Noise Blocking Earphone Moves From Motor Sports to Consumer Audio for Safer Listening at Lower Volumes

Earphone Designed for Use With Driver/Crew Radio Communication and NASCAR Race Scanners Blocks More Outside Noise So Consumers Can Listen to Their Portable Audio at Lower Volumes

MINNEAPOLIS, April 18 -- Listening to portable audio players through earphones have the potential to cause hearing damage when played at higher volumes. Volume limiters like the one now offered by Apple for its iPod only solve part of the problem. Users increase the volume so they can hear the audio over the outside noise that also enters the ear canal. The TA- 100 earphone, announced today by Trick Audio, blocks outside noise resulting in crisp, clean sound at much lower (safer) volumes. The TA-100 is priced at $59.95. For a limited time, Trick is offering the new earphone for $39.95 through its internet web site http://www.trickearphones.com/ .

The TA-100 was designed for use in motor sports -- one of the loudest and most challenging hearing environments. By blocking as much as 42 decibels of noise, the TA-100 is ideal for two-way radio communication between race car drivers and their crew. "The TA-100 blocks a remarkable amount of engine noise," noted Jeff Johnson, co-owner of Archer Racing -- the nation's leading Dodge Viper road racing team. "We use the TA-100 ourselves and recommend them to our customers and the drivers and crews that participate in Dodge Viper Days racing events. We want to get racing teams across the country using the TA-100 to improve communications and comfort while minimizing potential hearing damage." Archer Racing recently became a dealer for the TA-100 earphones.

The TA-100 is also being used at NASCAR events by race fans listening to race scanners who have discarded their 1970 ear-muff style headset that is hot and heavy, and only blocks 28 decibels of noise in the best of conditions. Many of these fans have also discovered that their scanner and iPod MP3 player use the same audio input jack -- so they can use the TA-100 both on and off the track.

The TA-100 is an in-the-ear earphone. The most common complaint about this style earphone is that they do not fit properly. Improper fit lets the earphone fall out of the ear and also allows noise to pass into the ear canal eliminating their noise-blocking capability.

Trick has avoided these problems because it uses the Comply(TM) Platinum Canal Tip. This patented foam tip is extremely soft and pliable. It was developed for use with high-end hearing aids. The tip was tested by the U.S. government and is now used by helicopter crews for the United States Army.

The Comply tip compresses for easy insertion and then quickly expands in response to heat from the body. Tip flexibility keeps the earphone in place as the ear canal moves such as when the user is talking, eating, drinking or moving about. This feature makes the TA-100 ideal for individuals with an active lifestyle.

"Trick is bringing a new generation of in-the-ear earphones to the motor sports market," said Lee Stagni, president of Trick Audio. "If these earphones can block race engine and track noise, imagine how well they will work on an airplane or in other loud listening environment. Our customers can now turn down the volume on their racing radio, scanner or iPod which can help prevent possible damage to their hearing."

Visit http://www.trickearphones.com/ for more information about Trick Audio and how its TA-100 noise blocking earphone can create a safer listening environment for users of racing radios, scanners and today's popular portable audio devices.

Trick Audio is a developer and marketer of innovative earphones and related accessories for the portable audio market. The Company is headquartered in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul and distributes its products through a worldwide network of authorized distributors and dealers.

Trick Audio and TA-100 are trademarks of Trick Audio, LLC. Apple and iPod are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Comply is a trademark of Hearing Components Inc. Any and all other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.