DIM membrane filter

The DIM filter protects against impulse noise

A gunshot, a hammer blow on metal or a bang from fireworks lasts only a fraction of a second, but can cause permanent hearing damage. The DIM filter from Dynamic Ear Company is a level-dependent impulse filter. With a loud peak the attenuation increases, while you keep hearing your surroundings.

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✓Level-dependent✓SNR 15 to 19 dB✓You keep hearing space and direction
DIM filter from Dynamic Ear Company

Three strengths in the DIM series

The values come from the Dynamic Ear Company datasheet. H, M and L stand for the attenuation of high, medium and low frequencies.

19

DIM 19 · SNR 19 dB

H 22 · M 16 · L 13 dB. Gives the most attenuation of the three with continuous sound.

12

DIM 12 · SNR 19 dB

H 21 · M 15 · L 13 dB. Almost the same SNR, with slightly less attenuation per frequency.

9

DIM 9 · SNR 15 dB

H 19 · M 12 · L 7 dB. The lightest DIM lets the most low tones through, so you hear your surroundings well.

How the DIM filter attenuates with ordinary sound and with a bang

The first chart shows the attenuation with ordinary sound, per frequency. The second chart shows what happens with a bang. The louder the peak, the more the filter attenuates.

With ordinary sound

Attenuation per frequency of the DIM seriesAttenuation per frequency of the DIM series from 125 to 8000 Hz, redrawn from the Dynamic Ear Company datasheet. DIM 19 brown attenuates about 12 dB at 125 Hz, 18 dB at 1000 Hz and 24 dB at 8000 Hz. DIM 12 orange attenuates about 11 dB at 125 Hz, 16 dB at 1000 Hz and 26 dB at 8000 Hz. DIM 9 beige attenuates about 1 dB at 125 Hz, 13 dB at 1000 Hz and 24 dB at 8000 Hz.Attenuation in dB01020301252505001000200040008000Frequency in HzDIM 19 brownDIM 12 orangeDIM 9 beige
  • DIM 19 brown
  • DIM 12 orange
  • DIM 9 beige
DIM 9 lets the low tones almost through. DIM 12 and DIM 19 also reduce the low tones, by about 11 to 14 dB.

With a bang

Attenuation of the DIM series with a bangImpulse attenuation of the DIM series, redrawn from the Dynamic Ear Company datasheet. With a peak of 110 dB, DIM 19 and DIM 12 attenuate about 20 dB and DIM 9 about 16 dB. At 166 dB that is about 33 to 34 dB. The lines of DIM 19 and DIM 12 overlap.Attenuation with a bang in dB1520253035110130150166Peak level of the bang in dBDIM 9 beigeDIM 19 brownDIM 12 orange
  • DIM 19 brown
  • DIM 12 orange
  • DIM 9 beige
The lines of DIM 19 and DIM 12 overlap. DIM 9 attenuates slightly less with less loud bangs.
Inside of two DIM 12 filters with an orange colour ring
You can see the colour in the name as a ring on the inside of the filter. This is DIM 12 orange.

Redrawn from the Dynamic Ear Company DIM Impulse series datasheet.

What does level-dependent mean?

An ordinary filter always attenuates the same amount, whether it is quiet or loud. A level-dependent filter responds to the sound level. With ordinary sounds, the DIM filter attenuates like an ordinary filter, with an SNR of 15 to 19 dB. When a loud peak comes, such as a gunshot, the attenuation increases. In the Dynamic Ear datasheet, the impulse attenuation rises as the peak gets louder. With a peak of 110 dB the attenuation is about 16 to 20 dB, at 166 dB about 33 to 34 dB. The chart above shows this per filter.

So between the bangs you hear your surroundings, your hunting partner or your colleague, and you are protected at the moment it is needed. The DIM filter is therefore not a filter with extra high attenuation, but a filter for peaks.

Hearing space and the direction of sound

Dynamic Ear originally developed the filter for defence. An important feature is that you keep your sense of space and the direction of sound. You hear where a sound comes from. That matters during hunting, on the shooting range and in workplaces where you need to react to what happens around you.

The filter is small. That is why it fits in discreet custom earplugs, which also fit under a communication headset or earmuffs if you need double protection. Like the other filters, the DIM filter ventilates your ear, which limits the occlusion effect and irritation.

Where do you use the DIM filter?

  • Hunting. You hear game and your hunting partner, and you are protected when the shot is fired.
  • Shooting sports. With many shots in quick succession or at an indoor range, you combine the custom earplugs with earmuffs.
  • Defence. Dynamic Ear originally developed the filter for this. You hear what happens around you and you are protected when a shot is fired.
  • Heavy industry. With hammers, presses and other loud bangs.
  • Fireworks. Against loud bangs around New Year's Eve.
Hearing protection for huntingImpulse noise explainedEarplugs for hunting and shootingEarplugs for fireworks

Optional Total Block Switch

The DIM is also available with a switch that closes the filter. In the closed position the attenuation according to the datasheet is SNR 25 dB (H 27, M 22, L 20). That gives extra protection with continuous loud ambient noise. Want to know whether this is possible in your custom earplugs? Ask us.

Source

The attenuation values come from the Dynamic Ear Company DIM Impulse series datasheet. The SNR and HML values were determined according to EN 352-2. Impulse noise is measured as peak level in dB(C). In custom earplugs the attenuation can differ, depending on the fit and the shape of your ear canal.

Written by Thijs Worm.

Questions about the DIM filter

Would you rather call? We're happy to help you choose. +31 85 060 9439 info@audibling.nl
Is the DIM filter a filter with extra high attenuation?

No. With 15 to 19 dB, the SNR of the DIM filter is in the same range as the DR filter. The difference is in impulse noise. With a loud peak, such as a gunshot, the attenuation increases.

Can I still hear my surroundings with the DIM filter?

Yes. The filter keeps your sense of space and the direction of sound, so you hear what happens around you and where it comes from.

Is the DIM filter enough on the shooting range?

With many shots in quick succession or at an indoor range, double protection is sensible. Then wear custom earplugs with a DIM filter under earmuffs. The small filter fits well underneath.

Is the DIM filter suitable for fireworks?

Yes. The filter is meant for short, loud peaks of sound such as bangs, gunshots and hammer blows.

Custom earplugs with a DIM filter?

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