Communication for Respiratory Technology

Smart Earplugs provide an advanced solution for hearing protection and clear communication in loud environments, especially for workers using Respiratory protective equipment. Sensear, a leader in industrial safety communication, offers smartPlugs™, available in boom microphone and in-ear microphone options, ideal for respirator users. Unlike traditional personal protective equipment, these smart earplugs allow users to communicate clearly in high-noise environments, even when wearing hazmat suits or respirators. Powered by SENS^® Technology, these devices provide 360° situational awareness by enhancing speech and suppressing hazardous noise, ensuring that industrial workers stay protected without compromising communication.

For years, industrial safety professionals have faced challenges in finding reliable solutions that provide both hearing protection and clear communication in environments where hazardous noise and respiratory protective equipment create barriers. Industries such as oil and gas, mining, construction, manufacturing, chemical processing, food and beverage, emergency response, and more have turned to Sensear’s smartPlugs™ to ensure worker safety while maintaining effective communication in high-noise environments.

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OSHA requires hearing protection for noise levels at or above an 8-hour TWA of 85 dB(A), standard solutions often limit communication. smartPlugs™ provides both hearing protection and clear communication, making it ideal for workers in hazardous environments. NIOSH strongly recommends advanced hearing protection for noise levels exceeding 100 dB(A), ensuring that workers using respirators or hazmat suits can stay protected and connected without compromising safety or situational awareness.

What are smartPlugs™?

smartPlugs™ are hearing protection and communication solutions designed for high-noise environments, ensuring clear communication while suppressing hazardous noise. Unlike traditional earplugs, smartPlugs™ features both a boom microphone and in-ear microphone options, making them ideal for workers. This allows seamless communication. By preserving situational awareness, smartPlug™ enables workers to hear alarms, alerts, or approaching hazards, enhancing safety without compromising protection.

Sensear's Radio-Powered smartPlugs™

SP1R offers the same advanced communication and hearing protection features but is designed for standard high-noise environments where intrinsic safety is not required. Both models enable face-to-face communication, Short-Range communication for small teams, two-way radio connectivity (cabled), or a combination of these options. With SENS® Technology, SP1R-IS and SP1R enhance situational awareness, speech clarity, and worker safety, making them essential tools for professionals in hazardous, high-noise industries.

SP1R-IS is an intrinsically safe in-ear communication and hearing protection solution designed for hazardous, high-noise environments. With a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 31 dB, it ensures clear two-way radio communication without requiring an internal battery. Available in two configurations—an in-ear microphone for respirator users or a lightweight headset with a noise-canceling boom microphone—SP1R-IS is ideal for workers using respiratory protective equipment or other facial protection gear in intrinsically safe environments.

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When Are smartPlugs™ the Right Solution?

Let’s review a few situations where traditional hearing protection is not enough. OSHA requires hearing protection for workers exposed to 85 dB(A) or more over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). In environments where hazardous noise is combined with respiratory protective equipment, traditional solutions often limit communication and situational awareness.

smartPlugs™ are designed for industrial workers who need clear communication while wearing respirators, hazmat suits, or other facial protection gear. Available in two models—one with a boom microphone and another featuring an in-ear microphone—smartPlugs™ ensure workers can communicate effectively without compromising safety or protection.

Why smartPlugs™ for High-Noise & Respiratory Protection?

When workers are exposed to hazardous noise and airborne contaminants, they need hearing protection that supports situational awareness. Standard earplugs or earmuffs block noise but limit communication, making it difficult to coordinate in high-risk environments. smartPlugs™ solves this issue by providing speech-enhancing communication while suppressing background noise.

Sensear’s smartPlugs™ solutions are engineered for industries where workers rely on both respiratory and hearing protection, ensuring they can hear alarms, alerts, and team members while staying protected.

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Optimizing Worker Safety with smartPlugs™ & Dräger

Sensear’s smartPlugs™ solutions pair seamlessly with Dräger’s respiratory protective equipment, offering a comprehensive approach to worker safety. This combination ensures that workers in hazardous environments remain protected from airborne contaminants while maintaining crystal-clear communication in high-noise workplaces.

OSHA's Guidelines for Effective Hearing Protection

OSHA mandates a hearing conservation program for environments exceeding 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour TWA. When administrative or engineering controls cannot reduce noise, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) that allows for clear and effective communication.

Workers using smartPlugs™ with Dräger respiratory protection can stay compliant with hearing safety regulations while ensuring seamless coordination in high-risk environments. Protect your workforce with the right tools for hearing protection and communication in hazardous noise environments.