Sensaphonics Issues Isolation Challenge to IEM Industry

	Results of independent lab tests showing isolation by frequency for Sensaphonics proprietary soft silicone earpieces.

Sensaphonics, the technology and hearing health provider for in-ear monitors, has published a scientific study showing the superior broadband isolation achieved with its proprietary soft-silicone earpieces, with broadband attenuation averaging 34dB. This distinguishes Sensaphonics as the first IEM manufacturer to document isolation, the most important factor to consider when comparing IEMs.

The isolation study was conducted by Michael & Associates, an independent psychoacoustics laboratory in State College, Pennsylvania, measuring across nine key frequencies from 125Hz to 8kHz. All study participants wore custom-fit Sensaphonics earpieces for three separate live listening tests to measure isolation. Notable results include attenuation as high as 45.5dB at 8kHz, and documented isolation of 29.6dB or greater even in the difficult-to-block low frequencies. All tests were done in accordance with American National Standards Institute specifications (ANSI S3.19-1974).

By publishing these independent test lab results, the company says Sensaphonics has raised the bar for transparency and truth in isolation specifications for IEMs.

"Isolation is the key to being able to monitor clearly at safer levels with IEMs. Without it, any promise of hearing health benefits is meaningless. Yet until now, no IEM company has documented the science behind their specs," notes Dr. Michael Santucci, Sensaphonics founder and president. "This independent scientific study proves what our customers have known for years: that our proprietary soft silicone formula provides the most isolating -- and most comfortable -- in-ear monitors on the market."

Details within the Michael & Associates study were revealing. As expected, frequencies below 1kHz were the most difficult to block, with a mean isolation of 29.6 to 33.0dB across the range. Higher frequencies showed dramatically more isolation, from 37.3 at 2kHz to 45.5dB at 8kHz. The overall average was 34dB of attenuation. This is validated by the small variance across all measurements, indicating excellent consistency despite the inevitable variation in individual subjects' fit and insertion technique.

The reason isolation is so important is basic science: By blocking outside sound, the noise floor is reduced, improving the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, allowing the user to hear the IEM monitor mix more clearly at lower, safer listening levels. With its proprietary soft silicone formula that flexes with the ear canal to maintain a full seal (and thus, full bass response), Sensaphonics IEMs create a quieter listening environment that allows the accuracy of the audio to shine.

Sensaphonics switched from acrylic to silicone earpieces in 2001, developing a proprietary formula that maximizes isolation, durability, and comfort. This isolation study confirms the fact that Sensaphonics IEMs as significantly more isolating than the hollow plastic used by most other custom IEM manufacturers.

"We used to work in hard acrylic back in the mid-90s, but as an audiologist, I knew that soft silicone would make a better product," notes Santucci. "Acrylic is cheaper and easier to manufacture, but it just doesn't provide the isolation and comfort of our proprietary silicone formula. That's why you never see hard materials used in earplugs."

A focus on health-conscious design and innovation is Sensaphonics' signature contribution to music industry. By applying their scientific knowledge of hearing loss prevention techniques and consulting with touring musicians and sound engineers, Sensaphonics products address their monitoring needs without the hearing health risks inherent in massive multi-driver designs.

"Sensaphonics is committed to hearing wellness in the music industry. We do that with science," says Dr. Santucci. "We have always known that our soft silicone formula was the most isolating, but that fact has gotten lost in a sea of undocumented claims. This independent scientific study provides the first truly transparent explanation of how well our soft silicone IEMs isolate, and how that translates into an in-ear experience that no other company can match."