Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro: Smart Hearing Protection for Industry
Introduction
Introducing Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro, the new passive hearing protection solution for industry from the hearing care specialist.
Understanding Noise Safety
Maintaining environmental noise levels below 70 dBA over 24 hours (75 dBA over 8 hours) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Directive 2003/10/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 on minimum health and safety requirements regarding worker exposure to physical agents (noise) defines:
| Daily exposure level LEX, 8h | Peak sound pressure level LC, peak | Accepted exposure level for 8 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 80 dB(A) | 135 dB(C) | 85 dB |
| 85 dB(A) | 137 dB(C) |
EU Directive Action Levels:
- EC2: First action level (minimum) to provide protection
- Second action level: Mandatory protection
Noise Levels and Health Effects:
| Noise Level in dB | Health Effects | Exposure Time for Potential Damage |
|---|---|---|
| 140 dB | Pain and ear injury | Less than 2.5 minutes |
| 130 dB | ||
| 120 dB | ||
| 110 dB | Hearing loss possible | |
| 100 dB | Hearing loss possible after 15 minutes | |
| 90 dB | Damage to hearing possible after about 50 minutes of exposure | |
| 85 dB | Damage to hearing possible after 2 hours of exposure | |
| 80 dB | Cardiovascular effects | |
| 75 dB | Sleep disturbances | |
| 70 dB | ||
| 65 dB | Stress, annoyance | |
| 60 dB | ||
| 55 dB | ||
| 50 dB | Sounds at these dB levels typically don't cause any hearing damage. | |
| 40 dB | ||
| 30 dB | ||
| 20 dB |
Note: The table above is a simplified representation of the data presented in the PDF. Specific noise sources were listed next to dB levels, e.g., Jet plane take off (140 dB), Ambulance siren (110 dB), Heavy traffic (70 dB), Soft whisper (30 dB).
Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro Highlights
Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro offers:
- Effective Noise Attenuation: Significantly reduces noise and loud sounds for safe work in noisy environments.
- Clear Communication: Retains relevant sound and speech, enabling situational awareness and communication.
- Ear Ventilation: Allows the ear to breathe, preventing excess moisture buildup.
Visual Description: The product is shown in two main configurations: Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro with a generic ear tip, exchangeable filter, and lanyard; and Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro Custom, featuring a full concha design, exchangeable filter, and lanyard.
Performance Overview
Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro is available in various form factors and with different filters:
- Custom-made earpieces: Provide the safest level of attenuation and comfort for extended wear (8 hours/day). Available in two sizes and materials (silicone or acrylic), with various colors.
- Generic ear tips: For occasional use, featuring the same filter technology as custom products.
Performance Data:
| Model | Type | Filter Type | SNR | M | L | NRR | Metal Detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro KI 20 | Generic | 22 | 20 | 18 | 14 | 24 | |
| Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro KI 25 | Generic | Food industry | 26 | 24 | 21 | 19 | 24 |
| Generic | 22 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 28 | ||
| Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro KI 30 | Custom acrylic | 27 | 24 | 21 | 22 | 30 | |
| Custom silicone | 23 | 20 | 21 | 17 | 25 | ||
| Custom acrylic | 30 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 31 | ||
| Custom silicone | 25 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 25 | ||
| Custom acrylic | 27 | 24 | 21 | 22 | 30 | ||
| Custom silicone | 23 | 20 | 21 | 17 | 25 | ||
| Custom acrylic | 30 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 31 | ||
| Custom silicone | 25 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 25 | ||
| Custom acrylic | 22 | 21 | 16 | 12 | 24 | ||
| Custom silicone | 21 | 21 | 17 | 13 | 23 |
Note: The table presents SNR (Single Number Rating) and NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) values for different models and configurations. 'M' and 'L' likely refer to mid and low-frequency attenuation. Metal detection values are also provided.
Unique Filter Technology
Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro filters effectively attenuate loud sounds and noise while preserving crucial sound and speech frequencies, thereby enabling situational awareness and communication.
This technology is beneficial for:
- Improving speech intelligibility in noisy environments.
- Enhancing the ability to hear important signals in settings like railway construction.
- Supporting individuals with hearing difficulties.
- Assisting public transport and train drivers in hearing necessary signals.
Let the Ear Breathe
Maintaining optimal ear canal humidity is important for ear health. Normal, healthy ears typically have a relative humidity between 40% and 70%. Lower humidity has been linked to a reduced chance of ear infections.
Laboratory tests indicate that Serenity ChoiceTM Pro filters allow for lower humidity levels within the ear compared to full block filters.
Visual Description: Two graphs illustrate relative humidity in the ear. One shows results for KI 25 filters compared to a full block filter, indicating lower humidity with KI 25. The second graph shows similar results for KI 30 filters.
Construction Details
Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM features a simple, flexible, and reliable construction:
- Generic Product: Includes a medical-grade TPE (ThermoPlastic Elastomer) eartip.
- Custom Product: Consists of a standard custom earshell made from silicone or acrylic.
- Filter: Inserted into the eartip or earshell, comprising a filter housing (available in different colors for identification) and a washer with mesh.
- For Custom Acrylic Products: A pressor with a tag is included to ensure an adequate seal and retention for the filter, facilitating easy filter exchange.
Visual Description: Illustrations show the components: Medical grade TPE ear tips, Filter housing, Washer with mesh, Custom Earshell (Acrylic or silicone), and Pressor with tag (Adapter for acrylic shells).
Service and Support
Phonak offers comprehensive service, including ear impression taking and testing of custom hearing protection devices through an extensive service network.
Acoustic Leakage Tester (ATL):
Verifying the fit and seal of custom earpieces is critical for correct attenuation performance. The Phonak Acoustic Leakage Tester (ATL) simplifies this process, offering a portable and easy-to-use solution.
Key features of the ATL:
- Verifies fit and seal of custom and generic hearing protection in under a minute.
- Operates via an iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
- Features automated calibration and leakage measurement with a single button press.
- This is a significant improvement over traditional methods which were large, complicated, or time-consuming (e.g., audiometry taking ~15 minutes per earpiece).
Visual Description: An image depicts the ATL device connected to an Apple device (iPod, iPhone, or iPad).
Performance and Cost Comparison
The long-term costs and advantages of hearing protection solutions extend beyond the initial purchase price. The table below compares common solutions:
| Solution | Average Initial Costs / Pair (CHF) | Costs / Pair / Year (230 working days) | Costs / Pair / Life Cycle (5 years) | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foam ear plugs | 0.15 | 69.00 (2 pairs/day) | 345.00 |
|
| Ear muff | 30.00 | 30.00 | 130.00 |
|
| Serenity ChoiceTM Pro (Generic) | 20.00 | 20.00 | 130.00* |
|
| Serenity ChoiceTM Pro Custom | 130.00 | 20.00 | 130.00* |
|
*Assuming no change of ear canal over time.
Note: Average prices are according to online shops for industry. Product lifetime can vary depending on use intensity and care.
Why Serenity ChoiceTM Pro?
Phonak Serenity ChoiceTM Pro offers a compelling combination of benefits:
- Accurate Performance: Certified attenuation (14-22 NRR / 22-30 SNR), situational awareness, communication ability, ear ventilation, and 100% testing.
- Simple Construction: Features exchangeable filters and is 100% washable.
- Complete Service: Supported by local service partners and the time-saving Acoustic Leakage Tester.
- Economy of Use: Provides a very economical and comprehensive hearing protection solution over time.
About Us
Since 1992, Phonak Communications has been dedicated to helping professionals communicate effectively in challenging environments. Through close collaboration with end-users, they develop solutions that meet specific needs. Their miniaturized wireless earpieces, headsets, and professional hearing protection devices are trusted by demanding customers globally.
Based in Murten, Switzerland, in one of the country's first zero-energy office buildings, Sonova Communications (formerly Phonak Communications) is a member of the Sonova Group, a leading provider of innovative hearing care solutions.
Learn more at: www.phonak-communications.com
