Hearing protection since 1985

It all started in 1985, with a man who dared to listen ahead of his time. Cees Hardeman saw people working day in and day out in deafening environments and believed that hearing damage should simply be preventable. While the industry held on to standard hearing protection, he introduced something radically new: protection that truly makes a difference. Custom-made and designed to improve lives, both on the work floor and beyond.

The idea caught on. In the noisy 1980s, as safety finally received the attention it deserved, Elcea brought a fresh breeze. Companies discovered that hearing protection only works when people actually want to wear it. And so a quiet revolution began, moving away from standard solutions toward custom fit for everyone.

That movement continued into the 1990s and spread across Europe. The demand for comfortable solutions grew, and we grew with it. France became our first international step, a place where businesses shared the same belief: with custom hearing protection you work better, safer and with more confidence.

At the end of the 1990s, a new material changed everything. Silicone entered the world of hearing protection and raised expectations. Softer, more durable and more comfortable than anything before, it made long-term wear easier for professionals. By introducing our first silicone hearing protectors, Elacin set a new standard in everyday comfort and reliability.

More than a decade later, we addressed another growing need: staying safely connected in demanding environments. Workplaces increasingly depended on communication through mobile phones and two-way radios. Elacin responded with a solution that combined custom hearing protection with clear communication. No unnecessary noise and no compromise. Just safe working while staying reachable and well understood, even in challenging conditions.

In 2007, we strengthened our foundation for growth by opening a new production centre. Modern, efficient and designed for quality, it allowed us to work smarter and serve a growing international customer base. It became the starting point for a more scalable and future-focused approach to personalised hearing protection.

Shortly after, we introduced a renewed brand identity. With a clear story, a recognisable logo and structured product categories, we made hearing protection easier to understand for a broader audience. Speech intelligibility became central to our offer. Protection was no longer only about reducing noise, but also about supporting clear and natural communication.

By the end of the decade, the meaning of hearing protection had evolved. Reducing noise was no longer enough. People needed clarity, connection and confidence. Our patented acoustic filter technology made a visible difference on the work floor, especially in environments where protection and communication must work together.

The RC Comm Series became our proof of innovation. Recognised with the Red Dot Award, it showed what hearing protection can achieve when safety, comfort and communication are aligned.

In 2020, we joined forces with Lyreco. More than a partnership, it brought renewed energy and new opportunities. Together, we expanded the availability of custom hearing protection and reached a wider audience looking for safe and reliable solutions.

Our international growth continued. With a growing focus on safe workplaces, Germany became a natural next step. In 2021, Switzerland followed through a partnership with Audio Protect. Shared expertise and a shared vision built strong foundations for trust and long-term collaboration.

Innovation has always been at the heart of Elacin. We introduced the world’s first universal earplugs with an acoustic filter and brought 3D printing and AI into our production processes. These steps strengthened precision, consistency and sustainability in creating custom hearing protection.

Innovation also means making life easier for customers. Our smart online portal gives organisations a clear overview of which hearing protection is still suitable for use and what requires replacement. For private customers, the Re-Order Webshop offers a simple way to purchase an additional pair of personalised hearing protection. It is available in selected regions including the Netherlands, France and Germany.

New opportunities continued to grow. The acquisition of Hearings strengthened our presence in the Benelux and supported the specific needs of SME customers. Together with Hears, we entered the world of music, festivals and live culture where sound experience and protection come together. At the same time, we support research into hearing damage and tinnitus through the Hearing Health Foundation.

Safe and comfortable hearing starts with the right protection. From professional environments to personal use, Elacin offers solutions that fit every situation. Connect with our team and discover what works best for you.