Auris - Damping When the Wind Howls
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A pair of "earphones" that protect against wind noise. How does it work?
Hearing aids' noise reduction is not very effective when strong winds blow outside. It doesn't even have to be windy; if you move quickly outdoors, for example cycling, sailing, long-distance skating, or other activities, the noise level is still high. The only thing you can hear then is the wind whistling in the hearing aids and not a word of what your companions are saying or if a car is approaching from behind. Windfree is a product designed to reduce this problem.
AURIS TESTERS HAVE different opinions about the "earphones." Urika Hammargård feels it becomes much easier to hear what the surroundings are saying when she wears them. The wind noise is dampened so other sounds come through.
– On a bike ride with the family, I can more easily hear when the children call. In traffic, I feel safer because I can better hear if cars are coming from behind.
– Where I live, it’s very windy, so it’s nice to have them on.
– I would also like to try driving a convertible with them, she says.
ULF DAGBERG IS an avid golfer. He can be disturbed by the wind both when playing on the course and when practicing at the driving range. But unlike Urika Hammargård, he does not think Windfree reduces the wind noise.
– I didn’t notice any difference, he says after an 18-hole round when the wind was seven meters per second.
What do you think about the product?
Ulf Dagberg, 78, accounting consultant, Ystad:
– I managed to get them in place, but just barely. Maybe my head is too big?
+ The idea is good and meets a need. I quickly got used to wearing them and there was no feedback in the hearing aids.
– The sound did not change significantly. Difficult to get them to fit well; my playing partners had to help me. Not worth the price considering they didn’t reduce the wind noise. Bulky.
Urika Hammargård, 39, education consultant, Nacka:
– Where I live, it’s very windy and the protectors dampen the wind noise well.
+ Easy to wear. Does not interfere with the hearing aids. Reduces wind noise so I hear better when running, cycling, etc. Hear cars behind better.
– Does not seal tightly when I wear glasses. Does not fit in a handbag, so I don’t take them everywhere. Missing washing instructions.
Facts
Windfree consists of a foam with a cell structure that lets sound in but blocks the wind. The material is supposed to warm in cold and cool in heat. Available in four colors. Price 295 SEK including case. Shipping costs 70-80 SEK. Info and orders: www.windfree.se
Auris May 2013
AURIS TESTERS HAVE different opinions about the "earphones." Urika Hammargård feels it becomes much easier to hear what the surroundings are saying when she wears them. The wind noise is dampened so other sounds come through.
– On a bike ride with the family, I can more easily hear when the children call. In traffic, I feel safer because I can better hear if cars are coming from behind.
– Where I live, it’s very windy, so it’s nice to have them on.
– I would also like to try driving a convertible with them, she says.
ULF DAGBERG IS an avid golfer. He can be disturbed by the wind both when playing on the course and when practicing at the driving range. But unlike Urika Hammargård, he does not think Windfree reduces the wind noise.
– I didn’t notice any difference, he says after an 18-hole round when the wind was seven meters per second.
What do you think about the product?
Ulf Dagberg, 78, accounting consultant, Ystad:
– I managed to get them in place, but just barely. Maybe my head is too big?
+ The idea is good and meets a need. I quickly got used to wearing them and there was no feedback in the hearing aids.
– The sound did not change significantly. Difficult to get them to fit well; my playing partners had to help me. Not worth the price considering they didn’t reduce the wind noise. Bulky.
Urika Hammargård, 39, education consultant, Nacka:
– Where I live, it’s very windy and the protectors dampen the wind noise well.
+ Easy to wear. Does not interfere with the hearing aids. Reduces wind noise so I hear better when running, cycling, etc. Hear cars behind better.
– Does not seal tightly when I wear glasses. Does not fit in a handbag, so I don’t take them everywhere. Missing washing instructions.
Facts
Windfree consists of a foam with a cell structure that lets sound in but blocks the wind. The material is supposed to warm in cold and cool in heat. Available in four colors. Price 295 SEK including case. Shipping costs 70-80 SEK. Info and orders: www.windfree.se
Auris May 2013