Surefire EarPro EP3 Sonic Defenders User manual

HEARING PROTECTION
EP3 Sonic Defenders®
Two Levels of Protection Against Two Types of Noise
Filtered EP3 Sonic Defenders provide two levels of protection—with
their attached filter caps in or out—against two types of noise:
continuous noise (example: loud roar of an engine) and impulse noise
(example: gunshot). With the filter caps out of the noise-reducing filters,
loud potentially dangerous sounds (above 85dB) are lowered while
safe-level ambient sounds and conversations are allowed to pass
through and be heard. With the filter caps inserted, additional hearing
protection is afforded and ambient sounds and conversations are blocked.
FOR PROTECTION WITH THE ABILITY TO HEAR AMBIENT SOUNDS, leave filter caps
out, or pry out with your fingernail if already inserted. FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION OR
SITUATIONS WHERE YOU DON’T WANT TO HEAR AMBIENT SOUNDS, insert filter caps
into filter holes and push in until snug.
NOISE ATTENUATION DATA
WARNING: Improper fit of this device will reduce its effectiveness in attenuating noise.
Follow instructions for proper fit. Failure to follow instructions could result in hearing loss
and/or injury. EP3 Sonic Defenders fit most people; however, no hearing protection fits
everyone. If proper fit cannot be achieved following instructions, discontinue use. Do not
use in environments with extreme air/water pressure or where abrupt pressure changes
occur. EP3s should not be worn underwater in depths exceeding one meter.
11
NRR
Test Frequencies (Hz)
Mean Attenuation (dB)
Standard Deviation (dB)
125
10.3
4.0
250
11.1
3.9
500
16.5
3.5
1000
20.1
3.5
2000
26.6
4.1
3150
26.1
4.2
4000
24.9
4.3
8000
36.7
6.0
6300
30.8
4.6
EP3 Sonic Defenders - FILTER CAPS OUT
NOISE REDUCTION RATING (NRR)
24
NRR
Test Frequencies (Hz)
Mean Attenuation (dB)
Standard Deviation (dB)
125
31.1
3.3
250
29.9
4.3
500
33.9
4.4
1000
31.2
2.9
2000
35.6
3.8
3150
37.5
5.7
4000
33.6
4.5
8000
43.5
6.3
6300
41.8
6.6
EP3 Sonic Defenders - FILTER CAPS IN
(when used as directed)
(when used as directed)
WITH FILTER CAPS OUT
WITH FILTER CAPS IN
132 dB Overall Average PIL
150 dB Overall Average PIL
168 dB Overall Average PIL
37.5
37.4
41.9
Average Peak Impulse Level dB Reduction
NOISE REDUCTION (dB)
EP3 Impulse Noise Reduction—Filter Caps Out
ANSI S12.42-2010
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
132 150 168
IMPULSE NOISE LEVEL (dB)
132 dB Overall Average PIL
150 dB Overall Average PIL
168 dB Overall Average PIL
23.2
28.9
29.1
Average Peak Impulse Level dB Reduction
ANSI S12.42-2010
NOISE REDUCTION (dB)
EP3 Impulse Noise Reduction—Filter Caps In
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
132 150 168
IMPULSE NOISE LEVEL (dB)

CONNECTING/DISCONNECTING LANYARD
CLEANING, STORAGE & PRODUCT LIFE
EP3 Sonic Defenders typically last up to 6+months, depending on usage and
care. Clean with mild soap and water or alcohol swabs and allow to air dry.
If exposed to salt water, rinse with fresh water and allow to air dry. Inspect
earplugs regularly and replace when they become stiff and hardened. Store in
a cool, dry place in the included container. Do not leave in direct sunlight. In
extreme storage temperatures, filters may separate from stems. If this occurs,
filters must be reinserted into stems before using.
NOTE: EP3s provide a reduced level of hearing protection with their noise-reducing filters removed.
RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM USE
An EP3 earplug can also serve as an earpiece for compatible radio communication
systems by simply removing its noise-reducing filter (store in a safe place for
future use) and inserting the system’s elbow connector into the hole previously
occupied by the filter until snug.
71-01-904 Rev.A
1. Starting with the EarLock®retention ring oriented slightly backward, rotate
the earplug forward while inserting the stem of the red-filtered EP3 into the
right ear canal deep enough for the uppermost flange to seal. Fit the retention
ring to the natural contour of the concha bowl surrounding the ear canal to
lock the earplug in place.
2. Check the seal by placing your fingertip over the outer hole of filter and then
removing. Detection of a slight suction indicates a proper seal.
3. Repeat process with white-filtered earplug for left ear.
4. Test earplugs by clapping, with filter caps out. If no noticeable decrease in
volume, reinsert and retest.
5. To block lower-level noise* in quiet environments and to maximize protection,
insert attached filter caps into filter holes and push in until snug.
* Inserting filter caps negates noise-reducing filters’ abilities to let ambient sounds and
conversations pass safely through.
FITTING & TESTING
WARNING: If the instructions above are not adhered to, the protection afforded by
EP3 Sonic Defenders will be severely impaired.
STEM ADJUSTMENT
EP3 Sonic Defenders®feature adjustable stems to maximize fit and comfort.
To adjust stem, with earplug removed from ear, pull out or push in stem to
lengthen or shorten for comfort.
Remove twist tie and uncoil lanyard.
Insert lanyard ends into small holes
on the outside of EP3s, located
beneath the noise-reducing filters,
and push in until lanyard ends snap
in place. To remove, pull gently on
lanyard ends until they disconnect
from earplugs.
Learn more about other hearing protection & enhancement by EarPro on our website.