Radio communication is the most important tool for first responders. Effective communication can protect life, property and provide the ability to mount massive rescue operations that otherwise would be impossible to organize. Firefighters must be able to communicate with each other, and with incident command, in this extremely dangerous profession.

Individual mobile communication devices — sometimes referred to as portables, handhelds or walkie-talkies — typically consist of a two-way radio, antenna, battery, microphone and speaker. Today's models have increased receiving and transmission range, long battery life and high resistance to traumatic damage. One area of concern, however, is the ability of firefighters to hear calls.

Many fire departments and other organizations issue individual radios with a microphone attached by a coiled wire. The microphone also functions as a speaker. The operator attaches the microphone/speaker to his uniform in proximity of his ear so he can hear calls and operate the push-to-talk switch before transmitting. In some situations, especially those related to firefighting, this arrangement can be dangerous. Background noise from a high-activity fire scene can cause a call to be missed or misunderstood.

“At the fire emergency scene there is an awful lot of noise that gets in the way of being able to communicate,” said Capt. Bill Salmon of the Poudre Fire Authority in Fort Collins, Colo.

Also, firefighters often carry equipment, such as chin straps and breathing apparatus, that can interfere with a speaker-mic.

“Firefighters are losing communication and can't understand a sent message. Noise gets loud, sirens go off, the guy operating the pump can't hear above the pump noise. The guys fighting the fire can't hear the radios on their shoulder,” said Glenn Hood, CEO of Big Ear, a vendor of custom ear plugs located in Colorado Springs, Colo.

To address these and other similar concerns, several manufacturers have developed earpieces and mini-mics that adapt to most handheld radios and that replace the traditional microphone/speaker combination. These earpieces increase hearing acuity and aids those who may have a hearing impairment in normal conditions. In the case of a hearing-impaired firefighter, the volume can be adjusted to a comfortable level without annoying those nearby.

Fit Problems

A major problem with the earpiece is fit. Since the manufacturer makes a generic earpiece to a one-size-fits-all specification, the earpiece ends up as “one size fits nobody.” Most generic earpieces are made of pliable material, such as latex, so that they can be wedged into the ear. The position of the tube, which conducts the sound, is close to the tympanic membrane, i.e., the ear drum, allowing the radio communication to be heard with a low volume setting. However, the generic earpiece often dislodges because of head movement, interference caused by other equipment, the elastic properties of the Latex, or poor initial fit.

The Air Force has reacted to dislodging generic earpieces by going to custom devices. Capt. Dax Cornelius, who is with the 4th Fighter Squadron, indicated that generic earpieces become dislodged most of the time when pilots engage in violent maneuvers. Because of the dislodging, the radio volume that was adjusted to acceptable levels when the generic earpiece was first placed must now be increased, or the earpiece must be repositioned. Frequent adjustments are needed throughout the day or the user must press the earpiece against his ear to hear an incoming call. Dislodging of an earpiece cannot be tolerated in a dogfight, firefight or at the fire scene.

The durability of generic earpieces is another concern. At least one commercially sold generic earpiece lasts only a few months before the Latex suffers elastic fatigue and no longer functions as intended.

A custom-made plastic earpiece will solve the problems of hearing, fit, comfort and durability. Capt. Jeromy Guinther, a life support officer with the 77th Fighter Squadron said that custom-fitted earpieces “will increase the pilots' comfort level and provide for greater protection against hearing loss.” A custom earpiece has no pressure points and can be worn comfortably for extended periods of time. Field tests have demonstrated comfortable fit with no dislodging up to 12 hours.

Because there is no shifting of the conducting tube away from the ear drum, volume adjustments to radios are unnecessary, which eliminates the frequent repositioning of the earpiece itself. A custom-fitted earpiece also withstands rough handling. Plastic is durable and should provide years of service.

Several companies offer custom earpieces. It is necessary to arrange for an impression of the user's ear, which is then sent to the manufacturer. Prices for a custom earpiece generally range from $90 to $150.

Accurate communication is critically important to firefighters, law enforcement, and other emergency providers. The use of earpieces has significantly improved communication by boosting hearing acuity at a busy fire scene with high background noise. The custom earpiece has further improved such communications by significantly by taking acuity, comfort, durability and fit to the next level. Moreover, the custom earpiece does not interfere with other equipment and maintains a true hands-free environment for the firefighter.

James V. Potter, DDS, is a faculty member of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He is also a commissioned reserve deputy with the Travis County Sheriff's office.

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