Hi everyone, my name is Dr. Naumovitz at Now Hear This®, and today I’ll be talking about Starkey’s line of SoundGear products. These are products that are specially made for hearing protection. They have two different versions: one is non-electric, and the other is electric.
The non-electric options are great for people who need noise reduction but don’t have any hearing loss. They can also be helpful for people who have hearing loss and want to protect their hearing, but there is no amplification available in these non-electric versions.
They offer filtered earplugs, which are ideal for musicians, dentists, and people who need to hear well while working but still want to reduce noise exposure. There are also high-frequency noise filters, which are excellent for hunting and shooting because they allow you to hear a little while still protecting your hearing from loud noises.
For the best noise reduction when hunting or shooting, a solid earplug is the best option. It provides maximum noise reduction because there are no openings in the plug—it completely seals off the ear, offering the highest reduction rating. These custom earplugs require taking impressions at the clinic before ordering through SoundGear. If you’re a musician, dentist, work in a loud environment, or enjoy hunting, these are all great options.
The electric version of SoundGear is called the SoundGear Phantom. This device not only protects your hearing but also amplifies sound. It comes in a compact charging case, similar to a Starkey custom hearing aid. The SoundGear Phantom is rechargeable, Bluetooth-compatible, and can connect to your phone.
The hearing protection and amplification features make it ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who also participate in activities like shooting. It helps enhance hearing while reducing exposure to dangerously loud sounds. When sound levels exceed a certain loudness, the device automatically stops amplifying to prevent hearing damage.
The SoundGear Phantom provides a noise reduction rating of about 22 decibels, making it an excellent choice for turkey hunting, bird hunting, or deer hunting. If you struggle to hear environmental sounds like animals in grass, leaves, or trees, this device helps enhance those sounds while still protecting your hearing.
One limitation of this product is that it has one fixed amplification level. While you can adjust the volume, it does not have a personalized prescription setting. However, if you have mild hearing difficulty and also hunt, this is an excellent product.
That’s the SoundGear Phantom! If you’re interested, feel free to visit our clinic, where we can do an evaluation, assess your hearing, and determine if this is the right option for you.
Thank you so much for listening, and have a great rest of your day!
