HUNTSVILLE — CFD Research has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Altus Brands for its advanced hearing protector technology, which the company said is optimal for the warfighter.
The hearing protector was developed as part of a DARPA SBIR project with the goal of developing and testing a completely passive – meaning no dials, switches, or moving parts – hearing protector with non-linear attenuation for military and other markets.
“This product was tested at U.S. Army and U.S.A.F. facilities with very good results,” said Keith Sedberry, director at CFD Research. “It provided industry-best protection for loud impulse noises while providing near-zero attenuation for regular low-sound operations.”
This “non-linear” hearing protector provides near zero attenuation for low-level sounds such as conversations and overwhelming attenuation of high-level noise such as guns, blast explosives, or even loud concerts. This is in contrast to most traditional hearing protection products with one level of sound attenuation, the company said.
“We are looking forward to integrating CFD Research’s hearing protection technology into our product line,” said Gary Lemanski, CEO of Altus Brands. “The significant performance advantages offered by this product open up new applications and markets for us.”
Such hearing protection provides increased safety due to full situational awareness in low-sound situations, i.e., someone approaching, the cocking of a gun, verbal commands or warnings, whispering, etc., while providing high noise protection when needed during gun, artillery, or blast events.
Licensing the technology to Altus Brands will accelerate the launch of the technology to non-military markets which can similarly benefit such as law enforcement officers, hunters, concertgoers, factory or building site workers, and others.
“This is truly a product that can be used in any environment where high noise protection is necessary, but the ability to hear clear low-level sounds is desired; all in a completely passive design,” Sedberry said.
CFD Research President & CEO Sameer Singhal said the company is excited about starting a partnership with Altus Brands because of reputation as a provider of hearing protection and hunting products.
“After several years of R&D, it is rewarding to see our innovations reach the market and make a difference in the lives of our soldiers and other end users,” he said.
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