CASE

Earpieces

Earpieces

It doesn't hurt the ear even when used for extended periods.
Comfortably fits in anyone's ear, irrespective of shape.

Issues with current materials

  • The currently used material is largely made of silicon resin so that it does not hurt delicate ears. The existing earpiece materials are designed with a focus on softness.
  • Few products perfectly fit an individual’s ear, even if they come with earpieces that widely vary in size. Conventional earpieces have had issues such as ache from extended use.

Approach

  • In addition to softness, ABSORTOMER™ has a sealing property yet softly changes form by body temperature. The ear is a delicate part of the human body and there are large differences among individuals. This may be why the above characteristics of ABSORTOMER? can be effectively applied to earpieces that are comfortable even after extended use.

Successfully resolved issues

Improved long-term fit
ABSORTOMER™’s characteristics, namely softening by body temperature, significantly boosts its fit and contributes to greater comfort with extended use.

Voice of a Development staff member

Audio-Technica Corporation.
Audio-Technica Corporation.
Q1.What is your first impression of ABSORTOMER™?
＿It was presented in multiple plate samples. I thought users would be able to experience the earpiece’s softening by body temperature and undergoing stress absorption, which should lead to the product’s application in earphones and headphones that come in contact with the body.
Q2.Why did you decide to try to apply the material in the manufacturing of face masks?
＿I thought ABSORTOMER™’s stress absorption would serve as a solution to problems with fit and ache typical of earpieces.
Q3.What were you excited most about the development of ABSORTOMER™?
＿The first sample of an earpiece made of ABSORTOMER™ material was completed and I wore it for a few minutes. Then I found the earpiece adapted itself to the shape of my ear. I was really impressed by the new approach to fit and ache, something that none of the conventional earpieces had. My expectation for its commercialization began to grow and I got excited.
Q4.What role does Mitsui Chemicals play in your product development?
＿Mitsui Chemicals comprehensively supports commercialization of our products from proposing and offering unprecedented materials like ABSORTOMER™, to the discussion and review of prototypes during a developmental stage and a follow-up of commercial distribution. Mitsui Chemicals plays an important role in developing products equipped with new material.
Q5.What does ABSORTOMER™ mean to you now?
＿ABSORTOMER™ softens by body temperature and undergoes stress absorption. The characteristics have a high affinity to headphones and earphones which come in close contact with the ear. This is a special material and I will consider upgrading and application to other parts in the future.

For those wishing to make technical proposals
on material combinations, etc.