ACA is recognized as a leading provider of high-quality hearing health care services.  ACA is unique in its organizational scope of practice by choosing to provide all aspects of audiological care, combining comprehensive diagnostic services with our rehabilitative services.

        Our staff of licensed, nationally certified audiologists also provides various services to the music and performing arts industry, including baseline hearing evaluations , sound-level measurements for noise environments, earmold impressions for hearing protection devices, custom high-fidelity musician ear plugs (ER-9/15/20/25), custom in-ear earphone monitors for musicians and dispensing of a wide variety of hearing aid systems.

Advantages of Custom Hearing Protection

Custom-made hearing protection inserts are manufactured to fit individual ears, providing repeatable performance, consistent protection and increased comfort for longer periods of time.

They are available in a variety of medical-grade silicone and vinyl materials to reduce irritation of sensitive ears.

Custom products are designed for several years of reliable use.  Long life results in low cost per individual per day.

• Custom Hearing Protection Considerations

For maximum protection, "full-shell" style protectors are recommended.

Filtered sound plugs provide less noise attenuation than solid plugs.

Sound attenuator ear plugs and ER-9/15/25 musicians' plugs may not be suitable for conditions of higher noise levels or increased exposure times.

Custom hearing protectors are designed to fit in the ear in only one way.  Right/left identification dots or designators are available on all custom products.

If plugs are used in combination with ear muffs, use hearing protectors with recessed removal handles or sound plugs without removal handles. Removal handles may disturb the seal between the skin and the muffs.

• Care and Maintenance of Custom Hearing Protection Products

 
• Custom hearing protectors should be cleaned of cerumen (ear wax) and dirt after each use.
• Rubbing alcohol and harsh detergents can harden and yellow soft ear plug materials.  Use a damp cloth for longer life.
• Hearing protectors and sound plugs can be cleaned with a cloth dampened with water.
• Sound or ear plugs with a non-removable filter should be wiped clean with a dry cloth.

ER-9/15/25 musicians' plugs are designed with a detachable attenuator button filter.  Remove the button prior to cleaning with water or a damp cloth.  Allow to dry before replacing the button.

• Problem 1.  Existing earplugs attenuate much more than necessary for much of the noise in industry and the environment.
• Problem 2 .  Regardless of their exact construction, existing earplugs produce 10- to 20-dB of high-frequency attenuation, resulting in their rejection because people can't hear speech clearly.
• Problem 3 .  Existing earplugs make the wearer's own voice sound hollow (known as the occlusion effect).
• Problem 4 .  Many people risk their hearing by either wearing earplugs loosely or by wearing no protection at all so they can hear voices, machinery or music more clearly.

        The ER-series of custom-fit hearing protectors provide equal attenuation at all frequencies, allowing the wearer to hear sound naturally and clearly, but at a lower, SAFER sound level.  The ER-series of earplugs alleviate complaints associated with conventional earplugs, such as the occlusion effect, "dullness" of sound and over-attenuation of volume. Four levels of attenuation are available:
 

ER-9 provides approximately 9-dB of attenuation ER-15 provides approximately 15-dB of attenuation ER-20 provides approximately 20-dB of attenuation ER-25 provides approximately 25-dB of attenuation

      A flat-response, high-fidelity earplug must have a frequency response that follows the shape of the natural frequency response of the open ear but at a reduced level.  The ER-9, ER-15 and ER-25 earplugs use a diaphragm, similar to a passive speaker cone, to achieve the desired response curve.  The ER-20 earplug is a stock (non-custom) product that uses a tuned resonator and acoustic resistor to create a high-fidelity response.  To reduce the occlusion effect-- in which the wearer's own voice sounds hollow and unpleasant-- a seal of the plug in the second bend of the ear canal (deep in the ear canal) is necessary.
 
 

In general, ER-15 protectors are designed for environments where the A-weighted sound pressure level is 105 dB or lower.  ER-25 protectors are designed for use in environments above 105 dB and below 120 dB.  The attenuation shown in the above graph is for an average ear. When put properly in place, ER-15 protectors will provide a minimum of 10 dB of attenuation, ER-20 protectors will provide a minimum of 15 dB of attenuation  and ER-25 protectors will provide a minimum of 20 dB of attenuation.

The ER-series of earplugs is designed for protection, comfort, and high-fidelity.

          Noise induced hearing loss is a function of three factors:

• Exposure time
• Average noise level
• Peak level of very loud sounds

• ER-9 protectors will provide a minimum of 5dB of attenuation
• ER-15 protectors will provide a minimum of 10 dB of attenuation
• ER-20 protectors will provide a minimum of 15 dB of attenuation
• ER-25 protectors will provide a minimum of 20 dB of attenuation

Average Safe Hours per Day Noise Level in dB No Protection 10-dB Protection 15-dB Protection 20-dB Protection     EE OSHA EE OSHA EE OSHA EE OSHA 85   8 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 88   4 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 90   --- 8 --- --- --- --- --- --- 94   1 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 95   --- 4 8 --- --- --- --- --- 97   0.50 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 100   0.25 2 2.50 8 8 --- --- --- 105   0 1 0.75 4 2.50 8 8 --- 110   0 0.50 0.25 2 0.75 4 2.50 8 115   0 0.25 0 1 0.25 2 0.75 4 120   0 0 0 0.50 0 1 0.25 2 125   0 0 0 0 0 0.50 0 1

Failure to protect hearing can result not only in noise-induced hearing loss, but it can also result in tinnitus .  Click here for more specific information on noise-induced tinnitus .

        The concept of in-ear monitoring was brought to the forefront about ten years ago as a means to eliminate feedback from conventional stage monitors that are typically located in the front of the musicians in close proximity to their microphones on stage.  By placing high-fidelity miniature speakers in custom earmolds, stage monitors could be eliminated, allowing the vocal microphones to be turned louder without the risk of feedback. As the technology improved, other benefits were recognized:

1.  Improved sound quality over conventional floor monitors. In-ear monitoring allowed musicians to control the volume of their own instrument or voice and balance them in relation to the mix of the rest of the band.

2. Consistent sound quality from venue to venue. Varying room acoustics in different arenas have a great deal of influence on the sound coming from a floor monitor.  In-ear monitoring, with high isolation from ambient sound, provides consistent sound because the acoustic environment (the ear canal) is not greatly affected by variations in room acoustics.

3. Freedom of movement. With floor monitors, the musician is forced to either stand directly in front of a floor monitor or line up consecutive floor monitors across the stage.  Using wireless FM transmitters with in-ear monitors, the musician is free to go anywhere on stage (or off!) without sacrificing sound quality.

4. Reduced cartage costs. No bulky floor monitors means less freight to carry.

5. Reduced vocal fatigue. Because of feedback, floor monitors cannot always be turned up loud enough to be heard, so vocalists must put undue strain on their vocal cords to hear themselves.  Elimination of floor wedges and feedback also eliminates vocal fatigue.

6. MOST IMPORTANTLY, reduced risk of hearing loss when fit and used properly.  Just because musicians wear monitors in their ears does not mean that they are protected against unsafe sound levels.  Some in-ear monitors can produce as much as 120 dB-A measured in the ear!  With proper use and care, in-ear monitors provide appropriate hearing conservation in loud, concert environments.


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ACA is an authorized provider of advanced
Sensaphonics ProPhonic monitors

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       Wireless Systems by Shure:

PSM 400
PSM 400 Wireless and Wired systems make professional quality personal monitoring available to more performers than ever before. Each system includes everything a working musician or band needs to receive consistent personal monitor mixes. Designed for performers who are tired of the limits of floor wedges, the PSM 400 offers hands-on control and freedom to musicians who have a limited budget for gear. With a wide range of available options - from complete Wireless and Wired systems to individual components - there is a PSM 400 that is right, rehearsal through performance, for almost everyone who performs live music.

PSM 600
Shure's first entry into personal monitoring, the PSM 600 continues to be recognized as the industry standard for full-featured wired and wireless In-Ear systems. Rugged and reliable, they deliver superb sound for all professional broadcast, recording, touring and installed sound applications. The PSM 600 features crystal-controlled analog operation for superior sound quality. It delivers a full frequency range and great stereo separation. Even the deepest bass notes come through loud and clear.

PSM 700

The ProPhonic Soft 2X™ combines the ultimate in sound quality with the most comfortable in-ear monitor material available. A micro transducer for powerful bass response is integrated with a second micro transducer for clear mid and high frequency reproduction. The dual speakers are constructed in a clear super soft silicone Comfort Gel material. The ProPhonic Soft 2X is constructed with a durable Teflon coated wire that is permanently fixed to the monitor. The ProPhonic Soft 2X requires less sound output because the silicone material isolates 26dB from ambient sound. The Prophonic Soft 2X is highly recommended for musicians who want the ultimate in dual speaker sound quality, safety, comfort and cosmetics in a soft material.Super Soft Silicone Comfort Gel Molds Benefits of the new soft silicone dual driver in-ear monitor over traditional plastic in-ears: - Single piece design for improved durability - Increases comfort with long term use - Maximizes isolation from ambient sound for increased safety - Increases bass response - Disappears in ear for improved cosmetics - Shock absorbing silicon protects drivers for increased durability - Maintains perfect seal to prevent bleed-ins during excessive jaw movement

The ProPhonic IV professional earphone monitor is the first of its kind to combine superior sound quality with the ultimate in hearing protection.  The revolutionary design is unique: modular drivers are housed in Ultrasoft earmolds that provide up to 26 dB of isolation, allowing the performer to hear the full dynamic range of music without feedback or exposure to ear-shattering sound levels.  The modular transducers have the flattest frequency response available resulting in a neutral, uncolored sound quality that extends well into the high frequencies.  Due to the modular design, the cords and transducers can be easily replaced, if necessary, while the artist is on the road.  The ProPhonic IV is highly recommended for musicians who want clear high-frequency extension and the ultimate in live monitoring safety.

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38 Special 50 Cent 98 Degrees A Teens Abra Moore AC/DC Adema Alice Peacock Alison Krauss Art Garfunkel Asia Atari Teenage Riot Barry Manilow Beastie Boys Better Than Ezra Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Bid Dumb Face Big Head Todd & The Monsters Billy Joel Band  Blue Man Group Blues Traveller Bodeans Boyz II Men Bran Van 3000 Brandy Britney Spears Brother Bush Carly Simon Carmen Ministries Carv Cheap Trick Chicago Chris Tomlin Band Christopher Cross Cirque Du Soleil-Alegria Cirque Du Soleil-Biloxi Cirque Du Soliel-Dralion Cirque Du Soleil-Quidam Cirque Du Soleil-Saltimbanco Cirque Du Soleil-Vareki Citizen King Collective Soul Cornelius Counting Crows Cowboy Mouth Cracker Crash Test Dummies Crosby Stills & Nash Dark Star Orchestra Dashboard Confessional Dave Matthews Band Days Of The New Diana Ross Disco Biscuits Disturbed Don Henley Dope Dweezil Zappa Eagle Eye Cherry Eagles Edwin McCain Elcodrive Eminem Evanescence Everclear Fab 4 Face To Face Faith Hill Fastball Filter Foreigner From Zero Fuel Garbage Genesis Geoff Tate Band Girls Against Boys Godsmack  Goo Goo Dolls Great White Halford Hanson Herbie Hancock Hoobastank Huey Lewis and the News James Bonamy James Taylor Jane’s Addiction Janet Jackson Jem Jennifer Love Hewitt Jefferson Starship Jerry’s Kids Jewel Joe Satriani Band John Mayer Band John Oates Joyce Meyer Ministries Juanita Bynum Kelis Kelly Osbourne Ken Nordine Kenny Aronoff Kings X Kinky Korn Kurt Elling Lance Parra Lari White Lee Ann Womack Leftover Salmon Leon Russell Life Christian Center Linda Ronstadt Liquid Soul Limp Bizkit Lit  Little Texas Live  Liz Phair Los Tigres Del Norte Lou Reed Luis Miguel Lustra Luther Vandross Marshall Crenshaw Marshall Tucker Matchbox 20 Meredith Brooks Michael Bolton Michael McDonald Mickey Raphael Ministry Moby Medeski,Martin & Wood Moe Moody Blues Mount Hope Church Movin’ Out Mudvayne Musiq Mytown Najee Nancy Griffin Natalie Imbruglia Natalie Merchant Neil Young Band New Orleans Symphony Orchestra Nina Gordon Oak Ridge Boys O.A.R. Oleander On Eagles Wing Our Lady Peace Ozomatli Papa Roach Pat Metheny Group Pat McGee Band Patricia Barber Paula Cole Pete Yorn Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra Phish Pigface Poe Poi Dog Pondering Poison Primus Prince Puff Daddy Queensryche Rage Against the Machine Randy Travis Rat Dog Reo Speedwagon Riverdance-Boyne Riverdance-Lagan  Riverdance-Liffey  Riverdance-Shannon  Rob Zombie Robert Randolph Rodney Atkins Saliva Sammy Kershaw Sandi Patty Sarah McLachlan Savage Garden Saves The Day Sawyer Brown Semisonic Shawn Mullins Simply Red Sister Hazel Skid Row Skywalker Sound Smash Mouth Smashing Pumpkins Sonia Dada Spirit Dance Staind Static X Steve Winwood String Cheese Incident Styx Sum 41 Survivor System Of A Down Tanya Tucker Tea Party Thalia The Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber Cast The Coors The Fenians The Nelson Brothers The Roots The Samples The Verve Pipe Third Eye Blind Thrice Tim Weisberg Toad the Wet Sprocket Toby Keith Tom Waits Tonic Tool Townsend Train Tragically Hip Travis Trick Pony Umphrey’s McGee Union Station Usher Vanessa Williams Vision Of Disorder War Weird Al Yankovic Willow Creek Community Church Xavier Estrada Xzibit Yaiko Zwan OTHER CLIENTS Adele Arakawa-Abc/Kusa Chicago Board Of Trade Chicago Mercantile Exchange Chris Berman-Espn Sports Delphi Racing  Jim Gray-Fox Sports  National Aeronautics Space Administration (Nasa) Pam Oliver-Fox Sports Sony Music (New York) Tv-3 Zurich Kelly Racing Team

The ProPhonic 321 Deep-Canal Professional Earphone Monitor

The ProPhonic 321 is a significant advancement in ear-monitor technology for live broadcasting and teleprompting. Unlike traditional ear monitors the ProPhonic 321 places a micro-transducer directly into the ear canal.  Using transparent, nearly invisible Teflon-coated wire connected directly to the earpiece, the miniature design completely disappears inside the ear.  The ProPhonic 321 provides isolation from external sounds that allows the full dynamic range of speech intelligibility to be heard in any noisy broadcast environment without raising the volume.  It fits comfortably in the ear and provides clean, clear sound with low distortion.  The ProPhonic 321 can be custom-molded for either the right or left ear, and it is also available in three generic sizes.  Improved comfort, appearance, performance and safety are the preferred features of the ProPhonic 321.

 

The TC-1000 is the first telecommunications headset of its kind to combine superior two-way communications with the ultimate in comfort. Designed to deliver superior speech intelligibility in high-noise environments, the TC-1000 consists of a lightweight, noise-canceling microphone mounted on a custom molded earpiece.  A high-fidelity micro-transducer is completely housed in a lightweight, custom earmold that provides approximately 15 dB of isolation from surrounding noise.  The bi-directional microphone uses noise-canceling technology to reduce the transmission of surrounding noise while allowing the user's voice to be heard clearly in the noisiest of situations.  Because the entire microphone/earpiece assembly weighs less than 1/2 oz., the TC-1000 can be worn comfortably all day.

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