The Ultimate In Active Hearing Protection

Based on coronary stent technology, SmartWear devices rely on a temperture sensitive stent embedded in an ultra-soft medical grade silicone body. Each time the device is inserted in to the ear, the stent will slowly expand to comfortably conform to the users unique ear canal shape. The result in an excellent acoustic seal (no feedback) and extremely comfortable fit. And, it continuously flexes with jaw movement.

SmartWear is offered in choice of digital programmable circuits. SmartWear Features:

• No impressions needed
• Lifetime warranty for stent
• Perfect for active hearing protection
• Hypoallergenic body
• Available in passive hearing protectors

A sophisticated, same-day listening system.

SmartWear is revolutionary new concept that is perfect for numerous applications. It has the unique capabilty being able to provide reliable hearing protection and hearing enhancement all in one device. SmartWear provides a custom fit the first time and every time. Best of all, it eliminates the mess, time delays and discomfort associated with ear impressions. The stent is engineered to expand up to a very specific diameter exerting a force so precise it can be calculated in fractions of a newton.

Stent in Compressed Mode

 The illustration below on the left shows the SmartWear inserted into the canal before expanding to conform to the ear canal. Note the air space between the SmartWear body and the ear canal wall.

Stent in Expanded Mode

The illustration below on the right shows the SmartWear inserted into the canal and exposure to body temperature has caused the stent to expand and conform to the ear canal. Note the acoustic seal (no air space) between the SmartWear body and the ear canal wall.

From Out In Space To In-The-Ear.

In 1965, the first of a series of metal alloys of nickel and titanium was produced by the Naval Ordnance Laboratory. Many of the alloys have a rather remarkable property: they remember their shape. This "smart" property is the result of the substance's ability to undergo a phase change - a kind of atomic ballet in which atoms in the solid subtly shift their positions in response to a stimulus like a change in temperature or application of mechanical stress. A simple demonstation involves bending a sample, then exposing it to a source of heat. The sample recovers its original shape as its temperature is raised above the temperature corresponding to the phase change. Smart Technology can currently be found in numerous applications, everything from medical implants (coronary stents) to the Nasa space program (used in Mars Pathfinder).

Links

Read article on SmartWear stent. Published in the Hearing Review, an in-depth article on the science and application of the stent in hearing products..

Patented Technology
SmartWear is a multi-patented design and has appeared as a feature article in the Hearing Review.

Watch Stent Video
View 30 second video of stent featured in the original SmartWear earmold. Full DVD promotion of stent available on request.