Dynamic Sound Technology began with a clear goal: to create a compact hearing protection device that dynamically adapts to ambient noise and integrates with a custom earpiece. At the core of this concept is a valve that responds to changing sound levels. At sound levels below 80 dB, the valve remains open to allow normal hearing. When external noise exceeds 80 dB, the valve gradually closes to keep the sound inside the ear at approximately 80 dB for as long as possible. At very high external levels, the valve closes completely. 

The founder secured a patent for this idea, marking the starting point of the company, which began with a team of three. Early development focused on achieving precise valve control, designing a custom chip, and integrating the valve, electronics, and power source into a compact protective device. To continue development, new shareholders joined, and early discussions with potential partners began. During this phase, the foundation of the company took shape under the name Dynamic Ear Company (DEC).

In discussions with companies in the hearing protection industry, we identified a need for smaller, flat attenuating filters for custom ear mould laboratories at an affordable price.

This led to the start of our MEMBRANE Filter development. We patented a flat attenuating filter that combines a mesh with a thin membrane. The design was optimised for a compact form and a modular housing, allowing for flexible use and customization.

In the following years, we expanded this development into a full filter range and began producing and supplying passive filter products to several customers.

Our filters were originally designed for use in custom moulds. In 2012, we introduced medium and large triple flange ear tips compatible with our filters. This enabled the development of universal fit hearing protection and allowed us to pursue our own certification. As a startup, we allocated all available resources to development and production. The concept evolved into offering generic fit hearing protection with advanced filters under private label for partners with established market access in music, motorsport, industrial, and leisure sectors.

Within a few years, we launched Crescendo as our showcase brand and developed packaging to deliver a range of solutions tailored to diverse customer needs.

In 2013, we became aware of a UK MOD tender for tactical impulse hearing protection. With several design and technology ideas in mind, we began developing an impulse filter. We patented the concept and achieved significant advances in impulse filter technology. By 2014 the solution had been tested and approved by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Our impulse hearing protection then saw broad adoption, especially among security services and enthusiasts in recreational shooting and hunting. Impulse noises from fireworks, scaffolding, carpeting, and staple guns are widespread. We developed specialised solutions to address these challenges across different applications.

In 2015, Dynamic Ear Company introduced the Acoustic Leakage Tester (ALT). This portable measurement app runs on iOS devices. The ALT kit consists of a sensor unit and a calibrator. The sensor unit can be connected to a generic fit or custom-made earpiece. By playing an acoustic signal through the sensor unit while measuring inside the ear, the ALT determines whether an earpiece is properly sealed by detecting sound leakage. The ALT can also be used as a training tool to demonstrate how to properly fit a generic fit earpiece. Over time, the ALT became an essential tool for audiologists and safety officers.

DEC’s innovation journey led to the creation of Filtered Foam Earplugs, adding a semi-disposable product to the ambient hearing protection range. These earplugs integrate a filter with a large sound port and a mesh attenuator. This design allows for natural sound transmission, clear speech intelligibility, and accurate sound direction. The use of viscoelastic memory foam ensures a wide fitting range and a comfortable fit.

Professional musicians on stage rely on in-ear monitors (IEMs) for precise mixes. Traditional IEMs tend to isolate the wearer from ambient sound, creating a closed listening experience and contributing to fatigue. Adding vents can introduce more outside sound but often degrades bass and overall audio quality. Our membrane-based Ambient Filters enable a controlled blend of ambient sound with the music, without the use of electronics or batteries. The patented design preserves frequency response and bass, expands the perceived soundstage, and reduces listening fatigue during long performances.

By 2020, DEC had established solid and consistent growth in the passive filter and private label hearing protection market. To sustain this momentum, we pursued a strategic partnership with a larger group. Joining a stronger organisation would provide greater stability, unlock further growth potential, and enable stronger protection of our patents. This resulted in an acquisition agreement with Sonova in 2020.

In 2021, we finalised and launched a new Phonak Hearing Protection range. The range is available in universal fit as well as custom options in acrylic and silicone. This launch positioned Phonak as the brand offering the most complete selection of DEC filters for custom ear moulds.

The Communication Adapter for our universal ear tips combines a radio earpiece with DEC acoustic filters to enable a controlled blend of ambient sound and hearing protection.

It is compatible with DEC filters and can be used with four universal ear tip sizes. The adapter uses a standard connection that fits most generic acoustic tube systems.

The radio signal bypasses the filter, meaning that only environmental noise is attenuated. This ensures clear radio communication while maintaining protection from hazardous sound levels.

This design provides hearing protection, preserves full situational awareness, and improves radio audio quality by 35 percent compared to open systems.
The Communication Adapter is in use by law enforcement and security officers in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

In 2022, the Sennheiser Consumer division joined Sonova. Sennheiser is valued by music lovers and audiophiles for its dedication to sound quality and accurate audio reproduction. This made the collaboration with our new colleagues a natural step towards delivering hearing protection with high performance. Together, we launched the Sennheiser SoundProtex hearing protection range, powered by DEC’s membrane filters.

To meet armed-forces requirements for both single and dual protection alongside impulse protection, DEC launched Tactical Impulse Hearing Protection (TIHP). TIHP Multimode is a generic fit hearing protector available in four sizes and features a toggle switch to select between impulse mode and full block mode. When worn under communication systems, TIHP Multimode provides dual protection while preserving the ability to communicate when combined with tactical communication and hearing protection systems (e.g., Peltor, Sordin, Invisio). TIHP Multimode is in use by the British, Spanish, and Dutch armed forces and law-enforcement, and is under evaluation for deployment in several other countries.

Children’s ears are especially sensitive because their inner ears are still developing. Their ear canals are narrower, which causes sound to be perceived as louder. In addition, their auditory nerves are not yet fully insulated by protective myelin layers. To address this, DEC launched Kids Earmuffs for children aged 5 and older. They provide high noise reduction for loud environments such as sports events, music events, fireworks, travel, and everyday school situations. The product was developed based on current insights into children’s increased auditory sensitivity.