Popular SmartFit(r) Earplugs Now Available in Detectable Models and with Cotton Cords

— SmartFit’s Conforming Material Technology(tm) provides personalized fit for maximum comfort at off-the-shelf product pricing

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Smithfield, RI — Howard Leight(r)’s popular SmartFit(r) reusable earplugs are now available in three new models–two detectable versions and one with a cotton fiber cord–that are ideal for a variety of process industry applications. SmartFit earplugs conform to the contours of the wearer’s ear canal for improved comfort, especially during long-term wear. This provides a personalized fit for the price of an off-the-shelf product.

“We extended the SmartFit line to meet the specific needs of process industries,” said Bill Sokol, VP Strategic Marketing for Howard Leight parent company Bacou-Dalloz(tm). “The new models reduce the chance of a stray earplug contaminating the process or the product, while bringing all the comfort and protection of our SmartFit line to industries where hearing safety is essential.”

SmartFit Blue is a visually detectable model that is appropriate when metal detectability is not required. The striking blue color of this earplug makes it highly visible, an asset both for recovery, should the earplug be dropped, and for compliance checks. SmartFit Blue is also a viable choice for traditional SmartFit users who require a fixed, rather than detachable, cord.

For industries such as food processing where contamination by foreign objects is of primary concern, a fully visual and metal detectable hearing protection device is required. Howard Leight’s SmartFit Detectable earplugs include a metal band on the earplug shaft and attached metalized cord for full metal detection, while the blue color of the earplug and cord aids in visual detection.

Howard Leight has also developed a new hearing protection option for industries with zero tolerance requirements, like tobacco and pulp and paper. SmartFit Process Industry earplugs feature an attached cotton cord, which allows for the earplugs to be worn around the neck when not in use, and aids in easy detection and retrieval should the earplugs be dropped. The earplugs are packaged in a paper bag to further minimize the risk of plastic contamination.

All three of the new models, like all SmartFit multiple-use earplugs from Howard Leight, employ advanced Conforming Material Technology(tm), which uses body heat to adapt the earplugs to the shape of each wearer’s ear canal. This innovative technology provides optimum protection and comfort for longer wear time and increased compliance.

“Users report that the earplugs are easy to insert, and actually get more comfortable the longer they are worn,” Sokol reported. “Also, wearers are surprised to see that the earplug molds to their left ear differently from the right. Now that is a near-custom fit from an off-the-shelf product.”

The earplug’s flat fin design provides more surface contact inside the ear for maximum protection. A large stem makes SmartFit easy to handle during insertion and removal, and offers immediate visibility for compliance checks.

With a 25 NRR (Noise Reduction Rating), SmartFit is ideal for applications that require constant hearing protection over extended periods of time. The earplugs provide easy clean-up with soap and water for reuse, making them a cost-effective solution.

Since its beginnings as a one-man operation more than 30 years ago, Howard Leight Industries has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of in-ear hearing protection in the industrial market and is widely recognized as an innovator in protection and fit. Since 2001 Howard Leight has been a part of the Bacou-Dalloz(tm) Hearing Safety Group. Combining the innovation and expertise of Howard Leight(r) Earplugs and Bilsom(r) Earmuffs, the Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group is a world leader in hearing safety.

In 2001 Dalloz joined with Bacou to form the Bacou-Dalloz Group, the world leader in the design, manufacturing and sale of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The company employs about 6,700 people and operates 48 production facilities. Bacou-Dalloz provides unmatched head-to-toe protection through three strategic business segments: head protection (eye, hearing and respiratory), body protection (gloves, clothes and shoes) and fall protection. Bacou-Dalloz offers a full product range aimed at the manufacturing, construction, telecommunications, medical, public services and other sectors. Its products are available from its distributor partners worldwide.

For additional product information, contact:
Howard Leight Industries
7828 Waterville Road
San Diego, CA 92154
Tel: 800/430-5490
Fax: 401/232-3110
http://www.howardleight.com
email: rbessette@bacou-dalloz.com