Ear Pro Attack Time

[Monterey Gun]

Hey there folks, I got a question.

So, I was doing some light reading when I happened across an article on Ear Protection. Now, I've always used Howard Leights because that's what I've been told to and with no issue. They always just worked, and I accepted the magic it was.

However, the aforementioned article (link here for reference) gave that wizardry a name: attack time.

Now, I'm super curious as to how that actually works. Can anyone please explain it to me like I'm five?

[Epaphroditus]

Low pass filter. High frequency sound is stopped.

[DB>]

It's not "wizardry". All "attack time" is is how long it takes for the electronic circuitry to drop/cut/cancel the decibel level that is coming through the electronics.

If you want to understand the concept more fully, it's normally used in music with the acronym ADSR (Attack Decay Sustain Release) - in simple terms it describes the "curve" of a given sound as it is produced. In the case of a shot, it's a rapid "attack", followed by a fairly short decay/sustain/release cycle. This is opposed to a more constant high decibel sound like a jet engine or other loud tool or device. While each shot is of sort duration, the sound pressure wave is capable of doing damage in the fractions of seconds it exists, as a typical "shot" (small explosion) generates a high sound pressure wave (AKA LOUD).

There are various approaches to countering a sound wave - traditional plugs simply reduce the sound waves ability to reach the delicate parts of the inner ear by mechanical blocking/barrier. Electronics can either achieve the same result by quickly attenuating the sound wave, or in fancier approaches, inverting the sound wave, effectively "cancelling" it.

[sonofeugene]

My understanding of Howard Leight products is that they completely shut off the electronics when a gunshot is heard. Whereas in other higher end electronic muffs, the sound of the gunshot is simply attenuated and your ability to hear someone is not compromised.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1JP23qrq-JQ