Hearing technology company Sensear’s products are based on technology that differentiates between speech and background noise: the company’s first raft of products, which are nearing market release, are hearing muffs designed for use in high-noise environments.

According to Sensear, its technology allows people working in noisy environments to communicate relatively normally, while still protecting their hearing from the ambient noise.

The first commercial application is hearing muffs and plugs that can be worn by users in noisy environments and allows them to hear their workmates talk without removing the hearing protection.

In addition, the technology also allows users to listen to mobile phones without removing the muffs.

Sensear will launch its products globally at two of the world’s largest safety trade expos, the A&A held in Dusseldorf in September and the National Safety Congress held in Chicago in October.

Sensear managing director Justin Miller said noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the world’s most common occupational illnesses and the world’s biggest compensatable occupational hazard.

“A February 2006 study by Access Economics reports NIHL cost Australia in excess of $4 billion in 2005,” he said.

Sensear’s products can be worn by people in noisy environments, allowing them to hear speech and alarm signals while being protected from background noise.

“The technology is a world first.

“It enables people to wear hearing protection and clearly hear face to face speech, as well as mobile phone and two-way radio conversations, in a diverse range of high noise environments,” Miller said.

The company said it has consulted extensively with its prospective customer market and commercial interest appears to be strong.

“We have trialled the products with several global companies including Qantas, Alcoa and Rio Tinto, receiving very positive results,” said Miller.

Qantas occupational hygienist Brian Smith said Sensear’s ear muff products were trialled with ground staff, baggage handlers and engineers, with successful results.

“Initial trials of Sensear’s ear muff products have proved successful and workplace assessment is ongoing.

“Once Sensear has launched commercially, we will evaluate other applications including the ear plug option.

“Sensear’s technologies may form part of our overall noise management program,” said Smith.

Sensear recently won two innovation awards at the annual iAwards presented by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), the Australian Financial Review and the CSIRO, which seeks to recognise the best Australian Information and Communications Technology (ICT) innovations each year.

Sensear was the only company to win two of the prestigious iAwards, taking first place in the healthcare, and research and development categories.