Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers to the latest in our lineup of interviews with MCA award winners! Today we were able to get with Gary Boyer, the Senior Vice President of Product Development at Lucid Hearing—the company that launched the Mom’s Choice Award-winning product, HearMuffs. So much more than a “child-like” version of an adult product, HearMuffs offer advanced protection against loud and harmful noises, ensuring a child’s precious hearing is preserved. The Bluetooth version connects to smartphones and tablets to allow safe, listening entertainment for the child. Made from child-safe materials, HearMuffs are not only durable but also gentle on your child’s skin. Let’s learn how this just-for-kids product was developed and what it means to families today.

MCA: Gary, thanks so much for joining us today. Please tell us something about yourself.

I’ve spent 25+ years developing and producing consumer products in a wide variety of categories. I have especially enjoyed working on unique projects where there is an opportunity to either use a new technology or “reinvent” how a product is developed.

I love music of all kinds and attending concerts, as well. I am into many sports, including running, golf, mountain biking, and basketball—as well as following tech trends and testing out various electronic gadgets.

MCA: Can you tell us about the journey that led you to create your award-winning product—what inspired its development?

Our company was already selling adult hearing protection, and as I was trying to find unique opportunities in the category, I noticed at concerts and sporting events that kids were either not wearing protection or were wearing products that were clearly developed for adults that either looked too big or not very kid-friendly. There was one specific Fourth of July fireworks show where I noticed all these children and infants in strollers or car carriers that had no protection and were either crying or holding their hands over their ears. That really impacted our decision to figure out how to develop something better and just for kids.

MCA: Please tell us about the research involved in the development of HearMuffs—and how, as a manufacturer, you ensure product safety and suitability.

All the materials used are tested, and the finished product has been tested by independent labs for multiple standards including CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), ROHS/REACH, Biocompatibility testing, and SNR and NRR testing for hearing protection rating. Those tests, along with field testing prior to launch, were all conducted on children of multiple ages and head sizes and used to inform how we developed and built this product.

MCA: How does your product address a need or solve a problem for families, and how did you come up with the HearMuffs name?

HearMuffs have been designed from the inside out specifically for children. We were very intentional about every detail: from kid-friendly materials and comfort, to the flexibility that allows it to fit children of different ages. We wanted a product name that conveyed what they do: preserve hearing with volume-limiting audio for listening, and muffle dangerous sounds.

MCA: Those are such critical functions. Do you consider patient education part of your job?

Our company believes in educating people about the importance of hearing health throughout all stages of life, from products like HearMuffs to our adult hearing protection and hearing aids. Hearing is precious and often taken for granted, so we want everyone to love their ears and enjoy the sounds of life safely.

MCA: What sets your product apart from other similar products in the marketplace? What unique features or benefits does it offer?

Most products in the category are just adult products painted in kids’ colors or made smaller. Our products have unique features such as our GrowBand accessory that allows even the youngest of infants to have a proper fit—one that still protects their crown AND allows the muffs to grow with the child. We also have the only infant muff on the market that has four soothing sounds built in, so it not only protects, but also helps your child relax in loud environments. Our volume-limiting Bluetooth variety of HearMuffs is special among the masses of competitor earphones.

MCA: These are important benefits. Can you share any memorable stories or feedback from customers who have used HearMuffs?

There have been many instances of artists such as New Kids on the Block, Jonas Brothers or Florida Georgia Line posting stories online with their children wearing our product, and that means a lot because they can pretty much choose whatever they want for their kids. We’ve also had many great social media posts from customers in so many different scenarios where their children were benefiting from HearMuffs.

MCA: Could you tell us what challenges you encountered during the development of HearMuffs, and how you overcome them?

The biggest challenges were in making sure that even when we added unique features, such as Bluetooth and soothing sounds to select varieties, that the product was still fitting as it should and that the hearing protection features remained intact.

MCA: Looking ahead, what are your plans or goals for expanding or improving this product?

We introduced Bluetooth a couple years ago and we are always looking at new technology, so we will keep innovating as we see the opportunity to improve. Our goal is ultimately to help as many children as possible protect their hearing and make it easy for parents to choose a product that does that.

MCA: Providing a way to ensure safe listening levels for a child’s ears—such a worthwhile endeavor. Thanks again, Gary, for joining us today!