T H E S O U N D O F S A F E T Y

INSIDE:Description. .. . . .. . . .. . 2Features . . .. . . .. . . .. . 2Before Usage . . .. . . .. . 3Switching Protection .. . 4Removing/Replacing Earplugs . .. . . .. . . .. . 5 Headband Adjustment 5 Fitting DC2 w/Earplugs 6Replacing Earseals . .. . 7Earcup Removal .. . . .. . 8Cleaning . . .. . . .. . . .. . 9Replacement Parts . .. . 9Caution .. . . .. . . .. . . .. 10Warning . . . .. . . .. . . .. 11Contact .. . . .. . . .. . . .. 12

USER MANUAL

DC2Hearing Protection SystemPIN: 05-028001

2 | DC2 HEARING PROTECTION SYSTEM

AdjustableHeadband

DualEarseals Earcup

OverviewThe DC2 circumaural hearing protector is a unique earcup/ear-cushion design that provides excellent safety for both single and double hearing protection applications. The inner earcup is surrounded by a second outer earcup offering extra performance in high noise applications.

Features • Unique double-cup double-seal design with custom foam earseals for lasting

comfort and improved protection.

• Earmuff and headband assembly are designed to increase population fit rate and prevent foreign object damage (FOD).

• Both large and small volume, rugged earcups are designed to provide excellent overall sound attenuation and meet harsh environmental and handling requirements.

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Before UsageAlways evaluate the adequacy of your protective gear before entering hazardous environments. The wearer should ensure that:

• The earmuff is fitted and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper fit of this device will reduce its effectiveness in attenuating noise. Consult the included instructions for proper fit.

• The earmuff has been inspected for serviceability. • The earmuff is worn at all times in noisy surroundings.

The use of any hearing protective device will not guarantee adequate protection for hearing loss for all persons under all circumstances. Consult your physician frequently when being exposed to high noise levels. If exposure to high noise levels occurs during employment activities, consult your employer regularly as well.

US Federal Law requires the following additional statements: The level of noise entering a person’s ear, when hearing protector is worn as directed, is closely approximated by the difference between the A-weighted environmental noise level and the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).

Example:1. The environmental noise level as measured at the ear is 92 dBA. 2. The NRR is 31 decibels (dB).3. The level of noise entering the ear is approximately equal to 61 dB(A).

Caution:For noise environments dominated by frequencies below 500 Hz, the C-weighted environmental noise level should be used.

Although hearing protectors can be recommended for protection against the harmful effects of impulsive noise, the NRR is based on the attenuation of continuous noise and may not be an accurate indicator of the protection attainable against impulsive noise such as gunfire.

4 | DC2 HEARING PROTECTION SYSTEM

Double hearing protection should be worn at all times in high noise environments above 104 dB(A). Single hearing protection is only acceptable in moderate to low noise environments.

DC2 with CTE30X Earplugs Installed

Switching Between Single and Double Hearing Protection

CTE30X Earplugs

The DC2 can be worn in either a single hearing protection (SHP) or double hearing protection (DHP) configuration by installing Aegisound’s CTE30X custom molded earplugs into the slot in the inner earcup. Both large and small volume, rugged earcups are designed to provide excellent overall sound attenuation and meet harsh environmental and handling requirements.

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1. Remove the foam from inside the earcup.

Removing and Replacing Earplugs

2. Locate the locking groove on the top of the inner earcup.

4. To remove the earplug, push the straight tether section between the ball and the coil deeper into the earcup until the ball snaps out of the slot.

3. Insert the earplug by snapping the ball into the slot. Replace the foam insert into the inner earcup.

Headband AdjustmentThe headband is assembled to slide for adjustment. The friction required to adjust the headband or to fix the headband in place may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the lock nut on each side of the headband near the headpad with an 11/32 inch or adjustable wrench.

6 | DC2 HEARING PROTECTION SYSTEM

1. Position the headset around the neck so that the right (RED) earplug is on the right shoulder, and the left (BLUE) earplug is on the left shoulder.

R

2. Insert the right (RED) earplug into the right ear.

3. Insert the left (BLUE) earplug into the left ear.

4. Place the headset on the head, and allow the coil to pull into the earcup.

5. Place the headset over the ears. Retract the coils completely inside the earcups.

Fitting DC2 with Earplugs

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1. Remove the old earseals by pulling the inner and outer earseals from the earcups.

2. Remove the new earseals from the adhesive paper backing.

3. Align and orient the inner earseal onto the inner earcup and press it in place.

4. Orient the outer earseal onto the outer earcup and press it in place.

Replacing Earseals

8 | DC2 HEARING PROTECTION SYSTEM

Earcup RemovalTo install the headset into some head protective devices, one or both of the earcups may need to be temporarily removed.

1. Use a #1 Phillips screw driver to remove the ¼ turn fastener holding each side of the earcup to the metal strap.

2. To remove, gently rotate the fastener ¼ turn counterclockwise (CCW). The cam will disengage, and the fastener head will stop turning when the fastener is disengaged. Too much applied torque may damage the fastener or insert.

3. Pull the strap away from the earcup. The fastener is captured on the strap so it should not fall away.

4. To reinstall the earcup, insert the fastener into the insert, and gently rotate the fastener ¼ turn clockwise (CW) to reengage the fastener. A click should be heard as the fastener cam engages the insert. Too much torque may cause damage to the fastener or the insert.

5. Gently try to pull the strap away from the earcup to verify the fastener is reengaged.

6. Repeat for the opposite earcup side.

Pull on Stirrup to Verify Fastener Engagement

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Please refer to the following part numbers when ordering:

Part Number Description

05-028001 DC2 Headset

05-001003 CTE30X Earplugs

05-028002 DC2 Foam Earseal Kit

05-999002 Aegisound Ear Gel

NOTE: CTE30X custom fit earplugs require ear impressions prior to manufacturing. Contact Gentex Corporation or visit the website for details before ordering custom earplugs.

Cleaning1. Clean the headset and the ear seals using a cloth dampened with mild soap

and tap water.

2. Wipe it clean with a cloth dampened with tap water to remove soap residue.

3. Surfaces may be wiped with alcohol or disinfecting wipes if desired.

Replacement PartsTo reorder parts or to order replacement parts, please contact Gentex Corporation at (603) 657-1200, or visit our website at www.gentexcorp.com/aegisound

10 | DC2 HEARING PROTECTION SYSTEM

Caution

Inserting or removing custom the earplugs too quickly may result in air pressure or suction against the eardrum causing temporary pain. The earplugs should be inserted or removed slowly with a twisting motion to prevent excess pressure buildup. Gently moving the earplug while opening the jaw fully may remove excess pressure buildup.

Prolonged use of the earplugs (exceeding several hours) may result in temporary soreness near the ear canal. Use of solid earplugs such as the CTE30X may reduce the risk of this irritation when compared to expandable foam type plugs. The use of the earplugs may require a “break-in” period to accustom the ear canal to the presence of the earplug.

In order to ensure maximum performance, the ear canal should be clean and free of excess ear wax and debris before inserting the earplugs. Long term usage of the earplugs could result in the buildup of ear wax within the ear. In the event that ear wax or debris becomes impacted in the ear canal, seek medical consultation.

When not in use, store the earplugs in the earcups. Surfaces that have been dyed should be avoided to prevent the possibility of having the dye transfer onto the earplugs. The earplug surfaces should remain clean and free of other contaminates that could cause irritation of the ear canal such as sand and grit.

The earplugs should be cleaned periodically with warm, soapy water to prevent buildup of dirt and bacteria. Ear inflammation, otitis externa, or other infection could result from the use of dirty earplugs. In the event of pain or discharge from the ear canal, seek medical consultation.

CTE30X earplugs are made from an immunologically inert material, and allergic reactions would be rare. In the event an allergic reaction is suspected, discontinue use, and seek medical consultation.

Do NOT hang or swing the headset by the earplugs or the tether.

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www.gentexcorp.com/patents

WarningEarplugs are custom made to fit each wearer’s ears. They will not work for anyone else’s ear. Attempting to use custom earplugs that are not the wearer’s own, may result in damage to the ear canal.

Always wear both the headset and the earplugs when in high noise environments.

Never remove the earplugs or the headset while in high noise environments.

Failure to comply with general safety precautions violates the safety intent of this product and may result in bodily harm or damage to the product. Gentex Corporation claims no liability for damage or injury resulting from a failure to comply with the safety precautions outlined in this manual.

Frequently detaching and reattaching the earplugs from the headset should be avoided. If you need to remove the earplugs from the headset more often than weekly, please contact Gentex Corporation to purchase an alternative set of custom earplugs.

01-000009, Revision 6

NoiseReductionRating

31(WHEN USED AS DIRECTED)

DECIBELS

THE RANGE OF NOISE REDUCTION RATINGS FOR EXISTING HEARING PROTECTORS IS APPROXIMATELY 0 TO 30

(HIGHER NUMBERS DENOTE GREATER EFFECTIVENESS).

Gentex CorporationManchester, New Hampshire DC2

Federal law prohibits removal of this label prior to purchase

Label Required by U.S. EPA regulation 40 CFR part 211, subpart B

DC2 tested to ANSI S3.19-1974

Frequency (Hz) 125 250 500 1000 2000 3150 4000 6300 8000

Mean (dB) 21.4 30.3 45.5 44.0 41.5 43.4 44.3 43.3 45.6

Stand. Dev. (dB) 3.0 3.9 4.8 3.9 3.8 3.8 3.3 3.9 2.9

Mean-2SD (dB) 15.4 22.5 35.9 36.2 33.9 35.8 37.7 35.5 39.8

Gentex Corporation645 Harvey Road, Suite 102Manchester, NH 03103 USA M A D E I N T H E U S A

(603) 657-1200sales@gentexcorp.com