what about those times when you need to turn the volume down, rather than up? For those who suffer from tinnitus, the condition of hearing ringing or buzzing in your ears, it is often necessary to wear protective earplugs—for concerts, parties, and sometimes just everyday life.
The thing is, earplugs don’t have a great reputation for being cool. Show up to a club with bits of foam in your ear and people might think you’re about 20 years older than you really are. But what’s worse: looking strange or causing serious damage to your ears?
Fortunately, Belgian startup Loop wants to eliminate that dilemma by making a pair of 3D printed earplugs that are both protective and trendy. It’s new earplug, designed specifically for listening to music in comfort, combines an acoustic channel and filter for natural sound, reducing decibels without making you “look like a dork.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that one out of three young adults risk hearing damage due to loud music at concerts, events, and clubs. Yet virtually no young people consider wearing earplugs on a night out.
Why? Loop reckons there are a couple of problems: the aforementioned embarrassment issue, and also the problem of audio quality. Some people know that loud music will damage their ears, but still want to hear that booming sound in all its glory.
Loop’s 3D printed earplugs attempt to tackle both of these problems.
“When going out, I want to enjoy the atmosphere,” says Loop co-founder Maarten Bodewes. “Most earplugs distorted the music, were uncomfortable—not to mention downright ugly. That's why we started Loop.”
In its attempt to remove the stigma around earplugs, Loop has made a high-fidelity earplug for music that is discreet and highly unlike the typical foam product you get from a pharmacy. Loop says its earplugs are both elegant and effective, and are available in eight colors to go with any outfit.
An acoustic filter inside the 3D printed Loop earplug reduces volume by 20 decibels, which Dimitri O, Loop’s other co-founder, says is “the perfect balance between protection and experience.”
Because each ear is unique, the 3D printed earplugs come with both memory foam that adjusts to your ear and soft silicone ear tips in two sizes. This means the earplugs stay in place even when bouncing around to your favorite tunes.
The acoustic channel and filter were developed with Dynamic Ear Company, a leader in hearing protection based in the Netherlands. The 3D printing process was handled by 3D Systems, while U.S. company Comply helped improve the comfort and fit of the design.
The Loop earplugs are available in eight colors: Glorious Gold, Funky Blue, Flirty Rose Gold, Midnight Black, Raving Red, Swinging Silver, Electric White, and Brilliant Black. Each set includes four silicone ear tips, two foam ear tips, and a leather carrying pouch.
The earplugs cost $29.95 / €29.95 per pair.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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