EAR
E.A.R. Inc., founded in 1971 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, designs, manufactures, and distributes custom-fit hearing protection products — including electronic earplugs, earmuffs, foam plugs, and 3D-printed custom sleeves — for industrial workers, shooting and motorsports enthusiasts, military and first responders, musicians, and consumers, sold direct-to-consumer and through a 500+ member trained provider network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1971
- HeadquartersBoulder, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What EAR does
E.A.R. Inc. is a privately held, founder-owned manufacturer and distributor of custom-fit hearing protection products, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The company designs, produces, and distributes custom-molded earplugs, electronic earplugs, electronic and passive earmuffs, foam earplugs, and supporting accessories (including the proprietary 3D-printed Chameleon Ear PRO sleeves and the EZ Ear Impression Kit) for occupational, recreational, and consumer use cases. Its core technology stack combines digital otoscopy for ear-impression capture, Etymotic's ACCU•Technology with K•AMP® digital compression in flagship electronic products (GunSport Pro Elite), P2i Aridion nano-coating for waterproofing (SHOTHUNT), and proprietary custom-mold manufacturing.
E.A.R. generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales, with prices ranging from $15-$20 for bulk foam earplugs to $1,600 for the SoundGear Phantom hearing aid/earplug combination, and custom electronic earplugs priced $195-$900. Revenue is split across two channels: a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront (earinc.com plus the EarProtectionStore.com subsidiary site) and a network of 500+ trained audiologists, hearing healthcare providers, and industrial safety administrators who take ear impressions and resell products wholesale. The company also monetizes CAOHC-certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist training courses delivered with Dr. Robert Traynor, on-site corporate custom-fitting services, and a recently added occupational hearing fit-testing system (WAHTS).
The company's customers span seven distinct use-case segments — hunting, shooting and firearms sports; motorsports enthusiasts; industrial/construction workers (OSHA-compliant hearing conservation); military, government, law enforcement, and first responders; musicians and music professionals; water sports/swimming; and sleep consumers — served through a horizontally diversified segmentation approach. Distribution is global, reaching 2,500+ points through the provider network, with the company having served 4,000+ major accounts over its history. E.A.R. is authorized to distribute complementary third-party brands including 3M Peltor, Sensear, SAVOX, and BeBird, while marketing its own sub-brands (Insta-Mold, SHOTHUNT, SoundGear, DECi, iPlugz, NYX, EARasers, HearDefenders, Minuendo, Chameleon Ears) under founder Garry G. Gordon, who has led the business for over 50 years.
EAR firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- EAR
- Legal name
- E.A.R. Inc.
- Website
- https://earinc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1971
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- E.A.R. Inc., founded in 1971 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, designs, manufactures, and distributes custom-fit hearing protection products — including electronic earplugs, earmuffs, foam plugs, and 3D-printed custom sleeves — for industrial workers, shooting and motorsports enthusiasts, military and first responders, musicians, and consumers, sold direct-to-consumer and through a 500+ member trained provider network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
EAR industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hearing Protection Equipment
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (334310)
- SIC
- Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Hearing Enhancement / Assistive Listening Audio Devices (CRACANAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Audio Accessories (Ear Tips, Cables, Stands, Cases, Transmitters) (CRACANAM), Headphones & Personal Audio Retail (Earbuds, ANC, DACs) (CRACAEAG), Hearables (True Wireless Earbuds & Smart Headphones) (CRACAIAD), Eye, Ear & Nasal Care (HLAIADAF)
Keywords
Where EAR is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Boulder
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
EAR business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Custom and Generic Hearing Protection Products: One-time hardware sales of custom-molded earplugs, electronic earplugs, earmuffs, foam earplugs, and accessories. Products are sold directly to consumers via e-commerce and through a network of certified audiologist and provider partners. No recurring subscription is required for product purchases.
- Professional Training and Education Programs: E.A.R. offers professional education and training programs including CAOHC-certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist courses, audiologist training, and industrial hearing conservation program training. Programs are taught in partnership with Dr. Robert Traynor and generate revenue from course registration fees.
- Provider Network Services: The company maintains a 500+ member network of trained hearing protection providers who take ear impressions and distribute E.A.R. products. Revenue flows through these providers who purchase products wholesale and retail to end consumers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Custom earplugs – entry level ($100–$250) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | GunSport Pro Elite Electronic Ear Plugs – $519 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Chameleon Ear PRO custom sleeves – from $185 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Custom electronic/electronic earplugs ($195–$900+) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Electronic earmuffs ($100–$249) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Chameleon Ear PRO product line ($135–$235) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Foam earplugs ($15–$20 bulk) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | EZ Ear Impression Kit – $34.95 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | SHOTHUNT Electronic Earplugs ($725 standard) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | NYX Sports Eyewear frames and packages ($25–$215) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
EAR product offering
Product offeringCore offering
E.A.R. Inc. (dba E.A.R. Customized Hearing Protection) designs, manufactures, and distributes custom-fit and generic hearing protection products, including custom-molded earplugs, electronic earplugs, foam earplugs, and earmuffs. The company serves industrial, recreational (hunting, shooting, motorsports, music, swimming, sleep), military, law enforcement, and first-responder markets through direct-to-consumer e-commerce, a network of 500+ trained providers, and on-site corporate/industrial fitting programs. E.A.R. also offers professional training (CAOHC-certified courses) and DIY ear impression kits.
Product overview
EAR (E.A.R. Customized Hearing) offers a comprehensive portfolio of hearing protection products and services spanning custom-fit and universal-fit earplugs, electronic earmuffs, and specialized eyewear. The core offerings include the Chameleon Ears PRO custom-fit filtered earplug series (DECx, Pop-Stoppers, HearDefenders-DF), GunSport Pro Elite rechargeable electronic earplugs with ACCU•Technology, SHOTHUNT digital electronic shooting earplugs, SoundGear Phantom Bluetooth hearing aid/earplug combos, and the Insta-Mold custom-fit series. Supporting products include E-A-R foam earplugs (Soft Fx, TaperFit 2), Peltor and Sensear electronic earmuffs, iPlugz and ZE8000 wireless Bluetooth earbuds, and NYX sports sunglasses. The company also provides the EZ Ear Impression Kit for DIY custom molds and the WAHTS fit-testing system for industrial hearing conservation programs. EAR serves recreational markets (hunting, shooting, motorsports, music, swimming, sleeping) and industrial/occupational markets requiring OSHA-compliant hearing protection.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Insta-Mold: Custom-fit earplug series including solid molds, filtered molds, communication molds, and music molds.
- Chameleon Ears
- Minuendo
- iPlugz
- SHOTHUNT
- HearDefenders
- EARasers
- SoundGear
- DECi
- E-A-R TaperFit
Products and services
- Chameleon Ears PRO Custom-Fit Filtered Earplugs Custom-fit filtered earplugs available in multiple series (DECx impulse filtered, Pop-Stoppers acoustic filtered, HearDefenders-DF filtered, solid molds, communication molds, music molds) providing situational awareness while protecting hearing. For shooters, musicians, industrial workers, and recreational users.
- GunSport Pro Elite Rechargeable Electronic Earplugs Rechargeable electronic earplugs powered by Etymotic's ACCU•Technology with K•AMP digital compression. Up to 40 dB noise reduction, 16 hours battery, IP67 waterproof. Features automatic hearing protection and hearing enhancement modes. For shooters and hunters.
- SHOTHUNT Standard Electronic Shooting Ear Plugs Compact digital electronic shooting ear plugs with 32 NRR, waterproof P2i Aridion nano-technology, up to 20 dB ambient sound amplification, and 200-230 hours battery life on a 312 battery. For shooters and hunters.
- SoundGear Phantom (Hearing Aid + Rechargeable Bluetooth Earplug Combo) Combination hearing aids and rechargeable Bluetooth electronic earplugs providing hearing protection with audio streaming capabilities. Custom earplug and hearing aid combo for musicians, shooters, and high-noise environments.
- E-A-R Soft Fx Foam Ear Plugs High-NRR foam earplugs with NRR 33 from NVLAP-accredited lab testing. Suitable for sleeping, industrial noise, motorcycle riding, or shooting applications.
- E-A-R TaperFit 2 Foam Ear Plugs Slightly tapered foam earplugs with slow-recovery foam material for smaller ear canals or sleeping use. NRR 32, CSA Class AL.
- Peltor Tactical 500 Bluetooth Electronic Ear Muff 3M Peltor electronic earmuffs with Dynamic Suppression and Clear Voice Tracking. Bluetooth connectivity, foldable adjustable headband, 26 dB NRR for enhanced speech clarity. Distributed by E.A.R. as authorized Peltor reseller.
- Sensear SM1B Smart Ear Muff Advanced smart earmuffs featuring Smart Digital Communication technology that filters harmful noise while preserving speech intelligibility. Bluetooth and two-way radio compatible. Distributed by E.A.R. as authorized Sensear reseller.
- Insta-Mold Custom-Fit Earplug Series Custom-fit earplug series available in solid molds, filtered molds, communication molds, and music configurations. Made-to-order custom molds produced from individual ear impressions.
- HearDefenders Filtered Earplugs Filtered earplugs with dual filters for situational awareness and hearing protection. Includes waterproof variants for water sports featuring waterproof digital technology.
- DECi Impulse Filtered Earplugs Variable impulse filtered earplugs originally developed for military use, providing up to 33.7 NRR protection against gunfire, artillery noise, and impulse sounds.
- E.A.R. MHS 360 Electronic Earplugs Electronic earplugs with adjustable settings and custom sleeve compatibility for various applications including hunting, shooting, and industrial use.
- iPlugz PRO Bluetooth Sports In-Ear Monitors Custom wireless Bluetooth earplugs for sports with high-fidelity sound and noise reduction capabilities. Designed for active/motorsports users seeking audio with hearing protection.
- ZE8000 Wireless Earphones Wireless earphones with advanced noise-canceling technology and high-fidelity sound reproduction for various activities. Distributed through E.A.R. channel.
- EZ Ear Impression Kit DIY at-home ear mold impression kit with silicone material, syringe, otoblocks, prepaid mailing label, and step-by-step instructions for creating custom earplugs. Saves $50-$75 in audiology clinic fees.
- WAHTS Fit-Testing System Occupational hearing testing and hearing protector fit-testing headset and app system for verifying personal attenuation ratings (PAR) in workplace hearing conservation programs.
- NYX Sunglasses Series (Sports Eyewear) Sports eyewear including NYX Carbon, NYX Pro Z17, and NYX Classic Competition frames with prescription insert systems, shooting and golfing packages. Companion product line for shooters and outdoor sports users.
- EAR/BeBird Digital Otoscopes Video otoscopes allowing users to show the inside of the ear on their phone or via telemedicine consultations. Used for ear health inspection and remote fitting support. Distributed by E.A.R. as authorized BeBird reseller.
- CAOHC-Certified Professional Training Programs Professional education and training programs including CAOHC-certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist courses, audiologist training, and industrial hearing conservation program training. Co-taught with Dr. Robert Traynor. Revenue from course registration fees.
- On-Site Corporate/Industrial Group Custom Fitting E.A.R. conducts on-site custom fitting sessions for large corporate and industrial clients. Services include group custom fitting requests, hearing protector fit testing (WAHTS system), and industrial hearing conservation program implementation.
- SAVOX TRICS Tactical Radio and Intercom Controller Optimized tactical communication solution for mission-critical operations. E.A.R. serves as the authorized distributor. For military, law enforcement, and first-responder personnel.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 40 dB noise reduction during loud impulse noise (gunfire, machinery)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use EAR
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
EAR technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
EAR partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Etymotic (ACCU•Technology)coreE.A.R. GunSport Pro Elite and other electronic earplugs are powered by Etymotic's proprietary ACCU•Technology, featuring balanced-armature drivers, high-sensitivity microphones, and K•AMP® digital signal processing for hearing protection and situational awareness.
- Peltor/3McoreE.A.R. is an authorized distributor of 3M Peltor products including Tactical 500 Bluetooth, Tactical 100, Tactical Sport/SportTac electronic earmuffs, and Optime 95 passive earmuffs.
- SensearcoreE.A.R. is an authorized distributor of Sensear smart earmuffs and headsets (SM1B, SM1P) featuring Smart Digital Communication technology that filters harmful noise while preserving speech intelligibility, with Bluetooth and two-way radio compatibility.
- SAVOXminorE.A.R. distributes SAVOX TRICS (Tactical Radio and Intercom Controller), an optimized communication solution for mission-critical operations. E.A.R. serves as the authorized distributor for this tactical communications product.
- BeBirdminorE.A.R. distributes BeBird digital otoscopes, allowing users to show the inside of the ear on their phone or via telemedicine. EAR/BeBird digital otoscopes enable remote ear inspection and fitting support.
- Robert Traynor, Ed.D., MBA, FNAPcoreDr. Robert Traynor, a board-certified audiologist with 46 years of clinical experience, co-authors E.A.R.'s professional education and training programs including CAOHC-certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist courses. He also co-authored the book 'Forensic Audiology: A Guide for the Expert Witness.'
- iHeartRadio (Ross Kaminsky)minorRoss Kaminsky from iHeartRadio featured E.A.R. Inc. on his show, providing media exposure and marketing reach to E.A.R.'s target consumer audience.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
EAR competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SureFire: SureFire, best known for tactical flashlights, also manufactures high-performance in-ear hearing protection (EP4, EP7) for military, law enforcement, and shooting sports markets. SureFire competes directly with E.A.R.'s SHOTHUNT and DECi product lines in the tactical hearing protection category.
- Sensear: Sensear manufactures smart digital communication earmuffs (SM1B, SM1P) that filter harmful noise while preserving speech intelligibility — products E.A.R. distributes while Sensear's own direct sales compete for the same industrial safety buyer. Strong overlap in the smart industrial hearing protection category.
- Etymotic Research: Etymotic manufactures high-fidelity electronic earplugs and in-ear audio products using its ACCU·Technology with K·AMP signal processing — the exact technology platform that powers E.A.R.'s GunSport Pro Elite. Etymotic is both a technology licensor and a competing product maker in the electronic earplug category.
- Westone Laboratories: Westone is a Colorado Springs-based custom earplug and in-ear monitor manufacturer serving musicians, industrial, military, and recreational markets. Like E.A.R., Westone specializes in custom-molded hearing protection and is explicitly identified as a co-peer in the smart hearing protection market.
Emerging players
- Plugfones: Plugfones makes combined earplug + Bluetooth earbud products for shooting, industrial, and recreational use — directly competing with E.A.R.'s iPlugz PRO and SoundGear Phantom product lines. Plugfones targets the same hybrid hearing-protection-plus-audio use case with a more DTC, consumer-oriented brand.
- Minuendo: Minuendo produces variable-attenuation hearing protection earplugs with adjustable filtering, an emerging technology category that competes with E.A.R.'s DECi and Chameleon Ear PRO impulse-filtered earplugs. Minuendo is also listed as one of E.A.R.'s sub-brands, indicating a distribution relationship alongside product overlap.
- Decibullz: Decibullz makes thermo-fit custom-molded earplugs that consumers can shape at home without an audiologist visit, targeting the same shooting, motorsports, and industrial use cases as E.A.R.'s custom-fit products. Decibullz represents a DTC, lower-friction alternative to E.A.R.'s provider-channel custom-fit model.
Broad incumbents
- MSA Safety: MSA Safety is a global manufacturer of safety equipment including hearing protection (SoundControl, Sordin) for industrial and military markets. MSA competes with E.A.R. for the same OSHA-compliance-driven industrial buyer and has substantially greater enterprise sales coverage.
- Honeywell (Howard Leight): Honeywell's Howard Leight brand is a leading manufacturer of foam earplugs and earmuffs for industrial and recreational hearing protection. Howard Leight MAX corded disposable earplugs (NRR 33) are explicitly distributed by E.A.R. and represent direct competition in the foam earplug category.
- 3M (Peltor / E-A-R brand): 3M's Personal Safety division operates the Peltor electronic earmuff line and the E-A-R foam earplug brand, both directly distributed by E.A.R. Inc. 3M is the dominant global hearing protection manufacturer with vastly greater R&D, distribution, and marketing scale, and is named alongside E.A.R. as a major smart hearing protection player.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
EAR social profiles
Digital presenceEAR financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
EAR leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
EAR funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
EAR M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about EAR
What does EAR do?
E.A.R. Inc. (dba E.A.R. Customized Hearing Protection) designs, manufactures, and distributes custom-fit and generic hearing protection products, including custom-molded earplugs, electronic earplugs, foam earplugs, and earmuffs. The company serves industrial, recreational (hunting, shooting, motorsports, music, swimming, sleep), military, law enforcement, and first-responder markets through direct-to-consumer e-commerce, a network of 500+ trained providers, and on-site corporate/industrial fitting programs. E.A.R. also offers professional training (CAOHC-certified courses) and DIY ear impression kits.
Is EAR a public or private company?
EAR is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was EAR founded?
EAR was founded in 1971. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is EAR based?
EAR is headquartered in Boulder, United States, in the North America region.
How does EAR make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Custom and Generic Hearing Protection Products are the primary driver. The others are professional Training and Education Programs and provider Network Services.
Who are EAR's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SureFire, Sensear, Etymotic Research and Westone Laboratories. Emerging players are Plugfones, Minuendo and Decibullz. Broad incumbents are MSA Safety, Honeywell (Howard Leight) and 3M (Peltor / E-A-R brand).
Does EAR have an API?
No public API is recorded for EAR.
What industry is EAR in?
EAR's product category is Hearing Protection Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACANAL, Hearing Enhancement / Assistive Listening Audio Devices, with a secondary code of CRACANAM, Audio Accessories (Ear Tips, Cables, Stands, Cases, Transmitters). Its NAICS code is 334310 and its SIC code is 3651.