Sonomax U.K. lands military contract

British Department of Defence selects SonoCustom(TM) over competition

DERBYSHIRE, England, Nov. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Sonomax UK Limited reports that working for extended periods on military airfields and in close proximity to fast jet aircraft with a typical noise exposure of between 110 and 140 decibels, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Fire Risk Management Organization (DFRMO) recognized the need to review the hearing protection being supplied to their fire fighters. Following a detailed procurement process, that took into account the various elements of the fire fighters role, they selected the SonoCustom(R) custom fitted earplugs from Sonomax(R).

With 85 fire stations, 13 of those based abroad and in excess of 2,400 fire-fighters requiring hearing protection, DFRMO embarked on an extensive risk assessment project to clearly identify what was needed, the performance expectations of the new hearing protection and any other considerations such as compatibility with other operational equipment. Extensive product testing revealed that Sonomax not only out-performed all other equipment by offering far greater protection, but also proved to be easier to fit and therefore implement across all the stations both in the UK and abroad. It also sat comfortably under the organization's existing Gallet helmet.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Phil Salt , who project managed the procurement process explained "We are distributing 2,620 pairs of SonoCustom for our operational staff and it is critical that this equipment not only protects our fire fighter's hearing but is also comfortable to wear and straight forward to fit so that they can complete their airfield and structural fire fighting and training roles without detriment to their hearing.

SonoCustom from Sonomax

Brian Powell , Managing Director, Sonomax UK explained "half the battle with effective hearing protection is ensuring it is worn. SonoCustom is so comfortable, providing perfect and documented protection but without blocking out good noise, that people are happy to wear them all day long". This new hearing protection is currently being rolled out across all 85 DFRMO fire stations and phase two is to look at including radio communications into the existing ear plugs.

Said Nick Laperle , Sonomax's President & CEO "By design, SonoCustom custom-fit earplugs block hazardous noise while still allowing the wearer to hear conversations and warning signals. We have always known that this was an optimal solution for the military and are delighted that Brian Powell's persistence over four years has resulted in proof of the concept, and acceptance by so highly credible an adopter as the British armed forces."

About the Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO)

The Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO) provides fire prevention, protection and response services for the Ministry of Defence in peace and conflict. DFRMO is the generic term used to describe all the Fire & Rescue Services employed on the MOD estate which encompasses the Defence Fire & Rescue Service, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy military fire services and various contract Fire & Rescue Services. DFRMO has over 2000 operational personnel based at 70 UK fire stations, 24 UK regional offices, 13 overseas fire stations, 10 overseas offices, 3 fire training centres and DFRMO Headquarters at Andover. In addition to its permanent bases, DFRMO constantly deploys operational Fire-fighters and Fire Officers worldwide in support of military operations where fire cover and fire risk management support is provided to the military often in the most severe operational conditions.

DFRMO is established to provide fire cover for military and civilian aircraft operations on MOD airfields and fire cover for strategic risks such as nuclear, biological and chemical establishments, ships and submarines, underground communications facilities, ammunition sites and storage depots. In addition DFRMO supplies the full range of fire prevention, protection, enforcement and training services for all MOD sites and premises to secure the safety of personnel and protect Defence assets/business. One important aspect of their work is to ensure appropriate levels of fire cover and risk management are provided in operational theatres and are currently heavily involved in Afghanistan .

About the New Sonomax:

Sonomax is an R&D and licensing company of in-ear technologies. The Company's patented instant custom-fitting earpieces deliver the most comfortable sound-enhancing earpieces in the world. This unique technology enables a wide range of applications such as earphones for the music and gaming markets, hearing protection for military and industrial applications, affordable hearing aids and the ever-expanding Bluetooth(TM) headset market.

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of Sonomax Hearing Healthcare Inc. with respect to its performance, business and future events. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and events may vary significantly.

    
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For further information: Sarah McOnie, The McOnie Agency, 07966 292582, [email protected]; Nick Laperle, President and CEO, Sonomax Hearing Healthcare Inc., [phone], [email protected]