Ear Plug Superstore - Official Blog

4th of July Hearing Protection for the Whole Family!

Fireworks. Parades. Car shows. Festivals. Races. Live music.

What do all these things have in common...?

They all happen on or around the 4th of July! In fact, with the warm weather and the kids out of school for the summer, few holidays offer as many fun family events to enjoy as Independence Day does. Whether you're boating at the lake, enjoying a parade in the city, or taking in some fireworks at the park, July 4th always means it's time to break out the sparklers and celebrate with your family and friends.

But something else all those fabulous 4th of July events also have in common is that they're LOUD! So while you're taking the family out to enjoy the fun the 4th of July has to offer, don't forget to take your hearing protection along, too! To help with this, we have some fabulous 4th of July hearing protection ideas to keep you, the kids, and even the family dog safe while you all enjoy the holiday together.

For adults, there's nothing that says "I'm patriotic (and I love my ears)!" like a pair of Max USA Earplugs. These comfortable foam ear plugs offer great protection, and each earplug is red, white, and blue! Grab a couple pairs of these, and you'll be ready to enjoy anything from a NASCAR race to a 4th of July marching band -- safely, comfortably, and in true 4th of July style. These are also great for teens and older kids.

For children, particularly infants and toddlers, hearing protection during loud events is especially important. (Remember: hearing damage is permanent -- so practicing good hearing conservation has to start early!) For a safe 4th of July for the little ones, we can't recommend our Earmuffs for Babies and Children hilghly enough. These earmuffs come in a varity of styles and colors, they're comfortable and lightweight enough to fit infants just a few months old, and our customers absolutely love them. With a pair of baby earmuffs on, even the tiniest tots can enjoy the beauty of the fireworks -- without all the potentially-frightening (and dangerous!) noise.

And finally, we can't leave out the last member of the family: the dog! Dogs often have trouble dealing with fireworks and other 4th of July events, simply because the noise levels are too high for Fido's sensitive ears to handle. But the dog doesn't have to sit home alone during Independence Day celebrations. Mutt Muffs Earmuffs for Dogs were invented to make it safe and comfortable for dogs to fly in small personal aircraft, where the sound levels are very high. So a pair of Mutt Muffs can keep your four-legged family member safe and comfortable, even through the spectacular booms of the fireworks.

With this fantastic hearing protection gear, this 4th of July can be one the whole family can enjoy together, safely.

But the holiday is right around the corner, so if you haven't gotten your July 4th hearing protection yet, you'll need to order soon! Unfortunately, we can't control what happens once your package hits the post office, so we can't absolutely guarantee your orders will arrive by the 4th. But based on usual shipping times, we recommend that you place your order by Monday, June 27th (for Priority Mail Shipping) or by Friday, July 1st (for USPS Express Mail Shipping) to receive your items in time for the holiday. (If you plan to be enjoying holiday events all weekend long, and not just on the 4th, we'd even recommend you play it extra safe and place your order via USPS Express Mail Shipping by Wednesday, June 29th, so your items will arrive in plenty of time for the holiday weekend.)

Have a fun (and safe!) 4th of July, and until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
--Tom "Dr. Earplug" Bergman

6 Cool Techno Gadgets Dad will Love this Father's Day

Father's Day is coming up soon, on June 19th -- that's just a few days away. That means it's high time to get Dad the perfect gift to show how much you appreciate all his hard work, love, and all the other fatherly stuff he does.

Now, you could go with one of the "traditional" Father's Day gifts... and there's nothing wrong with that. Dad can always use a new tie, right?

...right?

Well, if your dad isn't a tie enthusiast, why not try something new this year? We at Ear Plug Superstore have compiled a list of our top six favorite techno gadgets that would make awesome gifts this Father's Day. These items range from simple, useful gadgets to improve Dad's daily life, to truly unique, high-tech toys he'll be dying to show off to his friends.

1. Sennheiser PXC250-II Noise Cancelling Headphones
Why It's Cool: These headphones will actually cancel out ambient noises, so that you only hear the sound pumping through the headphones. Everything else fades away. The Science: These headphones actually have built-in microphones that listen to the noises around you, constantly gathering information about incoming sound waves. While the headphones play your music, they also emit sound waves that counter the incoming sound waves from ambient noises, effectively killing the waves before they hit your ears. The result is that the headphones actually cancel out incoming ambient noises, so all you hear is the music.
Why Dad Will Love It: These are high-quality headphones from Sennheiser, so the sound quality here is very good. And with noise cancelling technology built right in, Dad can wear these on the subway, on airplanes, or anywhere else with a lot of noisy background sound, and he'll still hear his favorite tunes clearly (without all that irritating background noise!).
2. Bilsom Electo Tactical and AM/FM Radio Earmuffs
Why It's Cool: These hearing protection earmuffs protect your hearing, amplify outside noises so you can still hear safe sounds clearly, AND they let you listen to the radio, too! The Science: The earmuffs provide protection from outside noises, while speakers embedded in each ear cup allow you to listen to music from the built-in AM/FM radio. But the really cool part is that there are directionally-placed stereo microphones on each earcup that amplify outside noises, so you can still hear what's going on around you clearly, and in true stereo, with the earmuffs on and your music playing. The icing on the cake is that there are independent volume controls for the music and for ambient sound amplification, so you can turn the music up and turn the world down, or vice-versa.
Why Dad Will Love It: These earmuffs are the best of all worlds: Dad can protect his hearing, still clearly hear amplified ambient sounds so he doesn't get that muffled feeling, and he can listen to the radio all at the same time! Plus, these earmuffs look cool, they're high-tech, and they're covered with nifty adjustment knobs to play with.
3. Walkers Hybrid Duo CIC Semi-Custom Hearing Enhancer with Noise Protection
Why It's Cool: Designed as a tactical in-ear hunting hearing aid, these little babies can make you hear better, period -- even if you never go hunting again. The Science: Each earpiece contains a 6 channel high-definition digital signal processing platform, providing exceptionally clean audio processing that retains and clarifies intricate sound details. The integrated, pre-programmed 16 band graphic equalizer delivers remarkably natural sound enhancement. Just as your normal hearing system adjusts to different sound conditions, these will let you select one of 4 different pre-programmed listening modes instantly, wherever you happen to be. Whether you are sitting in your living room simply watching TV, out in the field listening for your bird dogs, or enjoying dinner with your spouse in a noisy restaurant, these will let you choose a listening mode that lets you really hear, clearly and completely, with the wave of the programming wand that ships with your Hybrid Duo CICs.
Why Dad Will Love It: First off, if Dad has a little trouble hearing, these will help him enjoy the sounds of life better, without a trip to the audiologist. And if Dad has normal hearing, the four settings on these in-ear gadgets will let him hear much better and more clearly in crowds, at concerts and movies, or while enjoying the great outdoors.
4. Marpac Stereo Pillow Speaker Set
Why It's Cool: These speakers let you listen to music (or white noise) while sleeping, without needing to wear earpieces, and without filling the whole bedroom with noise. The Science: These take a very simple idea and give it a new twist. The two speakers are flat and smooth, and designed to slip easily inside your pillow case, right under the pillow. Sound, sleep, and comfort -- and it's such a simple idea that it'll work with any pillow.
Why Dad Will Love It: With these, Dad can plug the speakers into a sound source like an mp3 player or a white noise machine, slide the speakers into his pillow, and lay back and enjoy his favorite music while he relaxes or drifts off to dreamland.
5. Shure SE115M Sound Isolating™ Music/Phone Headset
Why It's Cool: With music-capable smart phones cropping up everywhere, the need for a device that will let you listen to your music and still actually use your phone is on the rise. This will let you do both (and a lot more, if you have an iPhone). The Science: Created specifically for Apple iPhone 3GS 4 and most iPod models, the inline three-button remote allows users to adjust the volume, control music and video playback, record voice memos, and answer or end calls with the touch of a button, all without removing your earpieces. The inline mic lets you talk on the phone, but won't get in the way while you're listening to music. To top it all off, sound isolating sleeves (replaceable ear tips) in multiple sizes block outside noise and provide a secure, comfortable fit. (A 1-button in-line control model is also available for other music enabled mobile phones, if you don't have an iPhone.)
Why Dad Will Love It: This is a must-have for any Dad with a music-capable smart phone. He'll enjoy being able to listen to music and talk on the phone hands-free without ever needing to take out his earbuds. With an iPhone, he'll be able to use a lot of the phone's features without needing to actually touch the phone -- and the Shure name means these in-ear earphones will provide high-quality sound whether he's listening to you, Mom, or his favorite music. Bonus: Right now, priority shipping on this item is FREE!
6. SnoreMasker® Pro Deluxe In-Ear White Noise Machine
Why It's Cool: This offers all the benefits of white noise via a set of in-ear earpieces. The white noise gets channeled straight into your ears, and other sounds get blocked out. The Science: Each SnoreMasker Pro earpiece is fitted with a soft poly-urethane foam tip. These soft foam ear tips block all kinds of noises, including snoring, the neighbor's TV, traffic noise, and other sounds, preventing most of the sound from entering your ear. (They reduce the volume by 20-25 dB, or by about 75%.) Each earpiece then produces a gentle, soothing, white noise sound that will mask much of the remaining noise you can hear, giving you nearly total isolation from virtually all sound up to 70 dB, about the sound level of a loud alarm clock. Each earpiece also offers independent volume control, and the foam tips come in a variety of sizes to fit any size of ear.
Why Dad Will Love It: If Mom snores, or if Dad has other sounds that keep him awake at night, the SnoreMasker Pro is his ticket to peace and quiet, and a good night's sleep! Bonus: Right now, priority shipping on this item is FREE, and we'll also send you a FREE Deluxe Ear Pillow (fits nicely inside your pillowcase on top of your regular pillow) to make sleeping with the earpieces in even more comfortable!

Now, none of these gifts will go with Dad's favorite suit, but it's a proven scientific fact that cool tech gadgets are 100% more exciting to the male brain than a new tie.

Need to get your gift in time for Father's Day? Well, we can't control what happens once your package hits the post office, so we can't absolutely guarantee delivery in time for Father's Day. But based on usual shipping times, we recommend you place your order by Monday, June 13th (for Priority Shipping) or by Friday, June 17th (for USPS Express Mail Shipping) to receive your gifts by Father's Day.

Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
--Tom "Dr. Earplug" Bergman

Manly Hearing Protection for Macho Dads!

Father's Day is June 19th, which means there are only a few more days left to find Dad the perfect gift!

We think we can help; after all, what makes for a better gift than better hearing?

Now, before we get to our awesome list of manly hearing protection gift ideas, we'd like to take a moment to point out that dads tend to do a LOT of noisy stuff! Between the power tools in the garage, the lawn mower in the shed, and loud hobbies like football games, NASCAR races, and hunting or shooting, dads get exposed to a lot of dangeously loud noise levels on a pretty frequent basis. And given how busy dads are, we know a lot of them don't have the time to find the proper hearing protection they need.

Now, we spent a lot of time last month talking about hearing protection for women: pretty pink earplugs that are extra-small and soft, etc. But not all hearing protection is girly -- quite the contrary! We at Ear Plug Superstore firmly believe that hearing protection is for everyone.

And to prove it, here's a list of hearing protection items created especially for MEN! Using this list, you can pick out a gift that will help Dad preserve his hearing -- without sacrificing his machismo.

Hearos Skull Screws
	These have to be, hands down, the most extreme ear plugs we've ever met. Shaped like little screws, you literally "Screw 'em in your ears!" to put these bad boys in. With good hearing protection, reusability, and a portable carry-case, these earplugs are a great value -- and with their extreme design, they're sure to make even the most macho of dads feel cool while wearing them.
Peltor 30 Caliber Foam Earplugs
	Speaking of extreme ear plugs, these foam earplugs score 11 out of 10 on the "manly" meter. Each ear plug is bullet-shaped, and they're packaged like actual ammo! They provide very good hearing protection, with a deep-insertion design that makes them perfect for hunting and shooting -- so if Dad likes to hunt, these are the earplugs for him! (They're also good for any other noisy situation.)
ZonkOut Premium Foam Earplugs for Men
	These earplugs don't look like bullets or screws, and they don't roll up or do tricks; they're just simple foam earplugs, designed specifically for men. They're a little larger so they'll fit Dad properly, they're super-soft and comfortable, and they offer the best hearing protection you can get from a foam earplug. They're ideal for dads who have trouble sleeping, or who just need some good earplugs for general use.
Just Plugs Ornamental Noise Protection Ear Plugs
	Now, these are truly unique. Where most earplugs are designed to have a low profile, these hilarious plugs stand up and make a statement! They come in three designs: Beer Bottles, Spark Plugs, and Rifle Bullets. All three manly designs are great for wearing at football games, concerts, or even while shooting at the range. Dad will get a kick out of showing these off to the guys, and his hearing will be protected, too.
3M TEKK Protection WorkTunes AM/FM Earmuffs
	These earmuffs are probably our favorite gift idea for Dad this year. They're hearing protection earmuffs with an AM/FM radio built right in, and they even have an audio jack for mp3 players or music phones. With these earmuffs, Dad can enjoy his favorite tunes while mowing the lawn, and still keep his hearing safe, to boot. These earmuffs will make any Dad's honey-do list ("Honey, would you do...") a whole lot sweeter.

We think any of these manly hearing protection items will make a great gift for the macho Dad in your life!

But with Father's Day coming up fast, you'll have to order soon if you need to receive these in time for Father's Day. We strongly recommend that you order by Monday, June 13th for shipping via Priority Mail, or by Friday, June 17th for shipping via USPS Express Mail. (Please note that these are our recommended order-by dates, and not a guarantee; once your package hits the post office, exact delivery times are, unfortunately, out of our hands.)

Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
--Tom "Dr. Earplug" Bergman

EPSS Father's Day 2011 Gift of the Year: The TV Listener

The TV Listener -- also know as the Unisar Model J3 TV Listener Wireless Television Listening System -- is hands-down our favorite idea for a perfect Father's Day gift.

In a nutshell, the TV Listener is a set of headphones for your TV. You put on the headphones, the TV's sound is wirelessly transmitted to the headphones via a little transmitter (included), and you can hear the TV -- and your sleeping spouse, kids, or pets can't! That means no more arguments about watching TV in bed when Mom wants to sleep. And no more waking up Mom or the baby because the TV is too loud!

The TV Listener will let Dad listen to the TV, stereo, iPod or any other audio device at a volume that is comfortable for him. It is ideal if Dad has difficulty hearing, if he wants to watch TV in the bedroom while Mom is sleeping, or if he simply wants to watch television at a different volume than others in the room. He can adjust the volume on the headset to suit his personal needs.

The TV Listener J3 works just like your remote control, sending an invisible infrared signal from your television (or any other audio device) to the comfortable, lightweight headset. Unlike radio frequency devices, infrared is not subject to interference from cordless phones, wireless networks, microwaves, etc. The headset recharges when plugged into the transmitter and works for over 15 hours of uninterrupted use.

Dads everywhere can now enjoy those late-night sports events, movies, news, and comedy shows they love thanks to the TV Listener. And that makes the TV Listener our EPSS Father's Day 2011 Gift of the Year! If Dad loves TV, he'll love the TV Listener.

We highly recommend that you order soon (by June 13th for Priority Mail, or June 17th for USPS Express Mail) to receive your TV Listener in time for Father's Day. We cannot guarantee delivery by Father's Day, but based on general order delivery times, those are our recommended order-by dates.

Until next time, be safe and do the right thing.
--Tom "Dr. Earplug" Bergman