Founded by Lunchbox creators Tom Worcester and audiology specialists Dr. Natan Bauman and Ralph Campagna, Unplugs Hearing makes audiologist-designed earplugs that switch between sound reduction and natural conversation with a mechanical click. The company’s personal approach comes from Worcester, who has worn hearing aids since age four, while its patent-protected design draws on more than 70 years of combined audiology expertise.
Certified 19 dB Noise Reduction Rating
certification
EARPEACEFounded by Jay Clark after a ringing-ear experience at Trinidad’s Carnival, EARPEACE began as a 2010 SXSW launch built around a simple idea: hearing protection should not take people out of the experience. The company is known for developing discreet, comfortable earplugs that lower volume while preserving sound clarity, a focus reflected in its patented PRO line and more than 15 years of work in hearing health.
YouTuneHearingFounded by audiologist Dr. Jeremiah Smith, YouTuneHearing makes hearing-protection earplugs and earphones in the USA that let users adjust or switch sound reduction without removing the devices. Its system spans everyday noise, concerts and impulse sounds, combining hearing protection with music listening and communication. The company has delivered its initial devices in the United States and 57 countries and holds a Department of Defense contract for advanced hearing-protection technology.OAKWOOD, OH
HEAROSFor more than 30 years, HEAROS has made ear plugs for consumers and professionals, pairing North American manufacturing with its proprietary PowerSoft™ foam technology. Its range is designed around the real situations people face—from blocking harsh job-site noise to getting through a night of snoring—while its High Fidelity plugs help musicians reduce volume without distorting the music. HEAROS is part of the PIP Global family of retail safety brands.LATHAM, NY
SensGardSensGard makes lightweight, non-electronic hearing protection built around patented Zwislocki Ear Muffler (ZEM) acoustic-chamber technology, redirecting harmful sound while preserving speech and awareness. The company’s work grew from auditory scientist Dr. Jozef Zwislocki’s research at Harvard, with the SG-31 later receiving the 2009 Frost & Sullivan North American Product Innovation Award. SensGard products are made in the USA as a compact alternative to foam plugs and bulky earmuffs.EAST ROCHESTER, NY